About us
Visit Kivu is a community-rooted tourism initiative founded and coordinated by the Bwishyura Kivu Boat Cooperative (BKBC) in Karongi District, Western Rwanda.
The cooperative consists of local boat captains, tour guides, and community members who have been operating tours across Lake Kivu’s islands and destinations for over 15 years. Formalized as a cooperative in 2017, the group expanded its vision in 2025 to create Visit Kivu, a platform dedicated to sustainable eco-cultural tourism.
By combining local knowledge, hospitality expertise, and environmental responsibility, Visit Kivu offers visitors a deeper and more authentic way to explore Rwanda’s Lake Kivu region. Our objectives are to promote sustainable tourism across Lake Kivu’s islands, create opportunities for local communities through tourism, preserve cultural heritage and traditional knowledge, protect the region’s biodiversity and natural ecosystems, and ensure safe, professional, and high-quality visitor experiences.
Mission
To empower local communities through sustainable eco-cultural tourism while protecting the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Lake Kivu.
Vision
To position the Lake Kivu region as one of Africa’s leading eco-tourism destinations while ensuring tourism directly benefits local communities.
Our Team
Visit Kivu operates through a dedicated network of professionals and community members who bring deep local knowledge and hospitality expertise to every experience. Our team includes professional boat captains, certified tour guides, cultural storytellers, hospitality professionals, community coordinators, and environmental advocates. Together, they ensure every visitor enjoys an authentic, safe, and meaningful experience while exploring the beauty and culture of Lake Kivu.