The Great Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu, situated within the Albertine Rift, forms one of the African Great Lakes.
Spanning the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda,
it is positioned within the western branch of the East African Rift.
Flowing southward from Lake Kivu, the Ruzizi River serves as its outlet, eventually merging with Lake Tanganyika.
ABOUT LAKE KIVU
Location: Lake Kivu is situated between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. It forms part of the border between these two countries.
Size: It is the sixth largest lake in Africa by surface area, covering approximately 2,700 square kilometers (1,040 square miles).
Depth: Lake Kivu is one of the deepest lakes in the world, with maximum depths reaching around 480 meters (1,575 feet).
Volume: It contains an estimated 300 cubic kilometers (72 cubic miles) of water, making it one of the twenty deepest lakes in the world by volume.
Freshwater Lake: Despite its immense depth, Lake Kivu is a freshwater lake. It's one of only three known exploding lakes in the world, meaning it contains dissolved gases that can pose a risk of sudden release if disturbed.
Methane and Carbon Dioxide: Lake Kivu is renowned for its significant reserves of methane and carbon dioxide dissolved in its deep waters. These gases are produced by the lake's volcanic activity and the decomposition of organic matter.
Unique Ecosystem: The lake supports a diverse ecosystem, including various fish species such as tilapia and sardines. However, the deep waters are mostly devoid of oxygen, limiting the habitable zones for many aquatic organisms.
Geothermal Potential: Due to the presence of methane and carbon dioxide, Lake Kivu has attracted interest for its potential as a source of geothermal energy. Methods such as gas extraction and methane harvesting have been proposed to harness this energy while mitigating the risk of gas release.
Tourism and Recreation: Lake Kivu's scenic beauty and pleasant climate make it a popular destination for tourists. Activities such as boat cruises, fishing, and lakeside resorts attract visitors to the area.
Visit Lake Kivu
Plan your tour around Lake Kivu, and experience it's stunning beauty in person.