Rwanda’s Floating Hotel on Lake Kivu, also called the Kivu Queen Uburanga luxury houseboat, was recently launched into the water as part of the preparations to make it operational.
According to Mantis, the ship’s service itinerary includes sailing the beautiful Lake Kivu from north to south and vice versa, in addition to a variety of activities, including water sports.
Among its features are 11 modern cabins, a swimming pool, a dining salon, a bar, and a viewing deck with a hot tub, allowing travelers to explore some of Rwanda’s most admirable locations in luxury.
The upper deck offers an exclusive retreat, with two VIP staterooms, an additional cabin, a private lounge, a compact service kitchen, a guest toilet, and a spacious aft (rear) deck. This secluded area provides discerning guests with the utmost privacy and luxury, ensuring an unforgettable experience on board the Kivu Queen Uburanga.
The ship was designed to remain exclusively within the waters of Rwanda and has no direct role in cross-border trade apart from guests who may cross the border from DR Congo.
It is anticipated that the facility will open the southern part of the Western Province to travelers as almost all guests will board the ship by way of Rwanda.
One fascinating fact about Lake Kivu is that it empties into the Ruzizi River, which flows southwards into Lake Tanganyika. Lake Kivu is one of the best places to visit in Rwanda on your holiday, a worthy getaway such as sun, sand, surf, delicious local cuisine, interesting cultural sites, and, most importantly, potent cocktails.
Things to do on Lake Kivu as you stay in Rwanda’s Floating Hotel on Lake Kivu?
Kayaking on Lake Kivu
Kayaking is one of the best things travelers can enjoy at Lake Kivu. Exploring the coastline of Lake Kivu by kayak is a wonderful way to immerse in the scenery, with a mountainous backdrop from the tranquility of the water. Birds are known to dart in and out of the bushes whilst fishermen mend their nets on the shore in the daytime. At sunset, the local fishermen paddle out in unison, their rousing song carrying across the water, to return the next morning with their catch.
Relaxation on Sandy Beaches
For those that love beaches, Lake Kivu has resorts and beaches surrounding it where tourists can relax. There are beach games you can participate in like football on the sand, volley ball as well as swimming. You will also enjoy fish and other local foods around.
Boat cruise on Lake Kivu
Going on a boat cruise is one of the ideas to spend your vacation on Lake Kivu. This allows you to visit Islands such as Serene Islands and Amahoro Island and tea Plantations.
Cycling around Lake Kivu
Rwanda with thousands of hills is an excellent destination for off-the-beaten-track cycling, with almost endless trails and roads crisscrossing the territory. Exploring Rwanda’s countryside on a bike is an authentic and rewarding way to interact with the rural population, with a huge dose of natural beauty. The greatest route is the Congo Nile Trail, a 227 km itinerary that runs roughly parallel to the eastern shore of Lake Kivu. Starting in Rubavu and ending in Rusizi, the journey takes about five days.
