Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
grey
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
800 m
Frequently asked questions
Rubavu Public Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, average temperature +24.0°C, warms up to +26.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Rubavu Public Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.2 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Rubavu Public Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Rubavu Public Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — grey. Texture — medium. Beach length — 800 metres.
Rubavu Public Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in June, July. It ends in September, October. The best month for a holiday is July. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Rubavu Public Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are unlikely. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Rubavu Public Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: None (Lake Kivu is free of crocodiles, hippos and bilharzia). We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Rubavu Public Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, Wi-Fi, kids playground, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Rubavu Public Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Rubavu Public Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Waterfront Restaurants. Cuisines available: Local. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Rubavu Public Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Cash, First aid kit.
Rubavu Public Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to September. The water is especially calm in the morning, and sunsets over the lake are especially beautiful. The beach is lively on weekends.
Rubavu Public Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Leaving litter on the beach is prohibited. Swimming is safe, Lake Kivu is free of bilharzia.
Rubavu Public Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Rubavu Public Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families, couples and locals seeking a lively public beach with developed infrastructure. Not suitable for lovers of silence and solitude.
Rubavu Public Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Rubavu Public Beach is the only public beach in Rwanda and one of the most developed on Lake Kivu. The beach is part of a lively waterfront with restaurants, bars and hotels, and a departure point for boat trips to Napoleon Island.
Rubavu Public Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Only public beach in Rwanda, Grey volcanic sand, Clear water, Developed infrastructure, Lively atmosphere, Beautiful sunsets. Cons: Can be crowded, Noisy, Limited natural shade.
Rubavu Public Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Napoleon Island, Lake Kivu, Rubavu Waterfront. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Rubavu Public Beach: how do I get to the city of Rubavu?
The beach is located near the city of Rubavu. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Rubavu.