Leaving La Paillotte Cyuza Island was bittersweet. The boat ride back to the mainland took just ten minutes — brief, but enough to let the island’s quiet charm sink into memory. The vessel wasn’t a luxury cruiser, just a modest motorized boat, but it served its purpose perfectly. Before stepping onto solid ground, I snapped one last photo of the island, holding it in my frame as a promise: until next time.
My attention quickly shifted to the road ahead and the scenic drive toward my next destination. But then, a problem: the car refused to start. The battery showed full charge, yet the engine wouldn’t budge. I had no idea what the issue was. A few phone calls later, I was talking to a mechanic stationed at Cyanika border post, about five kilometers from Rugarama, where I had veered off the tarmac the night before.
Half an hour later, he arrived — taxi-moto style — and in just ten minutes, the mystery was solved. I gave him a ride back to the border post, where I had a quick transaction to complete, then finally hit the road again.The journey from Musanze through Nyabihu to Rubavu was a feast for the eyes. Vibrant communities lined the road, while rolling green hills, tea plantations, and mist-capped volcanoes stretched in every direction. Each bend revealed yet another breathtaking view, making the drive as rewarding as the destination itself.
As I descended toward downtown Rubavu, the sight of Lake Kivu greeted me like an old friend. I spun around to catch the city’s familiar rhythms, noting the subtle changes in the commercial streets. A quick stop at the bustling La Corniche One Stop Border Post showed me how seamlessly Goma blends with the larger East Africa Community.
Finally, I arrived at Serena Hotel, where I treated myself to a cup of Macchiato and a leisurely stroll along the sandy beach. It was still early on a weekday, and the shoreline was blissfully quiet — just the way I liked it. Here, with the lake stretching wide before me, I could finally exhale, letting the road, the hills, and the misadventures fade into a calm, reflective pause.