Things to see and do Western Province

Since 2020, and for twenty years, Nyungwe National Park is managed by the NGO African Parks (as is Akagera). Visitor permits can be purchased at the park office (credit cards accepted), but it is always advisable to make a reservation in advance (by e-mail). It is always advisable to make a reservation in advance (by e-mail). You should also inquire about the departure times of the different trails. Bring a raincoat, as it often rains in the Nyungwe forest, good walking shoes and ideally even waterproof gaiters. A negative PCR-Covid test is required for chimpanzee treks.

Lake Kivu can be discovered in different ways:

The easiest : board a small motorboat and go to Nyamunini Island, to admire the myriads of bats while tasting guavas. This small island is also nicknamed "Napoleon Island" because it is shaped like his hat. The ascent takes only 30 minutes. The view from the top is sublime. You can also stop on Amahoro Island, where it is unfortunately no longer possible to camp. It is necessary to count approximately 35 000 Frw per hour for a simple motorboat between 8 and 12 places. The price depends on the distance traveled (price of oil). Departures are usually on the small bay in front of the Environment Museum. The Ames Boat & Tours agency can also organize excursions at low prices.

The most enchanting: Iliza Houseboat. You stay on the boat and wake up between Rwanda and Congo, between water and sky, surrounded by the sweet melody of the fishermen. It is also possible to reserve the Iliza boat for a few hours, half a day or a day (+250 788 300 630).

The most sporty: rent a kayak to meet the fishermen or the rural communities living on the lake's shores, or to get excited about the magnificent birds nesting on the islets (www.kingfisherjourneys.com). Also in Gisenyi.

Lake Kivu is a real inland sea of extraordinary beauty, surrounded by green hills and dotted with small islands. With a surface area of 2,700 km2 and a depth of up to 485 m, the lake stretches between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, wedged in the middle of a volcanic chain culminating at 1,400 m in altitude. Three towns, known as "seaside resorts", line the shoreline: Rubavu (Gisenyi), Karongi (Kibuye) and Rusizi (Cyangugu). They are linked by a panoramic road that winds through the hills, between tea and coffee plantations, forests and rice fields. Gisenyi is the most developed of the three towns, and certainly the most touristic. Numerous waterfront establishments compete to offer the best view and the most comfortable seats. The stroll along this inland sea offers its share of encounters. It's a bit like the Croisette without the snobs (or "the African Saint-Tropez", as RDB puts it). The banks are very clean, especially if you compare them with neighboring Goma, whose inhabitants cross the border to come and relax or have fun in Rubavu! The atmosphere is, it must be said, without showing off, friendly and relaxed. If you want to soak up this unique border atmosphere, Gisenyi is a must. In the last few years, there have been more and more places to go out and enjoy Lake Kivu and its beautiful sunsets.

Testimony of Jean-Louis Claessen: " It is 13 hours when you arrive, beautiful coast to reach the village, everything is done on the backs of man or woman, meeting of a Congolese teacher who is asked where the bats are, crossing part of the island. There are houses everywhere, a young person accompanies us and a lot of children, we reach the forest and we recognize the noise of the bats, which we observe with our binoculars. After an hour and full of photos, we give a little money to our guide and we pick up the boat around, to find our taxi-bike. '»»»»