KIVU QUEEN UBURANGA

Rwanda

The up-and-coming luxury travel destination that is Rwanda has no lack of luxury lodges – with even more planned in the coming years – but here’s an anomaly that’s worth a visit. A short drive from the capital Kigali, Lake Kivu has long been a summertime oasis for locals. Now, visitors can cruise the 90km freshwater lake on this 10-cabin luxury houseboat. It offers the little luxuries you need; there’s a swimming pool, viewing deck with hot tub and a wellness centre. The boat will dock periodically on the coast of the lake, where staff will take you on chimp trekking, guided hikes and bird-watching jaunts. You can also try teas and coffees grown locally by cooperatives on the steep hilly terrain.

The luxury houseboat will will dock periodically on the coast of the lake, where staff will take you on chimp trekking, guided hikes and bird-watching jaunts.

Lake Kivu is said to be one of the few freshwater lakes in Africa that is free from hippos and crocodiles.