Karongi District

Karongi is a district (akarere) in Western Province, Rwanda. The district's capital is Rubengera. However, it comprises Kibuye, provincial capital and a major Rwandan lakeside resort. It is one of the districts with the lowest population density of 380 inhabitants per square kilometre (980/sq mi) as of the 2022 census.[1]

Karongi District
District
Shown within Western Province and Rwanda
Shown within Western Province and Rwanda
Coordinates: 2.151°S 29.395°E / -2.151; 29.395
CountryRwanda
ProvinceWestern
CapitalRubengera
Area
 • District992.7 km2 (383.3 sq mi)
Population
 (2022 census)[1]
 • District373,869
 • Density380/km2 (980/sq mi)
 • Urban
33,542
 • Rural
340,327

Tourism

Tourism is one of the main economic sectors of Karongi. Karongi's location near Lake Kivu, the scenery, and its many islands are the main attractions for tourists. There are many resorts and hotels which have been built in recent years outside the town of Kibuye, most on the shores of Lake Kivu. One of the most frequented islands visited in Karongi is Napoleon Island; a large island which is known for hiking as well as viewing one of Africa's largest colonies of straw colored fruit bats which reside 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, Mutuntu, Rubengera, Gitesi, Ruganda, Rugabano, Gishyita, Gishari, Mubuga, Murambi, Murundi, Rwankuba and Twumba.

References
  1. Citypopulation.de Population of Katongi District
  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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