Lake Kivu
4.5
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4.5
79 reviews
Excellent
33
Very good
35
Average
10
Poor
1
Terrible
0
DARBAX
Kigali, Rwanda221 contributions
I used the fast ferry service between Goma to Bukavu. 50 US $ trip with a 10 kilos baggage allowance. I had to pay 3.5 US $ for an extra 5 kilos. Check-in was well organised, boarding with security check and departure on time for a journey of three hours. Small ferry with probably 40-50 seats in an enclosed cabin.
Left Goma on a quiet morning for a beautifull trip. A friend had advised me to sit on the first row - left side where you can stretch your legs, the view is a little limited there.... but still a good tip. And if you want a view you can always go to the outside open deck where i end up spending most the time. Always something to see, as you pass near islands on the lake.
Sandwichs and drinks on sale. even if you don't leave Congo, passports are checked both on departure and at arrival in Bukavu.
Great trip... would be happy to fo it again.
Left Goma on a quiet morning for a beautifull trip. A friend had advised me to sit on the first row - left side where you can stretch your legs, the view is a little limited there.... but still a good tip. And if you want a view you can always go to the outside open deck where i end up spending most the time. Always something to see, as you pass near islands on the lake.
Sandwichs and drinks on sale. even if you don't leave Congo, passports are checked both on departure and at arrival in Bukavu.
Great trip... would be happy to fo it again.
Written 15 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Koritsaki
Montreal37 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
Whenever you look at this lake you'd swear you were by the sea. Some portions are littered with all sorts of garbage and others are semi-clean. If you can stay anywhere along the lake do so. For great sunsets head to Lake Kivu Lodge or Le Chalet. You can also rent a kayak.
Written 2 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Celine R
Windhoek, Namibia47 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
This is a beautiful lake, We stayed at the Lac Kivu Lodge and at Tchegera Island Camp, both places were beautiful and the food was excellent. At Tchegera Island Camp you can swim in the lake and Kajak. Really worth the visit.
Written 21 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ulrich s
Cape Town Central, South Africa170 contributions
Oct 2020 • Business
Lake Kivu. Is situated beautifully surrounded by mountains ..the city of Goma is vibrant and has a variety of accomodation for the backpacker to luxury 5 stars. The lake is crystal clear but is nothing like eg lake Malawi. Tourism is normally exploring the adventurous traveler going to viru ga or the vulcano..while hots and lodges lie on the lake its potential has not really been exploited and everything needs to be arranged with "connections'. Once been no need to return .
Written 31 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nadia B
52 contributions
Feb 2017 • Business
Enjoy the wonderful landscape by sitting on its shore. Breathtaking and relaxing spot. I never actually swum in the Lake but many people I know who did it who caught skin or lung diseases.
Written 14 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kdinesDenver
Denver, CO34 contributions
Jan 2017
This was our third and final stop in Virunga. After a hardy hike up to see the great Nyrigongo crater, the largest lava lake in the world, this was a perfect place to rest. it's a quiet and peaceful place-- polar opposite of the bustling city of Goma. Again, delicious food service and extremely comfortable facilities, Highly recommended.
Written 17 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roveen
Berkeley, CA81 contributions
Nov 2016 • Friends
Wonderful, tranquil respite after the hustle and dustiness of Goma. This horse shoe shaped volcanic island has luxury camp with magnificent setting about 15 mins boat ride from the harbor. A perfect spot to relax if you have hiked up the volcano or gone on a gorilla trek in Virunga NP.
Written 27 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Koko0709
Santa Fe, NM11 contributions
June 2016 • Couples
We took an overnight boat from Goma to Bukavu last month in order to maximize our time in the national parks for gorilla trekking. Our excellent guide, Emmanuel of Okapi Tours and Travel, made the boat reservations and managed to get us a cabin with two bunks. That provided a very nice rest between treks. The boat was calm and peaceful and felt relaxes. I had no worries aboard and enjoyed watching the port activity at takeoff and arrival. There was a full moon so the views on the lake at night, especially as the moon rose over one of the islands was beautiful. I wouldn't mind doing it again during the day and making a stop at Idjwi Island.
Written 13 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian0345
England, UK1,046 contributions
Oct 2013 • Friends
Lake Kivu is very nice. And worth visiting.
Pros:
A very nice, peaceful, and calming to walk along it's shore.
Cons:
Mostly related to being part of the eastern part of the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo). Goma and eastern Congo in general are not exactly the safest of places. I remember the civil war under Laurent Kabila. The area is very poor and generally deprived. If you're from a 1st world nation, it is worth visiting Congo. Just be careful and get relevant security advice before you set out.
Pros:
A very nice, peaceful, and calming to walk along it's shore.
Cons:
Mostly related to being part of the eastern part of the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo). Goma and eastern Congo in general are not exactly the safest of places. I remember the civil war under Laurent Kabila. The area is very poor and generally deprived. If you're from a 1st world nation, it is worth visiting Congo. Just be careful and get relevant security advice before you set out.
Written 7 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meganinafrica
Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo96 contributions
Aug 2013 • Business
Lake Kivu is very lovely - especially on the Rwanda side. On the DRC side it is a different story. Although the lake is Beautiful, the Cities around it are a mess and massively overpriced. This area has so much going for it, with regards to it being a potentially high income tourist destination, but they spoil it by not taking care of the environment and charging exorbitant prices in terrible hotels. How can you possibly justify $250 USD/night for a basic room and very bad breakfast when there is no coffee machine, no shower, no bar fridge, no aircon, no fan, no lotions or shampoos...the list goes on and on. This is a destination from where one would like to go on boat cruises on the lake, visit the gorillas and see some natural forests. But nothing works here! Or if it does, it is at a price that just disgusts you. The worst thing is that they do not care, simply because they make enough money out of the UN, EU, NGO's and all the bleeding hear societies who spends fortunes here - they are called the 'tourists' by the locals!
Written 14 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi all,
I am planning a trip to Shabunda, South-Kivu, soon. Could anyone recommend the fastest way to get there or recommend any reliable air charter companies based in DRC?
Written 31 July 2015
It starts at 7.30 am and reaches Bukavu at 10 am. It is Ihusi express. I will be travelling on 23rd of this month. Ticket cost is 50 USD. You need to report port 1 hr in advance.
Tnx
Amitabh
Written 21 April 2015
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