Kivu

Region

The volcanic east on Lake Kivu. Virunga National Park has mountain gorillas and the Nyiragongo volcano, Kahuzi-Biega has eastern lowland gorillas, and Goma and Bukavu are lakeside cities. The region is affected by conflict: Check current travel advice before going.

Kivu Lake KivuLake EdwardRwenzori MountainsMount NyiragongoMount StanleyMount SabyinyoIdjwiMount BisokeMount MikenoMount SpekeItombwe MountainsTshibindaMay-Ya-MotoKinduGomaBukavuUviraLomami National ParkVirunga National ParkKahuzi-Biéga National ParkNyamuragiraButemboBeni

Kivu essentials

Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Driest months: Jun-Aug
Pay in: Franc (Fr)
Language: French

Where to Go in Kivu

City Goma GomaLakeside base for Nyiragongo and mountain gorillas City Kindu KinduEastern town on the Lualaba River City Uvira UviraCity in South Kivu with rich biodiversity City Butembo ButemboCity in North Kivu, DRC City Beni BeniCity in North Kivu, DRC, with conflict history Island Idjwi IdjwiLarge populated island in Lake Kivu Nature Lake Kivu Lake KivuRift Valley lake between DR Congo and Rwanda, methane-rich Nature Virunga National Park Virunga National ParkBiodiverse national park protecting mountain gorillas Nature Lake Edward Lake EdwardRift valley lake straddling Uganda and DR Congo Nature Rwenzori Mountains Rwenzori MountainsMountain range in East Africa with glaciated peaks Nature Mount Nyiragongo Mount NyiragongoActive Congolese volcano famed for persistent lava lake Nature Kahuzi-Biéga National Park Kahuzi-Biéga National ParkNational park protecting eastern lowland gorillas and rainforests
Regions & Cities
Kindu Explore Kindu Kindu feels like a river town built around the Lualaba: boatmen, market stalls and slow-moving trade. Goma Explore Goma Goma sits on Lake Kivu beneath Nyiragongo; climbers tackle the volcano, guides run Virunga treks, and lakeside cafés offer view-heavy respites for those not summiting. Explore Bukavu Set on Lake Kivu’s shore, Bukavu combines dusty markets and lakeside cafés with access to Kahuzi-Biega’s gorillas, volcanic hills, and boat crossings to islands where fishermen mend nets at dusk. Uvira Explore Uvira On Lake Tanganyika’s western shore, Uvira draws people for its fishing ports, palm-lined beaches, cross-border markets and boat rides toward Burundi - lakeside stalls sell grilled fish and regional staples. Lomami National Park Explore Lomami National Park Lomami National Park in Maniema protects rainforest and river mosaics; researchers and guided expeditions study endemic species and conduct wildlife surveys along the Lomami River. Virunga National Park Explore Virunga National Park DRC’s Virunga National Park contains active volcanoes, montane forests and one of Africa’s last mountain gorilla populations. Kahuzi-Biéga National Park Explore Kahuzi-Biéga National Park Kahuzi-Biéga National Park in South Kivu protects eastern lowland gorillas across montane and lowland rainforest; wildlife viewing and research expeditions bring scientists and guided treks to the region. Nyamuragira Explore Nyamuragira An active shield volcano in North Kivu, Nyamuragira attracts volcanologists and adventurous travelers interested in lava flows, fumaroles and remote African highland landscapes near Virunga.

Kivu at a Glance

Local Time
1:52 AM
GMT+2
Population
18,070,100

Best Things to Do in Kivu