We arrived in Lake Kivu after days of exploring Rwanda’s highlands, expecting a place to rest before flying home.
But what we found was more than just a final stop—it was a destination in its own right. Peaceful, sun-drenched, and quietly luxurious, the lake gave us space to exhale.
And my wife? She absolutely fell for it. The water, the light, the calm rhythm of the lakeside—it was her kind of paradise.
Chapter Trail
Our Lakeside Haven
We stayed at Cormoran Lodge, built into the hillside above the lake in Kibuye. Our wooden chalet had a private terrace with panoramic views across the water. Inside, everything was warm and natural—local wood, soft linens, and a bathtub with a view of the horizon.
Each morning, we sat on the deck in silence, sipping coffee as the lake mirrored the sky. Fishermen drifted by in wooden boats, and birds called from the trees. My wife kept saying, “This doesn’t feel real.” But it was—and it was perfect.
Lazy Days on the Water
Lake Kivu isn’t for rushing. It’s for floating. Breathing. Watching the light shift across the water. We kayaked one morning, gliding over the still surface as the sun rose behind the hills. Later, we took a boat ride to Napoleon Island, where fruit bats hung in the trees and the air smelled like warm grass.
We swam in the clear, warm lake, and the silence wrapped around us like a soft blanket. No crowds. No noise. Just the lap of water and the occasional ripple of a bird taking flight.
Local Flavor and Lakeside Charm
Meals were slow and generous. We dined on grilled tilapia caught fresh that morning, sweet plantains, and spicy Rwandan stews. One afternoon, we wandered into town and found a tiny café where the owner made us passionfruit juice by hand. My wife looked at me and said, “Why isn’t this place more famous?”
It was a good question. Kivu doesn’t try to impress—it simply is. And that, to us, felt like the ultimate luxury.
Conclusion
Lake Kivu offered us something rare. Not just rest, but renewal. It was quiet without being empty. Simple without feeling sparse. It reminded us that sometimes the most luxurious places aren’t the most lavish—they’re the most peaceful.
On our last morning, mist hovered over the water. We packed slowly, took one last swim, and watched the lake shimmer in the early light. My wife took a deep breath and said, “I didn’t know we needed this.”
But we did.
Lake Kivu gave us a soft ending to our African journey—one we’ll never forget, and one we didn’t even know to wish for. It wasn’t just beautiful. It was soul-soothing. And it’s waiting for anyone who needs to remember what calm feels like.
Plan your next dream trip with one of our hand-picked, highly experienced, licensed, and insured Local In-destination Experts!
