Our next stop was the relaxed lakeside town of Karongi (commonly known by its old name, Kibuye), another good place to enjoy Lake Kivu. We hired a boat (50 USD / 4 hours) and visited the lake’s islands. Most famous is Napoleon Island, named for its resemblance to the pint-sized French emperor’s trademark
chapeau, home to a staggering 50,000 fruit bats. They were quite the sight. Here, we scrambled ashore for a closer look and to scale its peak for elevated lake views. Peace Island was another stop; it was a good place to picnic but not to swim (the water was full of garbage). At Monkey Island, we encountered a vervet monkey who lived out here in exile in the middle of the lake. Among it all was the improbable sight of swimming cows. Surprisingly good swimmers, these are a real attraction and can regularly be seen swimming as they’re herded between islands to graze.
Parking location – Livalana Hotel: 2.055206S 29.345981E (🚻,🅿️20000 RWF)