The “Fjords & Islands” Escape

Destination Overview

If Rwanda is the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Lake Kivu is the mirror that reflects them. At Maudie Safaris, we view Lake Kivu not just as a body of water, but as the ultimate “exhale” after the physical exertion of Gorilla or Chimpanzee trekking. It is Rwanda’s Riviera, an inland sea of emerald green water flanked by terraced mountains and the distant, smoky peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Lake Kivu is Africa’s sixth-largest lake and is free of hippos and crocodiles, making it one of the safest lakes in Africa for swimming and water sports. We specialize in “slow safaris” here, where the objective is to slow down the pace. Whether you are in the bustling resort town of Rubavu (Gisenyi) in the north or the fjord-like scenery of Karongi (Kibuye) in the center, the vibe is unmistakably tropical. It is a place to sip some of the world’s best coffee right where it is grown, watch the sunset turn the water into liquid gold, and listen to the rhythmic songs of the fishermen as they head out for the night.

Preserving the Ecosystem

Lake Kivu is a unique geological wonder. It is an “exploding lake” containing massive amounts of methane gas deep underwater, which Rwanda is innovatively extracting to generate clean electricity.

Maudie Safaris supports the delicate balance between tourism, energy production, and the local fishing communities. We exclusively partner with boat operators who respect the breeding zones of the Isambaza (the small sardine-like fish native to the lake). Our tours also heavily feature “Crop-to-Cup” coffee experiences, which provide direct income to the small-scale farmers who cultivate the steep hillsides, ensuring that agriculture remains sustainable and prevents soil erosion into the lake.