Lake Kivu tour from Kigali: Coffee farm, waterfalls & boat ride

Lake Kivu's waterfalls, coffee, and shoreline in one day from Kigali

A full-day tour from Kigali to Kibuye on Lake Kivu combines a coffee farm visit, a hike to Ndaba Waterfalls, and a boat ride across the lake with a local English-speaking guide. Private transportation and all entrance fees are included. The route covers the lake's peaceful waters, surrounding green hills, and the natural waterfall near Karongi. Suitable for all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Lake Kivu and Ndaba Waterfalls

• Enjoy boat rides on Lake Kivu
• Swim and kayak in the lake
• Visit a coffee farm experience
• See stunning sunset views
• Explore Ndaba Waterfalls and hike

The experience

The day starts with pickup from Kigali and a drive west to Lake Kivu, where the landscape shifts from city to rolling hills and water views. Once at Kibuye, you visit a working coffee farm to see how beans are grown and processed in Rwanda's volcanic soil, then move on to Ndaba Waterfalls: a short hike through lush greenery to a natural waterfall tucked into the Lake Kivu region. The guide leads you through both stops at a pace that lets you take photos and absorb the surroundings without rushing.

After the waterfall, you board a boat on Lake Kivu itself for a ride across the peaceful waters, with views of the green hills that ring the shore. The lake is known for its calm surface and the way the light changes across the day, and the boat ride gives you time to sit with that. Depending on the season, you might catch the sunset from the water before heading back to Kigali.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Kigali.
• entrance fees to the coffee farm and Ndaba Waterfalls.
• boat ride on Lake Kivu.
• English-speaking local guide throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 15:30

Book up to5h before

AgesAdult (16 to 80 years) · Senior (81 and older) · Youth (12 to 15 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 500

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Explore Rwanda tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guide-led day combining Lake Kivu's natural sites with a coffee farm visit, starting from Kigali with private transport included.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 15 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

What is the coffee farm visit like on this tour?

The coffee farm is a working operation where you see how beans are grown and processed in Rwanda's volcanic soil. It is a hands-on look at the crop, not a museum or a shop.

How difficult is the hike to Ndaba Waterfalls?

Ndaba Waterfalls involves a short hike through green forest to reach the waterfall. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the pace is set by the group.

Is swimming allowed in Lake Kivu during the boat ride?

The itinerary includes a boat ride on the lake. The guide can advise on swimming options based on conditions and the day's schedule.

How long is the full day, and what time does pickup happen?

The tour runs for eight hours total from Kigali. Pickup is included and timed to your hotel or meeting point in the city.

What should I bring for this tour?

Bring comfortable walking shoes for the waterfall hike, sun protection, and a camera. The guide will advise on what else suits the season and the boat ride.