IDJWI ISLAND in Lake Kivu:

“Africa’s Forgotten Island”

Idjwi is the world’s tenth largest inland island, stretching 25 miles down the centre of Lake Kivu to cover an estimated area of 110 square miles. Only 2 miles wide in places, the island has a long shoreline relative to its area. The island has rugged mountains and has inadequate infrastructure hence the transport to and from the Island is by boat. Transport on the island is quite limited. Still, the island has remained neglected and significantly underdeveloped, with only a few car-free dirt roads criss-crossing the land and linking one tiny village to the next.

A documentary on Idjwi Island by Geo on French television channel Arte entitled “L’îleoubliéed’Afrique (Africa’s Forgotten Island)” said “The inhabitants of Idjwi Island on Lake Kivu are poor but benefit from a very precious good in this region of Africa: peace”. A trip to Idjwi is invariably relaxing, with friendly islanders totally unjaded by tourism greeting you wherever you go with warm smiles and no hassles.

Activities include visiting one of the many pineapple plantations (and of course picking and eating one), village and nature walks, bird-watching, swimming in the lake and interacting with the local people to learn about life on Idjwi. Boat rides can also be organized, taking you around the small islets surrounding the island, where one of the main attractions must be Ishushu 1 and Ishushu 2. Ishushu 1 has a small and beautiful fisherman’s village, and the inhabitants take care of neighboring Ishushu 2 in the owner’s absence. Pay the fishermen a small tip to guide you through the lush, primary tropical forest on this little piece of paradise, abounding in bird life and also home to a troupe of as yet unidentified monkeys. For more details about our community based-ecotourism on Idjwi Island contact: ecotours@gmx.com

 

Location

Idjwi Island is located on Lake Kivu along the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is 70 km in length and with an area of 340 km², second largest Inland Island in Africa, and the tenth largest in the world.

Population and main activities on Idjwi Island:

The island has population in excess of 250,000 which is dependent on subsistence Agriculture and fishing. The main activities on the Island including the following:Fishing; Hunting; Pottery; Subsistence Agriculture.

Large numbers of refugees and orphans fled to the island as a safe haven from the violence that has plagued the region recent decades. Having grown by 200,000 people in 35 years, today the Island has an estimated population of more than 250,000 people, with no running water, no electricity, and no paved roads. Buhumba Village, on Idjwi’s southern coast, is home to many of these new residents. There they hope to continue to live in peace, rebuild their lives, and raise their children.

The existing village school building is in ruins, with just four small rooms for 400+ children and a roof and walls leak when it rains, forcing the school to close. Right now there are no books, no desks and insufficient resources for their teachers. There are many ugly realities these kids face every day, but access to education is fundamental to overcoming these challenges and rising above them. Green Hills Ecotours is taking tourists to Idjwi Island and we strive to develop Community based-Ecotourism. Our responsible eco-tours to Idjwitaget to conserve the environment and improve the well-being of local people.

“To create a brighter future for the Idjwi Island, education to children should be the Top priority”: Innocent Twagirumukiza said. In this journey of transforming lives and building a better next generation; Green Hills Ecotours invite you to team up with us to making the difference.  We welcomeyour participation, your support, and your feedback.                                         Whatever your level of support and/or participation, Please do not hesitate to call us at (+250) 0788 21 9495 or email ecotours@gmx.com