South Kivu – A Hidden Gem in the DRC

In the middle of Lake Kivu, on the largest island in South Kivu, you’ll find Idjwi Island. The island is home to an estimated 300,000 people. On Idjwi Island, there is no motorized transport; people get around either by motorcycle or on foot.

The islanders live in harmony with nature and practice plantation agriculture for subsistence living.  They grow pineapples, raise turkeys, and produce delicious Arabica coffee and fish in Lake Kivu.

Idjwi Island is a beautiful place to visit and stay. The island has a variety of lodges where you can stay, but you have to take the Ihusi Express to get there! You could also find out if your lodge offers a ferry service. Ihusi boating company offers a drop-off service as they travel between Goma and Bukavu.

If you’re looking for an adventure, look no further than Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a South Kivu World Heritage site. This park has it all: volcanoes, gorillas, and diverse wildlife.  The park is named after two extinct volcanoes: Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega. It is home to many different types of animals and plants—it even has a waterfall that’s over 300 feet high! The Tchibati Falls was not open for visitors when I went, so check before trying to go.

But what makes this park so special? It’s home to one of the largest populations of eastern lowland gorillas, also known as Grauer’s gorillas. They are the largest subspecies of gorillas and can be found throughout the park in their natural habitat.  These gorillas live in family groups with one Silverback, females and children.  This is one characteristic of this species, in contrast with the highland gorillas.  Highland gorillas (found in Virunga) can have more than one adult male in a family group.

It’s an incredible experience to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. The guides will tell you all about the habits and behaviours of these gorillas as well as teach you about their conservation efforts.

Gorilla trekking is one of the most exciting ways to experience nature at its best. It allows you to get close to these incredible animals while observing them in their natural habitat without causing any harm or stress to them.

It’s an experience unlike any other – one that will stay with you forever!

The sanctuary’s goal is to rehabilitate and release the primates so they can return to the wild. But they also provide a home for those that cannot be released back into their natural habitat—either because they are too old or cannot survive on their own due to injuries sustained by their captors.

On the grounds, you can also find a museum nestled a short drive away. It is home to a collection of specimens from various mammals found within South Kivu as well as some plants indigenous only to this region which makes it both fun, educational and informative!

Lwiro is an excellent add-on if going to Kahuzi Biega.  The sanctuary is only 4km away. Find out more information on the work that they do at the Lwiro Primates Rehabilitation Centre.

5. South Kivu City Walk

When you’re looking for a city that’s bustling, colourful, and filled with life, Bukavu is the place to be. The city is known for its art deco architecture and beautiful views of Lake Kivu.  There is something for everyone!

The city can be considered a “City of Contrasts” because it has so many different sides to it. One can see the most picturesque views of the city from a boat or on one of the hills overlooking the city. I was amazed to see the houses stacked on top of each other. There are no roads for cars to drive through in this area but rather stairs for people to climb up and around the buildings. The buildings have a variety of colours on them, making them a little more interesting to look at.

You can visit one of the many art deco styled buildings around town that were built during Belgian colonial rule. If you want a more interactive experience in Bukavu, you can go on a tour of the city. A City Walk is an enjoyable way to learn about the local area and culture. You will be able to see the beauty of Bukavu’s sights, including the Cathédrale Notre Dame de la Paix de Bukavu and views of the lake.

You can also try some local cuisine like Mashanza, Ugali, Sambaza or any grilled meat dish. Mashanza is a cheese-like food that resembles cottage cheese, it is well known in the South Kivu province. Ugali is a transplant from East Africa made from pounded cassava or corn.  Finally, Sambaza is a sardine-like fish caught in Lake Kivu.

There are many things to see and do in South Kivu. If you ever visit this section of the country, go visit!