Idjwi Island | The Peaceful Heart of Lake Kivu

Floating serenely in the middle of Lake Kivu, between the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), lies a hidden gem untouched by time — Idjwi Island. Known as the “Island of Peace”, Idjwi is Africa’s second-largest inland island (after Madagascar) and a place where tranquility, culture, and raw natural beauty blend in perfect harmony. Its lush hills, quiet fishing villages, and warm-hearted people make it a destination unlike any other in the Great Lakes region — one that whispers peace amid the vast expanse of water and mountains.

The Enchanting Setting of Idjwi Island

Idjwi stretches over 70 kilometers long and up to 10 kilometers wide, lying in the middle of Lake Kivu — about halfway between Goma (DRC) and Kibuye (Rwanda). Despite its proximity to the mainland, the island feels worlds apart. With no bustling cities, few vehicles, and a way of life still rooted in tradition, Idjwi offers visitors a rare opportunity to step into a world of simplicity and serenity.

The island is part of the Democratic Republic of Congo but easily visible from Rwanda’s western shores. On clear days, travelers on the Rwandan side — especially from Karongi (Kibuye) or Rubavu (Gisenyi) — can spot its rolling green hills rising gracefully from the blue waters of Lake Kivu.

A Glimpse into Island Life

Life on Idjwi moves gently to the rhythm of the lake. The island is home to around 300,000 people, mostly from the Bany’Idjwi community, who live in small villages scattered across the hills. Agriculture and fishing are the main livelihoods here, with locals growing bananas, cassava, and coffee on fertile volcanic soil.

What makes Idjwi remarkable, however, is not only its beauty but its peaceful spirit. Despite being part of a region often affected by conflict, the island has remained a haven of stability and coexistence. Its residents have cultivated a strong culture of unity, hospitality, and non-violence — values that have earned Idjwi its nickname, “The Island of Peace.”

Things to Do on Idjwi Island

1. Scenic Boat Ride to the Island

Reaching Idjwi is an adventure in itself. Visitors can take a boat from Goma (DRC) or, with prior arrangement, cross by local ferry or private boat from Kibuye (Rwanda). The journey offers spectacular views of Lake Kivu’s shimmering surface, the Virunga Volcanoes in the distance, and the island’s forested slopes emerging from the mist.

As you approach, you’ll see fishermen paddling in dugout canoes and children waving from the shore — a heartwarming welcome that sets the tone for your visit.

2. Village and Cultural Tours

Exploring Idjwi’s villages reveals a deep sense of tradition and community. Local guides can take you on walking or bicycle tours through settlements where you’ll meet coffee farmers, basket weavers, and fishermen. You can visit small banana beer breweries, join villagers for traditional dance and drumming, or share meals prepared with island-grown produce.

Visitors often remark on the islanders’ genuine hospitality — everyone greets you with a smile, eager to share stories about their lives and island customs.

3. Coffee and Agricultural Experiences

Idjwi produces excellent Arabica coffee, grown organically on volcanic soil and hand-processed by local cooperatives. A visit to one of these coffee farms offers insight into sustainable farming practices and the importance of fair-trade production for local development. You can also sample freshly brewed coffee while enjoying breathtaking views over the lake.

4. Hiking and Nature Walks

The island’s hilly terrain offers scenic hiking routes that lead to forest patches, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking Lake Kivu. Trekking up the ridges rewards you with sweeping vistas of both Rwandan and Congolese shores, as well as glimpses of fishermen’s lights shimmering on the lake at night.

Nature lovers can explore Idjwi’s birdlife, which includes kingfishers, herons, and several endemic species that thrive in the island’s forests and wetlands.

5. Relaxation and Lakeside Escapes

Idjwi is the perfect place to disconnect and unwind. Its tranquil beaches, quiet villages, and lack of crowds make it ideal for swimming, kayaking, or simply watching the sunset paint the lake in hues of gold and violet.

If you’re staying overnight, you’ll fall asleep to the sound of gentle waves and wake to the songs of fishermen paddling out at dawn — a rhythm of life unchanged for generations.

Accommodation on Idjwi Island

While the island is still developing its tourism infrastructure, a few guesthouses and eco-lodges offer simple but charming accommodation for travelers seeking authenticity over luxury:

• Idjwi Island Resort: A cozy lakeside lodge with cottages overlooking the water — ideal for relaxation and sunset views.

• Hôtel de l’Île (Bunyakiri side): One of the oldest hotels on the island, offering basic comfort and Congolese cuisine.

• Guesthouses run by local cooperatives: These provide immersive community experiences and direct support for local development projects.

For visitors staying on the Rwandan side (e.g., Kibuye or Gisenyi), it’s possible to arrange day excursions to Idjwi by private boat, returning in the evening.

Getting There

From Rwanda:

Travelers based in Kibuye (Karongi) or Gisenyi (Rubavu) can organize boat transfers to Idjwi through local tour operators. Private charters and fishing boats make the crossing in 1 to 2 hours, depending on the weather and departure point.

From the DRC:

Regular passenger boats operate between Goma and Idjwi, as well as between Bukavu (in the south) and the island’s main ports — Bugarula and Kalehe.

Important: Travelers must have a valid DRC visa to land on Idjwi Island, even if arriving from Rwanda. Those staying on the Rwandan shore can still enjoy scenic boat rides around the island without officially entering Congolese territory.

Best Time to Visit

Idjwi Island can be visited year-round, but the most pleasant weather is during the dry seasons — June to September and December to February — when the lake is calm and skies are clear. During the rainy months, the island is beautifully lush, though travel by boat can be affected by occasional storms.

A Symbol of Peace and Simplicity

Idjwi Island is not about luxury resorts or fast-paced tours — it’s about connection: to nature, to people, and to peace. Time seems to slow here. Days are filled with soft breezes, the hum of crickets, and the laughter of children playing by the water.

Visiting Idjwi is like stepping back into a world where community and harmony still define daily life. It’s a sanctuary for travelers seeking authenticity, beauty, and the quiet pulse of Africa’s Great Lakes.

Here, amid the vast blue of Lake Kivu, the world feels both distant and whole — a reminder that peace, once found, is the most beautiful discovery of all.