Come on a journey to discover Lake Kivu’s spectacular ‘Bay of Islands’. Paddling through the deep azure waters we island hop past uninhabited islands – including Napoleon island with its famous bat colony. We spend the first Night at Cormoran lodge but the 2nd night camping on another beautiful, uninhabited island (Optional), which is still mostly covered with natural woodland and so teams with birdlife. We return to Kibuye, via the coast and call into Amohoro Island for lunch.
Tour Features
| Mid-Range Tour: | This tour includes mid-range camping and lodges. |
| Can be Customized: | You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour. |
| Private Tour: | This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others. |
| Solo traveller: | Solo traveller can book this tour. |
| Can start any day: | If availability permits, this tour can start on any day. |
| Minimum age not required: | There is no minimum age for this tour. |
| Day | Accommodation | Meals |
| 1 |
Cormoran Lodge
|
All Meals Included with Drinks |
| 2 |
Cormoran Lodge
|
Breakfast & Lunch Included with Drinks |
| 3 |
|
Breakfast & Lunch Included with Drinks |
-
1Transfer from Kigali to Karongi at Lake Kivu
This afternoon, you driver will transfer you from Kigali to Karongi at Lake Kivu. The journey will take between 3.5 to 4hours. Reaching out into the deep blue waters of Lake Kivu, and built entirely of locally sourced wood, Cormoran Lodge's seven ensuite cottage rooms are perched on a lush hillside near Kibuye. It has a lovely restaurant and bar that serves up some great local fish, Rwandan and international cuisine with a distinctly French feel. A leisure day at Lake Kivu will be an opportunity to relax, enjoying beautiful views of the Lake, carry your swimming costumes for a good swim in clean waters of the Lake. Leisure afternoon at Lake Kivu - Swimming and Relaxing
Accommodation: Cormoran Lodge,
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included with Drinks
-
2Kayak from Karongi to Gishayu Island with a stop t
Setting off from Kibuye, we soon approach Lake Kivu’s ‘Bay of Islands’ a beautiful setting unlike anywhere else in the country. We then ‘island hop’, stop off for lunch and a swim in the crystal clear and impressively clean, fresh water to cool off. In the afternoon, we visit Napoleon Island wh ere there is a remarkable (and noisy) colony of thousands of fruit bats that fight amongst themselves for the best roost. It’s then just a short paddle to our campsite, on another beautiful uninhabited island that is still covered with native trees that provide a rare haven for numerous species of birds dart in and out of the foliage. With exclusive access on the island, we set up camp, buy fish for dinner from local fishermen – so supporting a local community – and cook our own, simple but delicious meal, which we can provide for you, around a small open fire. There is an option of spending a Night at Cormoran Lodge in case you would not be okay with Camping.
Accommodation: Cormoran Lodge,
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & Lunch Included with Drinks
-
3Kayaking from Gishayu back to Karongi & Transfer b
After a simple breakfast, we turn back towards Kibuye or end in Kinunu for a coffee tour before meeting your driver to proceed to your next destination, this time following the coast where we have superb views of the lush mosaic of crops on small farms that make Rwanda’s hills so special. Before reaching Kibuye, we call in for lunch on Amohoro (Peace) Island, where there will be time to contemplate just how special the past couple of days have been. Then, in the afternoon it’s just a short paddle back to where we began; was it only yesterday? Kayaking on Lake Kivu from Gishayu back to Karongi
| Includes |
|
| Excludes |
|
Important to Know
- This tour is not available to solo travelers or groups larger than 14 people.
- Rates are per person and exclude the international flightfrom/to your home country.
- This tour accepts children who are 3 years and older.
| Start Dates |
Solo 1 room |
2 people 1 room |
3 people 2 room |
4 people 2 room |
4+ people 3 room |
| Oct 08 2024 to Oct 08 2025 | $2100 | $1280 | $1040 | $900 | $840 |
Getting There
Kigali International Airport (KGL), on the outskirts of Kigali, would most likely be your point of entry point into the country. There are currently no direct flights from any North American city to Kigali. All require at least one stop, with most major cities, including New York, Toronto, Sao Paolo and Montreal only requiring one stop. Direct flights are available from Amsterdam and Brussels. There are also direct flights on Turkish Airlines, from Istanbul, and from Dubai on Rwanda Air. There are no direct flights from Doha and Qatar. Flights from major cities in Asia, such as Hong Kong and Singapore, also require one stop. Flights from Sydney, Australia presently require two stops.
Rwanda is quite tiny, and most people travel inside the country by car. Rwanda's speed limit is 60 kilometres per hour on all roads. Akagera Aviation, on the other hand, provides charter helicopter transfers to and from any place in the country.
Yes, a transfer from and back to the airport is included
Kingfisher Journeys
-
Offices In :
Rwanda -
Size :
10-20 -
Member Of :
ATTA, RTTA, Travelife -
Tour Types :
Primate Safaris, Adventure Tours, Wildlife Safaris, Birdwatching, Luxury Safaris and Hiking Safaris, -
Destinations :
Rwanda - Kingfisher Journeys is a sustainable tour company operating in Rwanda, dedicated to offering immersive, eco-friendly experiences. We specialize in wildlife safaris, primate treks, and cultural tours, ensuring that our activities benefit local communities and contribute to conservation efforts. By working closely with local guides, artisans, and conservationists, we create authentic experiences while minimizing our environmental footprint. Our commitment to responsible tourism helps preserve Rwanda’s stunning landscapes, wildlife, and traditions for future generations, while promoting economic growth in the regions we visit. At Kingfisher Journeys, we believe travel should inspire, educate, and protect the places we love.
| Mid-Range Tour: | This tour includes mid-range camping and lodges. |
| Can be Customized: | You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour. |
| Private Tour: | This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others. |
| Solo traveller: | Solo traveller can book this tour. |
| Can start any day: | If availability permits, this tour can start on any day. |
| Minimum age not required: | There is no minimum age for this tour. |
| Day | Accommodation | Meals |
| 1 |
Cormoran Lodge,
|
All Meals Included with Drinks |
| 2 |
Cormoran Lodge,
|
Breakfast & Lunch Included with Drinks |
| 3 |
,
|
Breakfast & Lunch Included with Drinks |
-
1Transfer from Kigali to Karongi at Lake Kivu
This afternoon, you driver will transfer you from Kigali to Karongi at Lake Kivu. The journey will take between 3.5 to 4hours. Reaching out into the deep blue waters of Lake Kivu, and built entirely of locally sourced wood, Cormoran Lodge's seven ensuite cottage rooms are perched on a lush hillside near Kibuye. It has a lovely restaurant and bar that serves up some great local fish, Rwandan and international cuisine with a distinctly French feel. A leisure day at Lake Kivu will be an opportunity to relax, enjoying beautiful views of the Lake, carry your swimming costumes for a good swim in clean waters of the Lake. Leisure afternoon at Lake Kivu - Swimming and Relaxing
Accommodation: Cormoran Lodge, ,
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included with Drinks
-
2Kayak from Karongi to Gishayu Island with a stop t
Setting off from Kibuye, we soon approach Lake Kivu’s ‘Bay of Islands’ a beautiful setting unlike anywhere else in the country. We then ‘island hop’, stop off for lunch and a swim in the crystal clear and impressively clean, fresh water to cool off. In the afternoon, we visit Napoleon Island wh ere there is a remarkable (and noisy) colony of thousands of fruit bats that fight amongst themselves for the best roost. It’s then just a short paddle to our campsite, on another beautiful uninhabited island that is still covered with native trees that provide a rare haven for numerous species of birds dart in and out of the foliage. With exclusive access on the island, we set up camp, buy fish for dinner from local fishermen – so supporting a local community – and cook our own, simple but delicious meal, which we can provide for you, around a small open fire. There is an option of spending a Night at Cormoran Lodge in case you would not be okay with Camping.
Accommodation: Cormoran Lodge, ,
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & Lunch Included with Drinks
-
3Kayaking from Gishayu back to Karongi & Transfer b
After a simple breakfast, we turn back towards Kibuye or end in Kinunu for a coffee tour before meeting your driver to proceed to your next destination, this time following the coast where we have superb views of the lush mosaic of crops on small farms that make Rwanda’s hills so special. Before reaching Kibuye, we call in for lunch on Amohoro (Peace) Island, where there will be time to contemplate just how special the past couple of days have been. Then, in the afternoon it’s just a short paddle back to where we began; was it only yesterday? Kayaking on Lake Kivu from Gishayu back to Karongi
Includes & Excludes
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
- International flights (from/to the client's home country)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips: tipping guideline of 56 per person per day for the guide and crew
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
| Start Dates |
Solo 1 room |
2 people 1 room |
3 people 2 room |
4 people 2 room |
4+ people 3 room |
| Oct 08 2024 to Oct 08 2025 | $2100 | $1280 | $1040 | $900 | $840 |
Getting There
Kigali International Airport (KGL), on the outskirts of Kigali, would most likely be your point of entry point into the country. There are currently no direct flights from any North American city to Kigali. All require at least one stop, with most major cities, including New York, Toronto, Sao Paolo and Montreal only requiring one stop. Direct flights are available from Amsterdam and Brussels. There are also direct flights on Turkish Airlines, from Istanbul, and from Dubai on Rwanda Air. There are no direct flights from Doha and Qatar. Flights from major cities in Asia, such as Hong Kong and Singapore, also require one stop. Flights from Sydney, Australia presently require two stops.
Rwanda is quite tiny, and most people travel inside the country by car. Rwanda's speed limit is 60 kilometres per hour on all roads. Akagera Aviation, on the other hand, provides charter helicopter transfers to and from any place in the country.
Yes, a transfer from and back to the airport is included
Kingfisher Journeys
-
Offices In :
Rwanda -
Size :
10-20 -
Member Of :
ATTA, RTTA, Travelife -
Tour Types :
Primate Safaris, Adventure Tours, Wildlife Safaris, Birdwatching, Luxury Safaris and Hiking Safaris, -
Destinations :
Rwanda - Kingfisher Journeys is a sustainable tour company operating in Rwanda, dedicated to offering immersive, eco-friendly experiences. We specialize in wildlife safaris, primate treks, and cultural tours, ensuring that our activities benefit local communities and contribute to conservation efforts. By working closely with local guides, artisans, and conservationists, we create authentic experiences while minimizing our environmental footprint. Our commitment to responsible tourism helps preserve Rwanda’s stunning landscapes, wildlife, and traditions for future generations, while promoting economic growth in the regions we visit. At Kingfisher Journeys, we believe travel should inspire, educate, and protect the places we love.
