Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Kivu: The Deep Lakes of Primate Country

Primate trekking in the Albertine Rift is one of the most rewarding yet physically demanding adventures in Africa. Whether you are scrambling up the steep, muddy ridges of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda or hacking through the dense bamboo canopy of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, gorilla trekking will test your stamina. Fortunately, this region is also home to two of Africa’s most beautiful, deep freshwater lakes: Lake Bunyonyi in southwestern Uganda and Lake Kivu on the Rwanda-Congo border.

These lakes serve as the ultimate post-trekking sanctuaries. Here, you can trade your mud-covered hiking boots for swimwear, explore emerald-green islands in a traditional canoe, kayak alongside fishermen, and relax in luxury lakefront resorts. In this guide, we explore the distinct charm, key activities, and luxury accommodations of Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Kivu.

Quick Summary Table

Lake Bunyonyi: Uganda's Mystical "Place of Many Little Birds"

Framed by steep terraced hillsides cultivated by the local Bakiga people, Lake Bunyonyi is a geological marvel. Believed to have been formed by a volcanic eruption that blocked a valley thousands of years ago, it is dotted with 29 islands of varying sizes. "Bunyonyi" translates to "place of many little birds" in the local Rukiga language, making it a sanctuary for ornithologists.

A Safe Haven for Swimming

Unlike many African lakes, Lake Bunyonyi is completely free of hippos, crocodiles, and bilharzia (a parasitic infection common in slow-moving water). This, combined with its calm, freshwater nature, makes it one of the safest lakes in Africa for open-water swimming. Note that it is exceptionally deep—with depth estimates reaching up to 900 meters—making it the second-deepest lake in Africa, so weak swimmers should wear life jackets.

Exploring the Islands

A cruise in a traditional wooden dugout canoe or motorized boat is the best way to explore Bunyonyi’s islands, each of which has a unique story:
* Punishment Island (Akampene): A tiny, flat island with a single dead tree. Historically, unmarried pregnant girls from the local communities were abandoned here to starve or drown, as they could not swim. Today, it stands as a stark monument to historical tribal customs.
* Bushara Island: Managed by the Lake Bunyonyi Development Company, this forested island is a conservation success, featuring eucalyptus forests, walking trails, and excellent birdwatching.
* Sharp’s Island: Named after Dr. Leonard Sharp, an English missionary who established a leprosy colony on the island in the 1920s, transforming it into a self-sustaining sanctuary.

Lake Kivu: Rwanda's Inland Sea

Lake Kivu is one of the African Great Lakes, covering over 2,700 square kilometers along the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Because of its massive size, it feels less like a lake and more like a tropical ocean, complete with sandy beaches, waves, and distant mountain ranges disappearing into the mist.

The Resort Towns of Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu’s eastern shore is dotted with three scenic resort towns, each offering a distinct atmosphere:
1. Rubavu (Gisenyi): Located in the north, Rubavu is a bustling town featuring sandy public beaches, historic colonial-era mansions, and a lively waterfront. It is the northern terminus of the Congo Nile Trail.
2. Karongi (Kibuye): Situated in the middle, Karongi is arguably the most beautiful town on the lake. It is characterized by steep, pine-forested hills dropping straight into the water, creating quiet, finger-like bays.
3. Rusizi (Cyangugu): Located in the south, near Nyungwe Forest National Park. It is the quietest of the three towns, serving as a peaceful base for border crossings and chimpanzee trekking extensions.

Active Adventures on Lake Kivu

• The Congo Nile Trail: A 227-kilometer trail that winds along the rocky shoreline, through local villages, coffee plantations, and forests. It is a world-class route for mountain biking and multi-day hiking.
• Coffee Island Tours: Take a boat from Karongi to Nyamirundi Island to visit a local coffee cooperative. You will walk through the plantation, harvest coffee cherries, and learn how they are processed, roasted, and brewed.
• Night Kayaking with the Singing Fishermen: Every evening at sunset, hundreds of fishermen paddle out into the lake in three-hulled wooden boats, singing traditional rhythmic songs as they light lanterns to attract sambaza (small sardine-like fish). Joining them in a sea kayak is an unforgettable cultural experience.

Comparison: Lake Bunyonyi vs. Lake Kivu

Luxury Lodges in the Deep Lakes Region

To complete your primate safari in comfort, choose from these premier lakefront properties.

Top Lodges in Lake Bunyonyi

• Birdnest @ Bunyonyi Resort: Located on the lakeside, Birdnest features uniquely designed rooms with private balconies overlooking the water. It boasts an excellent restaurant serving local crayfish, an organic swimming pool, and a relaxed, artistic atmosphere.
• Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort: Situated on Kyahugye Island, this eco-lodge features luxury wooden cottages. The island is home to zebras, waterbucks, and monkeys, allowing guests to view wildlife directly from their rooms.

Top Lodges in Lake Kivu

• Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel: Located in Karongi (Kibuye), Cleo is a sophisticated boutique hotel perched on a hillside overlooking the lake. It features luxury suites with private decks, an infinity pool, a private beach, and fine-dining Swahili-fusion gastronomy.
• Lake Kivu Serena Hotel: Located in Rubavu (Gisenyi), this classic five-star hotel features rooms facing a private sandy beach. It offers extensive resort amenities, including a luxury spa, massive swimming pool, and water sports center.

Post-Gorilla Trekking Packing Checklist

Ensure you have the right gear to transition from the humid rainforest to the breezy lakes.

Deep Lakes Packing Checklist

• [ ] Swimwear: Essential for enjoying the safe, cool waters of Bunyonyi and Kivu.
• [ ] Lightweight Layers: Mornings can be very misty and cold, especially on Lake Bunyonyi.
• [ ] Quick-Dry Clothing: Crucial if you plan to go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
• [ ] Sturdy Trail Shoes / Sandals: With good grip for walking on the hilly islands.
• [ ] Waterproof Dry Bag: Essential for boat cruises, canoeing, and protecting cameras.
• [ ] Binoculars: Vital for birding on Lake Bunyonyi and spotting waterbirds on Kivu.
• [ ] Insect Repellent: Both lakes have low mosquito activity compared to the lowlands, but protection is still recommended.

Travel Logistics: Connecting Primate Parks to the Lakes

• To Lake Bunyonyi: The lake is located a 2 to 3-hour drive from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (depending on which gorilla tracking sector you visit) and a 1-hour drive from the town of Kabale.
• To Lake Kivu: From Volcanoes National Park (Musanze), Lake Kivu (Rubavu/Gisenyi) is only a 1-to-1.5-hour drive. From Nyungwe Forest, the southern tip of the lake (Rusizi/Cyangugu) is a 1-hour drive.
• Border Crossings: Crossing between Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda) and Lake Kivu (Rwanda) is easy via the Gatuna or Cyanika border posts, taking approximately 3 to 4 hours by road.

Plan Your Primate and Lake Safari with Storm Safaris

At Storm Safaris, we believe the best safaris balance adventure and relaxation. We regularly design itineraries that combine the thrill of gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Volcanoes with a peaceful, scenic stay on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Kivu. We handle all cross-border logistics, private transport, and luxury lodge bookings to ensure a seamless, life-changing journey.

Contact the Storm Safaris Team to Plan Your Primate and Lake Retreat