Kibuye.
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Overview

Kibuye is a city in western Rwanda on the shore of Lake Kivu — the surrounding area offers some stunning views of the lake. The new name is Karongi, most people still call it Kibuye though.

Understand

Kibuye is one of the districts with the least population density of 334 inhabitants per square kilometre (870/sq mi) as of 2012 census.

Tourism is one of the main economic sectors of Kibuye. Kibuye's location near Lake Kivu, the beautiful scenery and its many islands are the main draws. There are many resort and hotels which have been built outside the town of Kibuye, most on the shores of Lake Kivu.

Get in

When coming from Kigali, the section of the direct NR15 road from Muhanga is undergoing the much needed extensive reconstruction (as of 2023). The NR11 from Cyangugu to the south is in good condition (as of 2021).

Capital bus line runs from Kigali to Kibuye and back every hour on the hour. The trip will take you about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

1. Onatracom runs a bus from Gisenyi to Kibuye most everyday. The bus is extremely crowded and you often won't get a seat. The ride takes around 5 hours. From Gisenyi, the bus leaves at around 07:30. Get there well ahead of time if you want to have a seat.

2. A second bus line, Zam Zamu, runs a camper-bus looking bus service between Gisenyi and Kibuye. It is smaller and more comfortable than the Onatracom. The trip takes roughly the same amount of time though.

It is supposedly possible to catch a ride from Gisenyi to Kibuye on the boat (Primus boat). This fleet of boats will run whenever there is a need to transport beverages from the Bralirwa bottling facility in La Brasserie (Gisenyi) to either Kibuye or Cyangugu.

There is a ferry from Kibuye going to Gisenyi. The ferry departs every Tuesday and Friday at 12:00. There is also a ferry from Kibuye going to Cyangugu. The ferry departs every Wednesday and Sunday at 10:00.

Get around

Walking or taking a moto (motorcycle or scooter) are your options.

From Kibuye town to KHI Nyamishaba - college campus with good internet and computers - 400 RWF.

See

One of the most popular islands to visit in Karongi is Napoleon Island; a large island which is popular for hiking and for viewing one of Africa's largest colonies of straw-colored fruit bats which resides on the Island. Other islands in Karongi are Monkey Island which has a small population of vervet monkeys, and Amahoro or Peace Island which used to have a camping site. Aerial view of Bethany Hotel B in Karongi Night fishing is another popular pastime in Karongi. At night, fishermen sail on three wooden boats bound together by smaller poles and use gas lanterns to lure small Isambaza or Tanganyika sardines into their nets. Some fishermen allow tourists and other visitors to join them on their boats. Visit the Genocide Memorial and Catholic Church at Home Saint Jean. The Museum of Environment

Bisesero Genocide Memorial. Since 2023, it's one of four memorials making up the Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero.

Do

Boat ride around Lake Kivu. Some take you to small nearby islands from where you can enjoy a nice view and see some monkeys. Please do not feed them.

If you are not afraid of bilharzia, go swimming at the very small beach at the Moriah Hotel or across the street from Golf Eden Rock Hotel. The swimming is for free if you order something. Go swimming anywhere for that matter. Just take a walk around and enjoy the views of the lake, distant volcanoes, and many birds. Visit the genocide memorial and Catholic church at the Home Saint Jean Hotel.

Learn

The Kigali Health Institute (KHI) has its smaller campus located in a part of Kibuye called Nyamishaba. The school offers the best internet access in town and the computers and internet are available for a nominal fee.

Buy

There is a local market everyday in Kibuye town. You can find local produce, used clothing, and lots of things from China.

If you are looking for more exotic (expensive) things — bread, spices, snickers, potato chips, etc. — go to the shops at the two gas stations in town. It is assumed that people who can pay for gas can also pay for expensive things.

There are some ATMs in town. Bank of Kigali have a machine that accepts all the common card types.

Eat

All hotels have a restaurant with decent food. Again, eating at the hotels will be more expensive than eating in Kibuye town at a local establishment. Prices range from FRw 2,000 to 10,000.

Normally there is a lunch buffet available at some restaurants in town.

Drink

If you go into town you can find a number of local bars offering local prices for local beers - mainly Primus, Mutzig, Skoal and Turbo King.

Beers: Mutzig: FRw 800 Primus: FRw 600 Skoal: FRw 800 Turbo King: 1000

Sleep

Budget Saint Marie offers rooms from FRw 3500 RWF a night.

Home St. Jean. A nice, church-run guest house with Wi-Fi and restaurant and bar, hot water, clean rooms, and a great 270 degree view of the lake. Take the FRw 20,000 rooms for the best view.

Light House Guest House.. Double with own bathroom and TV.

Mulberry Guest House. Single/double with outside bathroom and net.

Romantic Lodge. Double room with own bathroom.

As of 2010 you could get a room at most of these hotels – excluding the Moriah and Holiday Inn – starting at around 10 to FRw 12,000. All hotels have a view of Lake Kivu, with Bethanie, Moriah and Holiday Inn being directly on the water.

The Best Western Eco Hotel. Not related to the hotel chain. Has an outside restaurant in the garden with free Wifi.

Moriah Hill Resort. Probably the nicest (and most expensive) place to stay in Kibuye.

Bethany Hotel A. Free Wi-Fi Free, parking, pool, laundry service, kid-friendly. A beautiful setting on the water. Swimming is possible directly from the hotel. There is no beach, only slimy rocks. Terraced rows of rooms with nice gardens and trees everywhere.

Holiday Inn. Not affiliated with the chain.