Travel Guide Île D’idjwi

Legend has it that, in the past, it was used as a refuge for unwanted mothers. It is also considered to be the domain of snakes. This is the world's largest lake island - 50 km long and 30 km wide - with no cars, only a few motorcycle cabs, no electricity and no water supply. The island has thus remained relatively unspoilt, with interesting biodiversity and birdlife, and a village of Pygmies producing pottery.Idjwi Island is located in the middle of Lake Kivu between Goma and Bukavu. It is an archipelago made up of a main entity that has given its name to some fifteen islets. The main island offers a beautiful landscape with indented coasts and a rugged relief featuring mountain massifs and hills interspersed with steep-sided valleys. With a surface area of 310 km² and an estimated population of 200,000, Idjwi is one of the most densely populated rural areas in the country. Idjwi has the distinction of having been relatively untouched by the war in Kivu. Except for the arrival of 40,000 Rwandan Hutus in 1994, fleeing their country's troubles and taking refuge on the island, with disastrous consequences for the central forest.Among the sites to visit are several old residences, local markets and various plantations (pineapples, bananas, manioc...). You can also visit the secondary islets. But apart from the superb scenery, it's also to contemplate this unique reservoir of biodiversity made up of primary forests that we come here and have the chance to observe animals. Electricity is regularly unavailable in Idjwi, so be sure to bring flashlights..