基伍湖坐落在卢旺达与刚果民主共和国交界处,这片面积约2700平方公里的高山湖泊海拔达1460米。不同于非洲其他动辄暗藏鳄鱼或河马的淡水湖,基伍湖因其深水层富含高浓度二氧化碳和甲烷,大型掠食动物无法生存,这让它成为东非少数可以放心下水游泳的安全湖泊。从首都基里加(Kigali)驱车向西大约三到四个小时,就能抵达这片被卢旺达人视为避暑后花园的清凉之地。
鲁巴武(Rubavu)过去常被称为吉塞尼(Gisenyi),它是基伍湖最成熟的旅游门户。这里的湖岸线散布着红顶的殖民风格别墅和棕榈树,氛围很像地中海。比起安静的休养,这里更适合喜欢烟火气的旅行者。镇上坐落着卢旺达最大的啤酒厂,空气里有时会飘着淡淡的麦芽香。如果你想找点野趣,可以去镇郊的尼亚米龙戈(Nyamyumba)热泉,当地居民常在富含矿物质的水池里泡澡,这里的天然地热甚至能煮熟鸡蛋。住在鲁巴武最方便的一点是交通,这里有密集的公共巴士往返基加利,单程票价通常在3500到4000卢旺达法郎之间。
要是追求极致的视觉景观,直接去卡隆吉(Karongi)绝对没错。这里的地形比鲁巴武更崎岖,湖岸线被无数绿色的小山包切割成曲折的港湾。这里最出名的是湖上的离岛体验。你可以租一艘机动木船前往拿破仑岛(Napoleon Island),因为岛的形状神似拿破仑那顶著名的帽子而得名。徒步爬到岛顶大约需要二十分钟,沿途你会惊扰到成千上万只果蝠,它们成群结队遮天蔽日飞出的景象非常壮观。从卡隆吉码头包船出海,一小时的价格通常在20000卢旺达法郎左右,具体的还得看你的砍价功力。
基伍湖最动人的时刻不在白天而在黄昏。每天傍晚五六点钟,当地渔民会划着特有的三连体木船(Sambaza boats)成群结队出湖。这种船由三根长木梁连接,非常平稳。为了吸引小银鱼,渔民们会点起明亮的煤油灯,并伴着有节奏的口号合唱。那种浑厚的男声在空旷的水面上产生回响,哪怕你听不懂歌词,也能感受到那种原始的生命力。你可以联系当地向导安排傍晚的皮划艇跟随行程,近距离观察他们如何利用长竿挂网,这种捕捞方式已经延续了上百年。
如果你是户外爱好者,全长227公里的刚果尼罗河小径(Congo Nile Trail)是基伍湖给出的最高礼遇。这条路径北起鲁巴武,南至鲁西济,全程穿越咖啡林、茶园和无数不知名的小村庄。完成全程徒步大约需要十天,但大多数人会选择骑行或者截取其中风景最美的一段。说真的,清晨六点半出发时山区的雾气重到得抱着热咖啡暖手,但当太阳升起,左手是蔚蓝湖水,右手是翠绿茶垄时,那种视觉冲击力会让你觉得脚底的酸痛都值了。沿途有很多教会开办的招待所,住宿价格非常亲民,通常一晚只要15000卢旺达法郎左右。
基伍湖终年气候凉爽,但在雨季(通常是3月到5月)山区路况会变得湿滑且大雾弥漫,这会严重影响观湖的视线。最佳的游玩时间是6月到9月的长旱季,此时湖面平静如镜,非常适合划船或进行水上运动。即便在旱季,早晚温差也很大,建议带一件防风抓绒衣,特别是当你打算参加日出巡航的时候。
在鲁巴武或卡隆吉的岸边,会有很多年轻人主动上来搭讪推销船游行程。不要急着答应第一家报价,去码头官方售票点看看基准价再谈。另外,基伍湖盛产生命力极强的小银鱼(Sambaza),一定要在湖边的餐厅尝试一下油炸做法,配上当地产的Virunga啤酒非常地道。大多数餐厅点一份两人份的小银鱼拼盘大概需要8000卢旺达法郎,这比在酒店里吃西餐要划算且有趣得多。
基伍湖确实非常安全,是东非极少数没有鳄鱼和河马滋扰的淡水湖。这主要是因为湖水深度极大,最深处达480米,且底层水域充满了二氧化碳和甲烷,不适合大型水生动物生存。只要是在正规度假村附近的指定水域,水质清澈,非常适合游泳或划皮划艇。
去基加利的尼亚布贡戈(Nyabugogo)长途巴士站,找前往Rubavu或Karongi的巴士公司,如Ritco或Virunga Express。每小时都有班次,车程约3.5小时,票价不到4美元。买票时记得认准正规窗口,不要理会车站外面拉客的私家车司机,以免被乱收费。
虽然基伍湖被科学家称为“爆炸湖”,蕴藏着约650亿立方米的甲烷,但这种大规模湖底喷发是非常罕见的自然现象,且目前卢旺达政府建有专门的KivuWatt电厂在持续抽取并转化甲烷发电。对普通游客来说,在湖面游玩没有任何安全隐患,你甚至可以参观岸边的甲烷发电设施了解这项黑科技。
前往拿破仑岛必须包船,建议穿防滑的徒步鞋,因为岛上的土路在树荫下比较潮湿。最关键的是不要尝试去触摸或捕捉果蝠,虽然它们看起来很壮观,但作为野生动物仍有携带病毒的风险。另外,岛顶没有遮阳设施,中午去的话记得带足饮用水并做好防晒。
如果你只是想在岸边听听声音,不需要预约。但如果你想乘船靠近或者划皮划艇加入他们,建议提前一天联系当地的旅游合作社。通常下午4点半左右在码头集合出发是最合适的,因为渔民们会在落日余晖中准时出航,错过这段时间就只能在黑暗中看灯火了。
Fau “Flower” Beautiful lake that is divided between Congo and Rwanda. It's surrounded by magnificent mountains. Lake Kivu is one of three lakes in the world, along with Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun, that undergo limnic eruptions (where overturn of deepwater stratified layers releases dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2). The lake's bottom also contains methane (CH4). There are great and beautiful hotels along the shores of the lake and most of them with amazing views of the lake and mountains.
Tuan Niffan Sayar My visit to Lake Kivu left me captivated by its breathtaking beauty and serene ambiance. The expansive stretch of crystal-clear water against the backdrop of lush hills created a picturesque scene that felt almost surreal. The tranquility of Lake Kivu provided a peaceful escape, offering a moment of respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The surrounding landscapes, dotted with charming villages, added a touch of authenticity to the experience. Exploring the lakeside, I discovered a vibrant local community engaged in fishing and various water activities. The warmth and friendliness of the people enhanced the overall visit, creating a sense of connection with the culture and traditions of the region. The safety and cleanliness of Lake Kivu were commendable, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and outdoor activities. Whether enjoying a leisurely boat ride or simply sitting by the shore, the lake's allure is undeniable. Lake Kivu stands as a natural gem, inviting visitors to appreciate the wonders of Rwanda's landscape. For those seeking a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature's beauty, Lake Kivu is a must-visit destination, offering a serene and unforgettable experience.
Andi Hoppe Paradise on Earth. Do an overnight cruise with the houseboat Iliza, and you will understand that Lake Kivu, especially near Kibuye, is an amazing place.
home cares times ltd Beautiful areas to make a tourist ,sun sets, sun shine, blue monkeys 🐒 Island, napoleon center of kivu lake Island ,more hotels and lodge
BACAMUVYUMA Eraste A breathtaking destination for tourists.It is amazing to see the Lake as it is calm,good for swimming And relaxation. Reaching there,your stress is taken away and you begin enjoying and contemplating the beauty of scenery.