Lake Kivu day trip: Boat cruise and Napoleon Island hike
A full day on the water: the drive out, the cruise through islands, the walk up Napoleon Island, the drive back
An 8-hour day trip from Kigali to Lake Kivu combines a scenic 4x4 drive, a boat cruise past local islands and terraced hillsides, and a hike on Napoleon Island to spot fruit bats and take in views from the peak. The tour includes hotel pickup, a professional guide in English or French, lunch at a local hotel, and bottled water. You return to Kigali with stops for souvenir shopping along the way.
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Step-by-step itinerary
Lake Kivu day trip and cruise
- Depart Kigali hotel at 7:00 AM
- Travel to Lake Kivu by 4x4 vehicle
- Orientation tour at Lake Kivu
- Lunch at local hotel with views
- Boat cruise around Lake Kivu islands
- Hike on Napoleon Island
- Return to port by boat
- Drive back to Kigali with shopping stops
The experience
The day starts at 7:00 AM from your Kigali hotel in a comfortable 4x4 Toyota Landcruiser. The drive to Lake Kivu takes you through the surrounding countryside, and you'll stop for an orientation tour before reaching the water. Lunch waits at a local hotel with views over the lake, giving you a chance to settle in before the boat portion of the day begins.
Once aboard, the cruise takes you past the lake's islands and the terraced hillsides that ring the water. The boat makes a stop at Napoleon Island, where you leave the deck for a leisurely walk to the island's peak. The hike is the reason to go: from the top you get panoramic views across the lake, and on the way you'll see the local fruit bat population that lives on the island. After you return to the boat, the cruise continues back toward port.
The return journey to Kigali includes stops for souvenir shopping and sightseeing en route. You can choose where to be dropped off in the city, so the end of the day fits your hotel or your evening plans. A professional guide travels with you throughout, speaking English or French, and the boat fee, 4x4 transport, lunch, and bottled water are all included in the price.
What’s included
- Hotel pickup in Kigali and return transport in a 4x4 Toyota Landcruiser.
- professional guide in English or French.
- lunch at a local hotel.
- bottled water.
- boat cruise on Lake Kivu.
- access to Napoleon Island for the hike and views.
Before you book
Prices and times updated 16 days ago
Operated by 1000 Hills Safaris
Is this one for you?The early 7:00 AM start and full 8-hour commitment mean this tour works best for travelers with a full day free and who don't mind an early departure from their hotel. The Napoleon Island hike is a leisurely walk to the peak, suitable for all fitness levels, and the boat ride itself requires no special skills or experience.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
What languages is the guide in?
Live guide in English and French.
What is Napoleon Island and why stop there?
Napoleon Island is a small island on Lake Kivu where you hike to the peak for panoramic views across the water and the surrounding hillsides. The island is home to a local fruit bat population you'll encounter on the walk.
How much of the day is spent on the water versus driving?
The 8-hour total includes the drive from Kigali to the lake, lunch at a local hotel, the boat cruise with the Napoleon Island stop, and the return drive to Kigali with shopping stops. The cruise itself is the centerpiece of the afternoon.
What's included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup in Kigali, the 4x4 transport to and from the lake, a professional guide in English or French, lunch at a local hotel, bottled water, and the boat cruise fee. Souvenir shopping stops on the return are part of the itinerary but purchases are your choice.
Can I choose where to be dropped off at the end?
Yes, you have the flexibility to choose your drop-off location in Kigali, so you can arrange to end the day at your hotel or elsewhere in the city.
What time does the tour start and finish?
Pickup from your Kigali hotel begins at 7:00 AM. The full day trip lasts 8 hours, so you'll return to the city in the late afternoon.
Lake Kivu day trip: Boat cruise and Napoleon Island hike
8h · EN · FR · at your hotel
from US$ 306.72 per person
4.673 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider