Rwanda is exploring the possibility of turning selected islands on Lake Kivu into protected areas and potentially a new national park. Could this become one of Rwanda’s next major tourism destinations?
Lake Kivu is already one of Rwanda’s most beautiful destinations, known for its peaceful waters, green hills, beaches and scattered islands. Now, the lake could be entering an exciting new chapter as Rwanda studies how some of its islands can be better protected while creating new opportunities for sustainable tourism.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is conducting a feasibility study to determine which Lake Kivu islands could be suitable for stronger conservation protection and potentially become part of a future national park. The study is expected to be completed in 2027.
For travelers planning a trip to Western Rwanda, this developing project could make the Lake Kivu islands an even more important part of the country’s tourism experience.
Rwanda Is Studying Which Lake Kivu Islands Could Be Protected
The proposed project does not mean that every island on Lake Kivu will become a national park.
The islands are different in terms of their environment, wildlife, human settlement and land use. The ongoing study is therefore looking at which islands are most suitable for conservation and tourism.
As Dr. Deo Ruhagaze, Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association, explained:
“Not all the islands will be turned into national parks.”
More than 30 experts from Rwanda and other countries are involved in the feasibility study. Their work will help determine which islands have the ecological and tourism potential needed for protection.
This careful approach is important because conservation on Lake Kivu needs to consider both nature and the communities that depend on the area.
Why Are the Lake Kivu Islands Important?
The Lake Kivu islands are more than beautiful places to visit by boat. They are also home to a variety of plants, birds, fish and other wildlife.
Rwanda’s biodiversity information records 142 plant species, 80 bird species, 52 invertebrate species, six mammal species, six reptile species, five amphibian species and 26 fish species associated with the Lake Kivu islands.
This biodiversity gives the islands an important role in Rwanda’s conservation efforts.
Rwanda has also been studying the conservation value of the islands for many years. An earlier Lake Kivu Islands Conservation Plan identified opportunities for eco-tourism while emphasizing the need to protect the islands’ natural environment.
You can also read: Discover Nyamunini Island (Napoleon Island): Lake Kivu’s Hidden Natural Treasure
Conservation Could Create New Tourism Experiences
One of the most exciting parts of the proposal is the possibility of connecting conservation with tourism.
A protected-island destination could eventually offer visitors experiences such as:
Environmental expert Dr. Ange Imanishimwe explained that proper conservation could protect biodiversity while allowing tourism to generate income.
“Visitors to the islands can generate tourism revenue.”
This idea fits well with Rwanda’s growing focus on sustainable and nature-based tourism.
Kibuye Could Become a Gateway to Lake Kivu Island Tourism
For visitors interested in exploring Lake Kivu, Kibuye, also known as Karongi, is one of the best places to experience the lake.
Located on the shores of Lake Kivu, Kibuye offers beautiful views, boat excursions, island experiences and access to other attractions in Western Rwanda.
The area is also being promoted for further tourism investment. Rwanda Development Board identifies Lake Kivu as an important tourism development area, with Karongi among the destinations offering opportunities for tourism investment.
If selected Lake Kivu islands eventually receive protected status, Kibuye could become an even more important starting point for visitors wanting to explore the lake and its islands.
Lake Kivu Already Has a Growing Tourism Market
The proposed national park would not be creating tourism interest from nothing.
Lake Kivu already attracts both international and domestic visitors who come for boat trips, island visits, relaxation and outdoor activities.
Recent reporting quoted local boat-tour operator Maurice Niyomugabo saying that his cooperative serves approximately 1,000 tourists each month, with most visitors coming from outside Rwanda.
This shows that there is already a market for Lake Kivu boat tours and island experiences.
Better conservation and carefully planned tourism could build on this existing interest.
Local Communities Will Be Important
The future of the Lake Kivu islands cannot be separated from the people who live around them.
Some islands are inhabited or used by local communities, while others have different forms of human activity. Any future protected-area plan therefore needs to balance conservation with people’s livelihoods.
Frank Dushimimana of RDB explained that the feasibility study will consider the interests of communities around Lake Kivu:
“It will be guided by what benefits communities living around Lake Kivu as well as what is in the broader interest of the country.”
If tourism develops responsibly, local people could benefit through guiding, boat services, accommodation, restaurants, crafts and other tourism-related businesses.
Is Lake Kivu Already a National Park?
No.
This is an important point for travelers.
As of now, Rwanda has not yet officially established a Lake Kivu Islands National Park.
The government is studying the possibility of giving selected islands protected-area or national-park status. The feasibility study is expected to help determine which islands could be included and how the project could be managed.
Earlier discussions have mentioned the possibility of establishing a biodiversity park around 2028, but this should be understood as a proposed timeframe rather than a confirmed opening date.
For now, travelers can still visit and explore Lake Kivu and its islands through existing tourism activities.
What Could the Future Look Like?
If the project moves forward, Lake Kivu could develop a tourism model that combines nature, conservation, adventure and local communities.
The proposed protected islands could become another reason for travelers to spend more time in Western Rwanda rather than simply passing through.
Visitors could combine a Lake Kivu island experience with:
This would give travelers another side of Rwanda to discover beyond the country’s famous mountain gorillas and savannah wildlife.
Explore the Lake Kivu Islands Today
You don’t have to wait for a future national park to discover the beauty of Lake Kivu.
A Lake Kivu boat tour from Kibuye is one of the best ways to experience the lake and see its islands from the water.
The peaceful scenery, green hills, open water and small islands make Lake Kivu a special destination for travelers looking for a different side of Rwanda.
And as Rwanda continues to explore new ways to protect these islands, their importance to tourism could grow even further.
The Lake Kivu islands are beautiful today. With the right conservation and responsible tourism, they could become an even more important destination for future generations.
Plan Your Lake Kivu Experience
Discover the beauty of Lake Kivu, Kibuye and its islands with a local tourism experience.
Whether you are looking for a Lake Kivu boat tour, island visit or things to do in Kibuye, explore Western Rwanda and experience one of the country’s most peaceful destinations.
