Separating Rwanda and the DRC, Lake Kivu is a blissful expanse of water fringed by tropical forest. 

A brilliant five-day hiking route has been set up along the lakeshore, taking you between villages that are not connected by road. It’s a true immersion in African village life, far away from other tourists. 

Although an easy hike it’s not for the faint hearted and there isn’t any luxury accommodation along the way. Instead, do this expertly guided trek if you want to seek out the warm heart of Central Africa. 

There are options to make the hike shorter. Even two days is a wonderful insight into tradition and local life.