The road from downtown Rubavu to Nyamyumba is one of those scenic stretches that makes you want to slow down and take it all in. It snakes along the shores of Lake Kivu, revealing breathtaking views at every turn. The lake, its islets and the surrounding hills make the ride an experience in itself.
My destination was La Bella Lodge, where I would spend the next part of my stay. After checking in and settling down, I enjoyed lunch before heading out for a boat excursion to explore some of the islands scattered across this part of Lake Kivu.
Our first stop was Akeza Island, managed by the neighboring Paradis Malahide Resort. True to its name, Akeza is the epitome of beauty. It is one of my favorite places in Rwanda for camping and barbecues.
From Akeza, we slowed down to take a closer look at Akarwa k'Abakobwa. Unlike the image its name might conjure, what remains today is a partially submerged rocky surface, barely recognizable as an island. I have always been fascinated by the history of places I visit, but some stories leave me with a bitter taste. Akarwa k'Abakobwa brought to mind how punitive some of our cultural practices could be.
We then docked briefly at Kabakingi. Small and beautiful, this magical little islet looked like a floating garden. It was one of those unexpected sights that make exploring Lake Kivu by boat so rewarding.
Our excursion continued towards Iwawa Island, which we viewed from a distance. The island hosts a youth rehabilitation center. After taking in the view, we made a U-turn and headed back towards Nyamyumba.
On our way back, I looked up at the imposing Rubona Hill and felt like lacing up my hiking boots. But hiking and other activities were scheduled for another day.
The boat ride offered a different perspective of Lake Kivu and its scattered islands. From the beauty of Akeza to the intriguing rocky remains of Akarwa k'Abakobwa and the garden-like appearance of Kabakingi, every stop had something to offer.
Back at La Bella, the rest of the evening was mine to enjoy at leisure. After a day of scenic views and island-hopping, I looked forward to nothing more than unwinding, soaking in the lakeside atmosphere and enjoying a peaceful night by Lake Kivu.