Islands, Singing Fishermen and Sunset
| Sail Lake Kivu with Ever Retreat Tours: visit its islands, hear the singing fishermen at sunset, and plan your perfect day on Rwanda’s great lake. |
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Lake Kivu Boat Trip:
Islands, Singing Fishermen and Sunset Sail Lake Kivu with Ever Retreat Tours: visit its islands,…
The evening the lake started singing
The sun is sliding behind the hills of Congo. The water of Lake Kivu turns from blue to gold, then to copper. Our boat’s engine goes quiet, and for a moment there is only the sound of small waves against the hull.
Then, from somewhere across the water, voices.
A line of wooden fishing boats is pushing out from the shore. The men on board are paddling in rhythm and singing as they go — a deep, steady song that carries across the whole bay. They are heading out for a night of fishing, the same way their fathers and grandfathers did.
This is the moment most of our guests remember long after they leave Rwanda. And it is only one part of a day on Lake Kivu.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything a Lake Kivu boat trip offers: the islands, the fishermen’s story, the best time to go and how to plan it with Ever Retreat Tours
Why Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s favorite escape
Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest lake and one of Africa’s Great Lakes. It sits on the western border, with Rwanda on one shore and the Democratic Republic of Congo on the other, deep in the Albertine Rift.
Green terraced hills drop straight into calm, clear water. There are no hippos or crocodiles here, so the lake is popular for swimming, kayaking and simply floating in the sun.
Three lakeside towns are the main bases for a boat trip:
- Rubavu (Gisenyi) in the north — sandy beaches, lively waterfront and about an hour’s drive from Volcanoes National Park.
- Karongi (Kibuye) in the middle — the best base for island hopping.
- Rusizi (Cyangugu) in the south — quiet and less visited.
The islands you’ll visit
Lake Kivu is dotted with small islands, and a boat trip from Karongi can visit several of them in one day.
Napoleon Island (Munini Island). The island takes its name from its shape — it looks like Napoleon’s famous hat. Its real residents are thousands of fruit bats. Walk up the steep, rocky trail to the top, and the bats take to the sky above you. Bird lovers can also look out for African fish eagles, cormorants and herons. The boat ride from Karongi takes about 30 minutes.
Amahoro Island (Peace Island). “Amahoro” means peace in Kinyarwanda, and the name fits. This is the place to swim, have a picnic or simply lie back and enjoy the view. Some visitors even camp here overnight.
Monkey Island. A short ride away, this small island is home to vervet monkeys. Watch them move through the trees along the shore.
Good shoes matter for Napoleon Island: the walk to the top is short but steep and can be slippery after rain.
The story of the singing fishermen
Every evening around sunset, hundreds of fishermen push off from the shores of Lake Kivu. They work in teams of three wooden boats, joined together by long eucalyptus poles. The middle boat, the biggest, carries the captain.
Why do they sing? The song is not just for show. With no engine, the three boats must move as one. If one boat pulls ahead, the whole team falls out of line and can lose a night’s catch. So the men sing and whistle to keep their paddles in rhythm, all the way to the middle of the lake.
Then the lake goes quiet. When they reach their fishing spot, the singing stops. The fishermen hang lanterns over the water. The light draws in isambaza — tiny sardine-like fish — which swim up toward it. A net hangs below the three boats, and in total silence, the crew slowly lifts it. They repeat this several times through the night and return home at dawn.
A tradition that protects the lake. Fishermen on the Rwandan side work in licensed cooperatives, and fishing pauses at certain times, often around the full moon, so young fish can grow. Bright moonlight also makes the lanterns less useful, so many teams stay home on those nights anyway.The islands you’ll visit
Lake Kivu is dotted with small islands, and a boat trip from Karongi can visit several of them in one day.
Napoleon Island (Munini Island). The island takes its name from its shape — it looks like Napoleon’s famous hat. Its real residents are thousands of fruit bats. Walk up the steep, rocky trail to the top, and the bats take to the sky above you. Bird lovers can also look out for African fish eagles, cormorants and herons. The boat ride from Karongi takes about 30 minutes.
Amahoro Island (Peace Island). “Amahoro” means peace in Kinyarwanda, and the name fits. This is the place to swim, have a picnic or simply lie back and enjoy the view. Some visitors even camp here overnight.
Monkey Island. A short ride away, this small island is home to vervet monkeys. Watch them move through the trees along the shore.
Good shoes matter for Napoleon Island: the walk to the top is short but steep and can be slippery after rain.
Watching them leave at sunset, with their songs rolling across the water, is one of the most moving sights in Rwanda. With the right arrangements, guests can even follow a fishing team out onto the lake.
Taste it yourself: fried isambaza with a cold drink by the lake is a local favorite. Ask for it at any lakeside restaurant.
Plan your Lake Kivu boat trip
Best time to go. The drier months, June to September and December to February, bring calmer water and clearer views. The rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) are greener and quieter, but trails on the islands can be slippery.
Best time of day. Book a morning trip for the islands, when the light is soft and the water is calm. Then plan to be on or near the water around 5 pm to see the fishermen set out.
Rubavu or Karongi?
| Place | Rubavu (Gisenyi) | Karongi (Kibuye) |
| Best for | Beaches, nightlife, combining with Volcanoes National Park | Island hopping, quiet scenery |
| Islands nearby | Fewer | Napoleon, Amahoro, Monkey Island |
| Fishermen at sunset | Yes | Yes |
What to bring.
- Comfortable shoes with grip for the island walks
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- A light jacket for the evening
- Swimwear and a towel
- A waterproof bag for your phone and camera
Make it a longer trip. A Lake Kivu boat trip pairs well with a walk on part of the Congo Nile Trail, a visit to a coffee farm on the lakeshore, or a relaxing night in a lakeside hotel.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Lake Kivu boat trip? Most island trips take 2 to 4 hours. A full day from Kigali to Karongi and back takes 9 to 12 hours, including the drive.
Is it safe to swim in Lake Kivu? Yes. The lake is popular for swimming, and Amahoro Island is a favorite spot. Always swim near the shore and follow your guide’s advice.
Can I go out with the fishermen? Sometimes, yes. It must be arranged in advance with a fishing cooperative. Ask us and we’ll do our best to make it happen.
Is the trip good for families? Yes, for most ages. The walk up Napoleon Island is steep, so it suits older children who are comfortable hiking. Life jackets are provided on the boat.
Plan your Lake Kivu trip with Ever Retreat Tours
At Ever Retreat Tours, we’re a Kigali-based team that plans private, unhurried trips around Rwanda. We’ll handle your transport, boat, guide and hotel, so all you have to do is enjoy the lake.
Want to hear the fishermen sing at sunset? Message us on WhatsApp or send an enquiry through our website, and we’ll create your Lake Kivu day just the way you like it.
Explore more Rwandan stories on Visit Rwandan Tours.
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