Description

Lake Kivu is surrounded by magnificent mountains and has deep emerald green waters. The lake covers a total surface area of 2,700 km and stands at a height of 1,460 meters above sea level.

About 110km from Kigali, the road to Karongi is paved and in good condition.

Karongi is one of the most relaxing and romantic places in Rwanda, and is an ideal place to enjoy lakeside recreation. A picturesque lakeside resort town, there are ample beaches with crystal clear water. Along with modern water sport facilities, traditional boats can be used for exciting nature discovery tours and authentic experiences within local Rwandan daily life. Visitors can take boat rides from many of the local hotels visiting Napoleon’s Island (home to a colony of fruit bats) and dine at the Amahoro Island restaurants and even go night fishing with locals

Adventure awaits at Karongi with opportunities to hike and bike the Congo Nile Trail, visit the Congo Nile Divide watershed, have a taste of the ‘crop to cup’ coffee and tea experiences within the local community, or visit the moving Bisesero Genocide Memorial with breathtaking views of the lake.

Attractions:

Amaharo Island

Amahoro Island is accessible on a boat trip and is a wonderful place to relax. There is a restuarant on the island and it’s possible to swim, play volleyball and camp, or talk a walk around teh rocky northern part of the island. Alternatively, a boat ride to Napolean’s Island will reveal a colony of thousands of fruit bats and a large number of birds.

Coffee and Tea Plantations

The high mountains, cool climate and rich volcanic soil result in the award winning quality of the Rwanda’s coffee and tea. Expereince the growing and production process at one of the many plantations found in the Karongi region. Visit the nursery to see the small saplings and then watch as the expert plantation workers delicately prune, pick, wash and dry the leaves and berries. After you’ve seen the hardwork and skill that goes into cofee and tea production, sit down and enjoy a tasting of tantalizing blends.

The best time to visit plantations is May to August.

Below is a list of some of the most well-recognized plantations in Karongi:

• Karongi Tea Factory
• Pfunda Tea Estate

Congo Nile Trail

The Congo Nile Trail is a trail along Lake Kivu that extends from Rubavu, continues through Rutsiro via the Karongi and Nyamasheke districts and ends at Rusizi District.

227 km (141 miles) of beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills and clear water. The entire trek can be completed in a 10- day hike. However, the trip can be done in sections if travelers do not have the time to complete the entire trail. Trails give stunning views of the Lake Kivu coastline and offer adventurous travelers an exciting way to discover Rwanda.

Biking the Congo Nile Trail can be completed in 5 days, with rich views and immersive cultural experiences along the way. This trail appeals to adventure travelers and is a great way to experience Rwanda. The trail can also be split up if visitors do not have the time to commit to the 5 day journey. However, it is an experience worth selling to those who crave an off the beaten path adventure. Rwanda’s caves date back 65 million years and lie withing the volcanic region where lava flow layers long ago created the Albertine Rift Valley.

Bisesero Genocide Memorial

One of the most moving and evocative of Rwanda’s genocide memorials, at Bisesero nine small builodings represent the nine communities that made up the province of Kibuye. This was the area that saw paerhaps the greatest resitsance to the genocide forces.

Rules & Regulations

Please check back for information on rules later.

Wildlife & Birds