5 Days Kivu Shoreline Markhamia lutea Tree-Planting Safari from Kigali to Karongi

Lake Kivu is one of Rwanda’s most scenic destinations, with beautiful islands, green hills, fishing communities and peaceful lakeside settlements. Karongi, also known as Kibuye, is an attractive destination along the central shoreline, offering opportunities for boat excursions, cultural experiences, nature exploration and relaxation beside the lake.

This five-day safari begins in Kigali and travels west to Karongi. The journey introduces you to Rwanda’s rolling countryside before reaching the shores of Lake Kivu. You will enjoy an extended stay around Karongi, combining tree planting, lakeside exploration, community visits and boat excursions.

The conservation programme features six tree species: Markhamia lutea, Ficus thonningii, Erythrina abyssinica, Grevillea robusta, Cordia africana and Albizia gummifera. These trees provide different ecological and practical benefits, including shade, timber, soil improvement, food for wildlife and support for sustainable community livelihoods. The planting activity will take place at an agreed community or conservation site where local conditions support the selected species.

The safari returns to Kigali at the end of the experience, making it suitable for travellers who want to explore Lake Kivu while participating in a practical environmental conservation activity.

Tree species featured in the planting programme

Markhamia lutea – Nile tulip tree

Main uses: Its timber is used for construction and household purposes. Farmers also value it for firewood, bean stakes, shade and traditional medicinal uses.

Why plant it? This indigenous tree can contribute to farm productivity and soil conservation. Its attractive flowers provide nectar for pollinators, making it useful in suitable agroforestry and restoration settings.

Planted at: Selected community and agroforestry sites around Karongi.

Ficus thonningii – Common wild fig

Main uses: The tree provides shade, fodder, firewood and materials for traditional uses. Its fruits are an important food source for birds and other wildlife.

Why plant it? Fig trees support biodiversity by providing food and shelter for wildlife. Their extensive root systems can also help stabilise suitable soils and contribute to vegetation restoration.

Planted at: Selected community and conservation planting sites around Karongi.

Erythrina abyssinica – Lucky bean tree

Main uses: Communities use the tree for traditional medicine, timber and other household purposes. Its flowers attract pollinators, while its leaves contribute organic matter to the soil.

Why plant it? As a leguminous tree, it can contribute to soil improvement. It also provides habitat and food resources for wildlife when planted in suitable locations.

Planted at: Selected community and agroforestry sites around Karongi.

Grevillea robusta – Silver oak

Main uses: The tree is widely planted for timber, poles, firewood and shade. Farmers also use it in agroforestry systems, including around coffee and other crops.

Why plant it? Grevillea can provide useful farm products and shade when properly managed. It is an introduced species in East Africa, so it should be planted selectively where local forestry guidance recommends it rather than replacing indigenous vegetation.

Planted at: Selected farm and agroforestry sites around Karongi.

Cordia africana – Sudan teak

Main uses: Its timber is valued for furniture, joinery and other woodworking. The tree also provides shade and supports local biodiversity.

Why plant it? Cordia africana is a valuable indigenous tree with ecological and economic benefits. Planting it can support long-term tree cover and provide future resources for communities when harvested sustainably.

Planted at: Selected community and agroforestry sites around Karongi.

Albizia gummifera – Forest long-pod albizia

Main uses: The tree is valued for timber, shade and its contribution to soil improvement. Its leaves provide organic matter, while its canopy offers habitat for wildlife.

Why plant it? As a leguminous tree, Albizia gummifera can contribute to soil fertility. It is useful in suitable agroforestry and restoration settings, where it can help improve vegetation cover and support local livelihoods.

Planted at: Selected community and agroforestry sites around Karongi.

Day 1: Kigali to Karongi, scenic drive to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, meet your safari guide in Kigali and begin the journey towards Karongi in Rwanda’s Western Province. The drive takes you through rolling hills, cultivated landscapes and rural settlements, offering a glimpse of everyday life outside the capital.

Make stops along the way for photographs, refreshments and short visits to local markets where time allows. As you approach Lake Kivu, enjoy the changing scenery of green hills, winding roads and wide views across the water.

Arrive in Karongi in the afternoon and check in at your lakeside accommodation. Spend some time relaxing, enjoying the views or taking a short walk along the waterfront.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at your lodge and prepare for the following day’s activities.

Accommodation: Budget, mid-range or luxury lodge in Karongi.

Meals: Lunch and dinner.

Day 2: Tree planting and community conservation around Karongi

After breakfast, travel to the selected community planting site around Karongi. Meet the local project coordinator and community representatives, who will introduce the conservation programme and explain the importance of planting suitable tree species.

Learn about the six selected trees: Markhamia lutea, Ficus thonningii, Erythrina abyssinica, Grevillea robusta, Cordia africana and Albizia gummifera. The planting team will explain their uses, environmental benefits and preferred growing conditions.

Receive a demonstration on preparing planting holes, handling seedlings, positioning roots and filling the soil correctly. You will then participate in planting the selected trees under the guidance of the local team.

The activity will also cover seedling protection, watering, mulching and long-term monitoring. These steps help improve survival rates and ensure that the trees continue growing after the planting day.

Enjoy lunch before visiting a nearby community. Meet local residents involved in farming, environmental activities or tourism and learn how trees contribute to household needs, soil protection and sustainable livelihoods.

Return to your accommodation in the afternoon for relaxation beside Lake Kivu.

Accommodation: Budget, mid-range or luxury lodge in Karongi.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 3: Lake Kivu boat excursion and island exploration

After breakfast, head to the lakeshore for a guided boat excursion on Lake Kivu. Karongi is known for its islands, peaceful bays and beautiful views across the water.

Visit selected islands according to the agreed boat route, weather and available time. Enjoy the scenery and learn about local fishing activities and the communities that depend on the lake.

Look out for birds along the shoreline and around the islands. You may encounter kingfishers, herons, egrets, African fish eagles and other water-associated species.

Return to Karongi for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the waterfront, relaxing at your accommodation or visiting selected local attractions.

In the evening, enjoy dinner overlooking the lake and spend another night in Karongi.

Accommodation: Budget, mid-range or luxury lodge in Karongi.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 4: Community experiences, kayaking and shoreline exploration

After breakfast, spend the day exploring more of the Karongi shoreline and its surrounding communities. Begin with a guided visit to a local community initiative, where you can learn about livelihoods, traditional activities, farming and tourism.

Depending on local arrangements, visit a coffee-growing community or a small processing facility to understand how coffee is produced around Lake Kivu. You may also explore local craft activities and learn about products made by community artisans.

After lunch, enjoy an optional kayaking excursion or a relaxed lakeside walk. Kayaking provides an opportunity to appreciate the lake from a different perspective while enjoying views of the surrounding hills.

You can also use the afternoon to revisit the tree-planting site, check the newly planted seedlings and learn about the community’s plans for watering and protecting them.

Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Budget, mid-range or luxury lodge in Karongi.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 5: Karongi to Kigali and departure

Enjoy breakfast overlooking Lake Kivu before checking out of your accommodation. Depending on your departure schedule, take a final walk along the shoreline or spend some time enjoying the lake views.

Begin the return journey to Kigali through Rwanda’s western countryside. Stop for refreshments and photographs along the way where appropriate.

Arrive in Kigali in the afternoon and transfer to Kigali International Airport or your preferred hotel. If your flight departs later, you may arrange a short city visit before departure.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

Optional Activities

Kayaking on Lake Kivu: Explore quiet sections of the shoreline by kayak and enjoy views of the surrounding hills and islands.

Additional island boat trips: Arrange a longer excursion to explore more of Lake Kivu and learn about fishing communities.

Coffee experiences: Visit a coffee-growing community or processing facility to learn about local coffee production.

Cultural visits: Meet local residents and learn about traditional activities, food, crafts and everyday life around Karongi.

Birdwatching: Explore the shoreline and nearby vegetation in search of waterbirds and other local species.

Sunset relaxation: Enjoy the changing colours of the sky over Lake Kivu from your lodge or a suitable lakeside location.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Karongi from Kigali?

Karongi is approximately 135 to 150 kilometres from Kigali by road, depending on the route and starting point. The journey generally takes around three to four hours, although traffic, road conditions and stops can affect travel time.

What makes Karongi a good Lake Kivu destination?

Karongi offers attractive lakeside scenery, islands, peaceful bays, boat excursions and opportunities to interact with local communities. It is suitable for travellers looking for a relaxed experience combining nature, culture and water-based activities.

What happens during the tree-planting activity?

You receive an introduction to the selected tree species, learn how to handle seedlings and prepare planting holes, and participate in planting. The local team also explains how to protect and monitor the seedlings after planting.

Can I plant all six tree species?

Planting all six species depends on seedling availability and the suitability of the selected site. The local project team should assess soil conditions, moisture levels, spacing and habitat requirements before deciding where each tree will be planted.

Is Grevillea robusta indigenous to Rwanda?

No. Grevillea robusta is an introduced species in East Africa. It is commonly used in agroforestry, but it should be planted selectively where local forestry guidance recommends it. Indigenous species should remain central to projects focused on restoring native vegetation.

Can I swim in Lake Kivu?

Swimming is possible in suitable areas of Lake Kivu. Follow local guidance, use recognised swimming areas and check water and weather conditions before entering the lake.

Is the boat excursion included?

The boat excursion can be included in the package when confirmed during booking. The route, duration and island stops depend on local arrangements and weather conditions.

Is this safari suitable for families?

Yes. Families can enjoy boat excursions, community visits, tree planting and lakeside activities. The schedule can be adjusted to suit children’s ages and interests.

What should I pack for this safari?

Bring comfortable outdoor clothing, closed shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a reusable water bottle. A light jacket is useful for cooler evenings. Work gloves and a camera can also be helpful during the tree-planting activity.