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Things to Do in Kibuye, Rwanda
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Kibuye, Rwanda
I have a lot to say about Kibuye, Rwanda, for travelers searching for "things to do in Kibuye, Rwanda." On the shores of Lake Kivu, which stretch from pine-covered hills to the Congo border, watch giant bats on Napoleon Island, which you can reach with a 90-minute boat trip. Visit the Kibuye Genocide Memorial to witness the history of the region.
1. Lake Kivu
Beneath its calm waters lies a vast treasure of gas, a peaceful rest stop in the shadow of a volcanic wall. As you glide between the islands by canoe, you will watch the sunset amid fishing nets and the scent of coffee.
Quick facts: With a surface area of approximately 2,700 km², this lake is not one of the four largest lakes on Earth, but it is a volcanic water layer reaching a depth of 480 meters. Its gas reservoir is the only natural lake where methane is extracted alongside the fishery that feeds two million people.
Highlights: Beneath the lake lie millions of cubic meters of CO2 and methane gas waiting to surface; in 2007 a consortium began piping this gas out and converting it into electricity. In the late afternoon in the three villages on the shore, while the fishermen's fires dance above the water, you breathe in air that smells at once like fizzing steam and a calm sea.
2. Napoleon Island
This green paradise in the middle of Lake Kivu, reached by boat, awaits you. You will experience a getaway where you can feel the sound of the wind and the smell of the water.
Quick facts: Located in the middle of Lake Kivu, this island is one of the three largest islands of the approximately 2,700 square kilometer lake. Locals call it "Chocolate Island" because the color of the soil resembles cocoa.
Highlights: At the island's southern tip, the ruined walls of a mission house dating from the 1910s still stand, with tropical moss and bats living among its walls. When you reach there, you can see more than 20 gray herons gliding on the lake's surface at the same time.
3. Kibuye Genocide Memorial
Here, the silence by the lakeside carries the most striking memories of the past. You can read the names of the victims and witness the mourning ritual with candles set adrift on the lake water.
Quick facts: In 1995, more than 5,000 bodies were recovered from the lake's water, making it one of the region's largest mass grave sites. Around 14,000 people visit each year, and this monument on the lakeshore is considered a place of reconciliation for the families who lived through the tragedy.
Highlights: Inside the monument, which leans against the lake's blue waters, the victims' names are carved one by one on the wall; some visitors find the names of their loved ones and mourn by placing their hands on the wall. Local guides tell that every April, hundreds of people come here just to read the names and light candles, and thousands of candles are set adrift on the water along the lakeshore.
4. Ndaba Falls
Right next to Lake Kivu, this natural waterfall roaring down from the red rocks is Kibuye's coolest corner. Feel the coolness of the water, discover the hidden cave behind it, and swim with the village children.
Quick facts: This waterfall, cascading from red cliffs, is the only major natural water source flowing into Lake Kivu and does not lose its flow even in the dry season. The local people believe the water is healing; every August a traditional water festival is held around the waterfall.
Highlights: Behind the waterfall there is a small cave entrance you can walk through behind the thundering water; inside, the air is constantly cool and the sound of water echoes. According to local children, it is believed that deep in the cave an old woman teaches the waterfall a new song every rainy season.
Where to Stay in Kibuye, Rwanda
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Ibishyimbo (sweet plantain fritters)
Fried sweet plantain slices are caramelized in honey, making them a beloved snack at Kibuye's lakeside markets.
Kamatamu
Made from ground peanuts and sorghum, this dense sweet cake is a nourishing treat often given to children after school.
Ubugari with honey
Soft cassava dough is sweetened and shaped into little cakes, then steamed in banana leaves for a gentle, floral flavor.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Brochettes
Brochettes are a favorite street food across Rwanda, and near Lake Kivu they are often grilled over open coals with a spicy chili-salt rub.
Isombe with beans
The iconic red beans of Rwanda are slow-cooked with onions and palm oil, and locals say the best ones come from the volcanic soil around the west.
Ibiharage with plantains
This hearty stew pairs tender goat meat with rich plantains and makes regular appearances at family gatherings along the lakeshore.
Traditional Beverages
Urwagwa
During Umuganura, the national harvest festival, families pour a little of this banana beer on the ground as a thank-you to ancestors before anyone takes a sip.
Ikigage
This sweet and creamy sorghum drink is often served at weddings as a symbol of abundance and shared good fortune.
Ikivuguto
Made from fermented milk, it has a tangy kick and is traditionally drunk from a shared gourd called an ikibindi.
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Most popular day trips
Lake Kivu Islands
Rwanda's largest lake, ideal for boat trips to islands like Napoleon Island
Gisenyi
Hilltop town known for pine forests, tea plantations, and cool climate
Nyungwe National Park
Massive rainforest home to chimpanzees, famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk
Musanze Caves
Underground caves with dramatic stalactites, a unique natural attraction
Getting there
Train stations
None in Rwanda; road travel connects all cities
From Kigali, the direct bus to Kibuye takes about 3 hours; from the airport, take a taxi or moto to the main bus station first.
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Comments (8)
Food was decent, simba stew at a roadside spot near the market was the best thing I ate, everything else was just okay
Rain showed up around 4pm every single day we were there, bring a jacket even in the dry months, trust me
Take the morning bus from Kigali not the afternoon one, you get the lake views and the driver makes fewer stops, plus you find a guesthouse before the evening rush
Rent a bike from the guys near the ferry dock, negotiate half their first price, then ride north past the church for the best swimming spot locals use
Skip the hotel restaurants, walk up the hill toward the market road and eat at the place with blue chairs, goat brochettes are 1500f and unreal