Lake Ruhondo is one of Rwanda’s Twin Lakes formed by volcanic eruptions. It is also home to Michael’s Island, famed for its beautiful views of the surrounding scenery, the turquoise water and the mist-capped volcano mountains. This is where Sylvester Nduwayezu and his wife, Beatrice Mukamana have put together a home, which they share with their two kids.
Nduwayezu was born and raised on this island; as for his wife Beatrice, she was raised from a neighbouring village but came to settle on the island after they got married, almost a decade ago. When they had just gotten married, Nduwayezu’s family was living with them at the time, but they later shifted to the mainland, leaving the couple behind as the only inhabitants of the island.
Farming is their main source of living; they grow sweet potatoes and beans mostly, but they rear fish too. While they get to enjoy the backdrop scenery of living by the lakeside, they struggle with living in isolation, among other challenges of having to leave the island for other basic needs, having no one to talk to, they are always consumed with boredom. The couple hopes to shift and start living on the mainland as soon as they find means to afford a plot of land.
When we think of an island, we think of adventure, natural beauty, a pleasant climate and peace. Visiting Michael’s Island, you not only experience the beauty of Michael’s Island but also support this family as they get a commission on each visit (through camping or providing visitors snacks ). You will also be contributing to our long term impactful project of transforming Michael’s home into a homestay.
Email us at [email protected] in case you need to contribute to the positive impact of turning Micheal’s Island into a homestay.
After a long week, a weekend gateway is a perfect antidote for your hectic daily life. Meet with like-minded travelers and experience the thrill of hiking and camping on secluded islands for 4 days exploring all of the natural beauty they have to offer. It is pure tranquility and beautiful nature. you’ll be surrounded by sprawling green space and unparalleled views of the volcanoes. Watch the sunset and the first stars to come out around a campfire roasting maize while listening to the tales of Rwanda.
DAY 1: MOUNT KABUYE HIKE
At 8:30 am, Meet in Nyabugogo Bus Park and depart by bus, we will stop in Gakenke District and walk to the hiking starting point of Mount Kabuye. Enjoy a beautiful hike to the top of the mountain at around 2,700 meters. Listen to the call of native birds as we climb steadily up through eucalypt forest, then out into scrub battered low by the elements. Along the way see the lives of the local community. On arrival at the top, we will be welcomed by the finest tea/ coffee, snacks followed by an herbal feet massage to relax while enjoying a panoramic view of the twin lakes, Bagenge Rock to mention a few! A delicious buffet with options for meat lovers and vegetarians will be served. various games, music and humorous moments around a campfire will entertain you. Overnight camping.
DAY 2: BIRWA1 ISLAND
After breakfast, descend the hill, walk to the main road to board the car to take us to Ntaruka where an engine boat waiting to take us to Birwa 1. Relax on the Island and enjoy refreshing drinks and breathtaking sunset over Lake Burera. Overnight camping.
Note: We will take a bus from Nyabugogo to Mt Kabuye and another from Musanze Bus station to return to Kigali for those Hiking 4 days.
You’re Joining for the 2 days; you meet us Mount Kabuye starting point on the Main road to connect with others to Twin lakes. WhatsApp us for more details on this
After breakfast, relax on the lakeshore or if you’re feeling a little adventurous take an exploratory walk around the village. After spending some quality time here, we will cruise to Lake Ruhondo and witness spectacle tropical sunsets. Also, you will be rewarded with a breath of fresh air, spectacular views of green vegetation and some birds of the water shores. Next up, we continue to Michael’s island for local beer tasting and cultural performance IKINIMBA and URUSENGO which is the special traditional dance of this particular island. Later we will a local food prepared over an open fire for a meal unlike any other, topped by campfire fun and stargazing.
DAY 4: DRIVE BACK TO KIGALI
Wake up away from the clatter of urban life and get to enjoy the backdrop scenery of living by the lakeside. You will be welcomed with a delicious breakfast. Sadly, it’s our last day on the island already! Later we will to the shores and take a bus Musanze then Kigali.
