There are 16 Islands in Karongi district, five of which are situated around Kibuye. In simple terms, an island is a mass of land surrounded by water. The Islands on Lake kivu include;
Munini Island, this is also known as Napoleon’s Island. It is said to be sharp like Napoleon’s hat. This Island is a home to colony of fruit bats and supports a large number of birds.
Mpembe Island is reached by boat from kibuye. This beautiful Lake Kivu Island is connected by a bridge to the Mpembe peninsula.
The Amahoro Island. This Island is privately owed and surrounded other many Islands. The Island is has been developed as a tourism attraction and today, it offers camping facilities, a bar of restaurant, swimming among others. It is suitable for birding and water sport activities.
There are also peninsulas like Mpembe which is a 4 km nature walk. It can easily be accessed by boat from Kibuye. Mpembe peninsula footpath is privately owned but it is a tourism site which offers camping facilities and birds’ sanctuary.
More so is Nyakarwa peninsula, this is good for birding and a lovely recreational walk along a footpath beside the lake. Touring Islands on Lake Kivu can be done while on boat cruising. If you want to visit Karongi islands on Lake Kivu while on your safari in Rwanda, please request your travel agent and they will organize this for you. For instrance, African Jungle Adventures Limited, the No.1 Gorilla safari company will arrange this for you. Contact them on Email: info@rwandagorillatrekking.com, Tel: +256 773 728141 / +256 701 728141.
