Karongi District

Karongi is a district (akarere) in Western Province, Rwanda. The capital being Rubengera, the district also contains Kibuye, 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.[1]

Karongi District
District
Shown within Western Province and Rwanda
Coordinates: 2.151°S 29.395°E / -2.151; 29.395
CountryRwanda
ProvinceWestern
CapitalRubengera
Area
 • Total993 km2 (383 sq mi)
Population
 (2012 census)
 • Total331,808
 • Density330/km2 (870/sq mi)

Tourism

Tourism is one of the main economic sectors of Karongi. Karongi'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 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 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.[2]

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.[3]

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

The Karongi district is divided into 13 sectors (imirenge): Bwishyura, Gishyita, Gishari, Gitesi, Mubuga, Murambi, Murundi, Mutuntu, Rubengera, Rugabano, Ruganda, Rwankuba and Twumba.

References
  1. "2012 population census in rwanda" (PDF).
  2. "Karongi". Destination Kivu Belt. 2021-05-24. Retrieved 2021-10-04.
  3. "Lake Kivu Night Fishing Experience in Karongi". Destination Kivu Belt. 2021-09-07. Retrieved 2021-10-04.
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