Fisherman paddling a canoe on Lake Kivu
1 dayLake Kivu

1 Day Lake Kivu Adventure & Coffee Experience

Island-hopping from Kibuye on Lake Kivu: hike Napoleon Island, swim off the islands, then pick, roast and taste coffee on a local plantation.

Enquire About This Tour
The Trip

Overview

Lake Kivu is Rwanda's inland sea, fringed by steep green hills that are ideal coffee country. From Kibuye (Karongi) we take a boat out among the islands, hike Napoleon Island for its fruit bat colony and views over the lake, and stop to swim. The afternoon is spent on a coffee plantation, where you pick cherries, roast the beans and taste the result.

  • Boating
  • Hiking
  • Culture & Heritage

Highlights

  • Boat trip to the islands of Lake Kivu
  • Hike Napoleon Island to see fruit bats and vervet monkeys
  • Swim in the lake
  • Pick, roast and taste coffee on a local plantation
  • Optional lakeside barbecue at sunset
View over Lake Kivu islands from a rocky summit
Long-horned cattle swimming in Lake Kivu
Boat waiting at a Lake Kivu jetty
Vervet monkey in the trees on a Lake Kivu island
1 day

Itinerary

A typical running order. Justin adjusts timings around your group, the weather and park conditions.

  1. 1

    Early pick-up in Kigali

    A scenic drive west through the hills to Kibuye on Lake Kivu.

  2. 2

    Walk through Kibuye

    A guided stroll along the lakeshore in Kibuye's hotel district.

  3. 3

    Boat trip and Napoleon Island

    Boat out to the islands and hike Napoleon Island for its fruit bats, vervet monkeys and wide lake views.

  4. 4

    Island swim

    Stop at a quieter island for a swim and wildlife spotting.

  5. 5

    Coffee experience

    At a local coffee plantation, pick ripe cherries, roast the beans and taste the coffee. Stay for a lakeside barbecue at sunset if you like, then drive back to Kigali.

What's Included

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Kigali
  • Private 4x4 vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Professional English- or French-speaking guide
  • Lunch and bottled water
  • All taxes
  • Boat trip
  • Coffee experience

Not Included

  • Sunset barbecue (optional)
  • International flights and visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guides, trackers and porters
  • Drinks and personal purchases
Good to Know

Plan Your Visit

The practical details, so you know what to expect before you enquire.

Duration

1 day

Best time to visit

Year-round. The coffee harvest runs roughly March to June.

Fitness level

Easy. Short island hike only.

Getting there

Day trip from Kigali, about 3 hours each way.

What to bring

  • Swimwear and towel
  • Sun hat and sunscreen
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Light rain jacket

Want to Book This Trip?

Every tour is quoted individually for your group size, dates and accommodation style. Send Justin your plans and he will come back with a tailored itinerary and quote.