Kigali to Rubavu (Gisenyi)
Rubavu is about 155–160 km from Kigali, around 3 to 3.5 hours by road. The route goes through Musanze, so you can combine it with Volcanoes National Park. Rubavu has a lakeside promenade, beaches and plenty of hotels.
Kigali to Karongi (Kibuye)
Karongi is about 130–145 km from Kigali, around 2.5 to 3 hours via Muhanga. It is quieter than Rubavu, with a bay full of small islands that are best seen by boat.
Driving along the lake
A lakeside road links Rubavu, Karongi and Rusizi in the south. It is winding and slow, with beautiful views of the lake and the hills. Drive it in daylight and allow plenty of time. From Rusizi you can continue to Nyungwe National Park and loop back to Kigali.
Rubavu and Rusizi are border towns. Our cars are rented for travel within Rwanda only, so they cannot cross into the DRC.
Which car to choose
Main roads to Rubavu and Karongi are paved, so a comfortable SUV is ideal. For groups with luggage, the 7-seat Kia Sorento or Toyota Prado gives more room.
| Car | Seats | Gearbox | Price per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 2002SUV | 5 | Automatic | $35 |
| Toyota RAV4 2010SUV | 5 | Automatic | $50 |
| Kia SorentoSUV | 7 | Automatic | $55 |
| Toyota RAV4 2018SUV | 5 | Automatic | $65 |
| Toyota RAV4 2024SUV | 5 | Automatic | $70 |
| Honda Full Electric 2025Electric SUV | 5 | Automatic | $75 |
| Toyota Prado 20144x4 SUV | 7 | Manual | $80 |
| Safari CarSafari 4x4 | 8 | Manual | $170 |
Frequently asked questions
How far is Lake Kivu from Kigali?
About 2.5–3 hours to Karongi and 3–3.5 hours to Rubavu (Gisenyi) by car.
Can I take the rental car into the DRC from Rubavu?
No. Our cars are rented for travel within Rwanda only.