Rwanda's largest freshwater lake, Kivu is a busy source of fishing for the local communities and although the ports are not as busy as in colonial times, there are gorgeous views and scenery and it's a great place to relax between more strenous primate tracking activities or safari in Rwanda.
Just an hours drive from the gorilla tracking base of Ruhengeri by road, Gisenyi is the most northerly port on the lake and an interesting small town. It is split into the upper and lower town, the first being a set of busy rounds around a central market and the latter more spaced out with collections of banks, old colonial houses and hotels. Several hotels and guest houses border the lake shore. The waterfront with the red sandy beaches are a lovely mix of palm lined roads and old architectural styles. With looks similar to a West African backwater town, it is not as humid as it sits at 1500m altitude making it a comfortable climate. There are interesting birds along the lake shore and a short walk away Rubona port has great views and you can explore in a dugout canoe traditional style if you prefer. Gisenyi is also home to the Imbabazi Orphanage which was started in 1994 to shelter orphans of the genocide, which is a fantastic project and one which has a great success story.