Rwanda Nature attractions - Tour Rwanda

Lake Kivu is extraordinarily beautiful: a vast inland sea enclosed by the steep, green terraced hills that are so characteristic of rural Rwanda. Along its shores lie three resort towns, Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyangugu, connected by a wild roller-coaster road that tumbles through lush plantain fields and relic patches of misty rainforest to offer sweeping views over the shimmering lake.

Gisenyi, a short drive from Ruhgengeri and the Parc des Volcans, is set on a sandy beach lined with swaying palms and colonial-era hotels that positively exude an atmosphere of tropical languor. At Kibuye, tourist activities are centered around a modern lakeshore guesthouse, which overlooks pine-covered hills seemingly transplanted from the Alps. Different again is Cyangugu, close to Nyungwe Forest, where most subdued tourist development is compensated for by perhaps by the most spectacular setting of them all.

Lake Kivu is the largest of numerous lakeswhich fill the valleys of Rwanda. Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, close to the gorilla-tracking centre of Ruhengeri, are often neglected gems: deep blue waters ringed by steep hills and tall waterfalls, with the outlines of the nearby Virunga Volcanoes providing a spectacular backdrop, particular as seen from the comfortable Foyer de Charité guesthouse on lake Ruhondo. Further south, Lake Muhazi makes for a good day trip from Kigali, with overnight camping available.

Gisenyi and Kibuye are the places to head for creature comforts and water sports. Away from the main resorts, however, the lake circuits offer rewarding glimpses into a more ancient Africa, as fisherman ply the water in dugout canoes unchanged in design for many centuries, colourfully dressed ladies smoke traditional wooden pipes, and troubadours strum sweetly on stringed iningire (traditional guitars). The bird life around the lakes is fantastic: flotillas of pelicans, majestic crowned cranes, jewel-like malachite kingfishers, and much else besides.

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