Karongi district is a popular destination for local and international visitors as it is the most quickly accessible resort town from Kigali. The capital of Karongi is Rubengera, but the district also contains Kibuye, the Provincial capital and a major Rwandan lakeside resort.

Karongi Islands

Karongi islands and peninsulars

There are 16 islands in the Karongi district, 5 around kibuye.

The Nyakarwa peninsula, a small peninsula on Lake Kivu with good birding opportunities, the foot path is easy to locate and starts just behind the western province’s office, in Bwishura sector. It’s a lovely recreational walk along a foot path beside the lake.

The kibuye footpath is currently being developed become the major tourism attraction in the district. The site offers a diversity of activities such as; lakeside walking, swimming, birding, camping, attractions for children and picnic site with barbecue facilities.

Munini Island or napoleon’s island, said to be shaped like Napoleon’s hat is home to a colony of fruit bats and supports a large number of birds.

The Amahoro Island, privately owned, and surrounded by several islands, the Amahoro Island is amongst 16 Karongi district islands and is being developed as a tourism attraction. It offers camping facilities, a bar restaurant, swimming and an island boat tour boat. It is well situated for birding and water sport activities.

Mpembe Peninsular Footpath is a 4 km nature walk. The Peninsular is accessible by boat from Kibuye. Although privately owned, it’s a tourism site which offers camping facilities and it is also a good birding area.

Mpembe Island is accessible by boat from Kibuye, to this beautiful Lake Kivu Island which connects by a bridge to the Mpembe peninsula.

Boat trips;

The Lake Kivu bluebird boats are easily recognizable wooden transport boats. Colorfully painted blue and white, Boats carry from 10 to 15 people and offers affordable price for a Lake Kivu Island boat tour. This cooperative is looking to develop as income generating tourism attraction.