December 12, 2023by Sasha Ella

Lakeside dreams and tranquil reflections

Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga

Nothing like sunsets, especially when on a lake

A holiday on or near water is the epitome of tranquillity. Lake Kivu in Rwanda is known for its fresh crystal-clear, predatory-free waters that span 2 700km² (1 042m²), countless islands, fishing, coffee, mountains and spectacular sunsets. A nightly kaleidoscope of red, orange and pink hues, streak the sky and are perfectly mirrored in the Lake. It’s seclusion from the hustle and bustle of life make Lake Kivu a place to pause and enjoy the lake life.

This month we put a spotlight on our latest offering in the beautiful country of Rwanda. The ‘country of a thousand hills’ has become a highly sought after tourist destination. Voted the 9^th safest country in the world, Rwanda has much to offer, from its friendly hospitality to its spectacular national parks, abundant wildlife, diverse landscapes and hills, hundreds of species of birds, gorilla trekking and now, a peaceful, luxurious escape on Lake Kivu.

Life is better on a boat

Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga provides an opportunity to spend time on a one-of-a-kind luxury vessel, that was purpose built to be eco-friendly. There are 10 berths: 6 standard and 2 deluxe cabins and 2 executive suites. Each has been carefully designed to offer a sanctuary after a day filled with adventure. A delightful touch is the handmade guest slippers, beautifully crafted by the local community.

The ‘floating boutique hotel’ offers a deck with plunge pool, separate lounge and bar – serving handcrafted cocktails and canapes to enjoy as you watch the sun sink below the horizon or just take in the surrounding beauty.

Dining is a culinary journey, with a unique blend of authentic Rwandan cuisine and international flavours. Chef uses only the finest local ingredients.

The island life

The two or three night itinerary allows you to be fully immersed in the splendour of Lake Kivu’s vibrant waters and a shoreline filled with lush flora, diverse fauna and enchanting nature trails. There is also the opportunity to explore some of the many islands.

Napoleon (Nyamunini) island is the most popular. It may not be the largest but is one of the tallest with a 100m elevation, providing a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area. The name comes from its profile which resembles the historic hats worn by Napoleon and the European army at the end of the 18^th century. Being a conservation area, there is no development and it’s best known for its colony of straw-coloured fruit bats that spend their days resting in the trees. It’s a refuge for palm nut vultures, fish eagles, hammerkops and kingfishers and has great hiking trails that zig-zag across the island.

Monkey Island is one of the few islands where vervet monkeys can be found while Peace Island has rich and interesting bird species but, what remains the take-away memory, is the swimming cows! Cattle is highly prized and, from time to time, the local farmers let their cows swim to this island to graze.

Bugarura Island has a thriving farming community living the old traditional life, they seldom leave the island and there’s also Volcano island, created by a volcanic eruption.

Lake Kivu has clean water, there are no hippo or crocodiles, so it is safe for swimming and its shores are lined with sandy beaches.

Teach a man to fish

Lake Kivu is home to around 28 fish species, including the Lake Rukwa minnow, cichlid, sardine (colloquially called isambaza), tilapia as well as catfish and barbel. Lake Tanganika and Lake Kivu are the only lakes to have freshwater crabs, too.

It is the largest local source of fish in Rwanda, providing more than 20 000 tons per year and subsidising fish imports for animal protein. The fishery supports 500 000 people in Rwanda and the DRC.

Engage with local fishing communities and discover their traditional techniques – which include lighting oil lanterns to attract the fish – and hear the melodious sound of ancestral songs being sung at dusk while preparing their evening catch.

Coffee, Lake, Adventure

Tour the coffee facility and learn the history of coffee in Rwanda while you sample a cuppa, roasted from beans grown around the Kinunu region.

There are over 45 000 small growers who produce coffee all across Rwanda with Boneza – a single origin premium quality 100 % Arabica coffee – the leading brand.

Lake days are the best days

We are launching with a two and three night itinerary on the Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga, designed to allow you to embrace what lake life has to offer. Here is a sample.

The lake is good for the soul

Lake Kivu is not only the deepest in Africa at 480 meters but also clean and safe The area is an under explored destination – far from the hustle and bustle of life – offering a relaxing, luxurious lake lifestyle, surrounded by beautiful scenery, beaches and islands to explore. It’s close to Nyungwe Forest National Park and the Volcanoes National Park, making it an ideal and convenient stopover. A place to pause, to get lost in the serenity of the still waters.

Rules of the lake: Sleep. Read. Relax. Explore. Enjoy nature and make lasting memories.

The lake and the mountains have become my landscape, my real world