Karongi is a district (akarere) in Western Province, Rwanda. Its capital is Rubengera, but the district also contains Kibuye, Rwanda, the provincial capital and a major Rwandan lakeside resort. It is one of the districts with the least population density of 334 inhabitants per square kilometre (870/sq mi) as of 2012 census.
Tourism
Tourism is one of the main economic sectors of Karongi. Karongi’s location near Lake Kivu, the nice scenery and the many islands are the main draws. There are many resort and hotels which have been built recently outside the town of Kibuye, most on the shores of Lake Kivu. 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 live 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 past time in Karongi. Night fishing is done by fishermen using three wooden boats bound together by smaller poles. The fishermen use gas lanterns to attract small Isambaza or Tanganyika sardines into their nets. Visitors are welcome to join night fishermen on their boats.
Night Fishermen on Lake Kivu
Geography
Cyclist transporting bananas on a steep road near Gitesi.
The district lies on the shores of Lake Kivu, about halfway down the lake between Gisenyi and Cyangugu.
Sectors
Karongi district is divided into 13 sectors (imirenge): Bwishyura, Gishyita, Gishari, Gitesi, Mubuga, Murambi, Murundi, Mutuntu, Rubengera, Rugabano, Ruganda, Rwankuba and Twumba.