Top Menu

Navigation

Tag Archives | Lake Kivu

Wanna-be resort town Gisenye

By on 9. August 2011 in Rwanda
18-140-Rwanda-Ruhengeri-109

Staff at Malahide Paradis, Gesinye, Lake Kivu

If it were not for the lake, Gisenye would be another non-descript African town with dusty streets and battered buildings. At least the very center looks exactly like that. But this ugly duck became incredibly beautiful through the friendliness and helpfulness I experienced.

In order to go online with my laptop in the packed Internet café, I would have had to set up an account with a Rwandan mobile company. Confused and frustrated, I was about to pack up, when a young guy set up an account on his own mobile phone. I was so touched - and he so proud that he could help! I had to push my money onto him, 50 cents for the hour I spent online…

Read More

0

Congo – too close to be true

By on 9. August 2011 in Rwanda
18-120-Rwanda-Kibuye-219

Lake Kivu, looking toward the Congo

Going to Goma was high up on my agenda. I had set my mind to see what the Congolese side of the lake looked like and maybe even trek the Gorillas from this side of the Virungas Mountains. So what a shock when I came across a blog informing that officials now charge a scandalous 275 USD for a visa issued at the border.

What first seemed like a hoax was later confirmed by John, the hotel manager of the Step Down Hotel, in Kigali. He recommended trying the Congolese Embassy in Kigali. By the time my moto driver found it, it had closed for the weekend. I could not spend three more days in Kigali and simply gave up on the idea…

Read More

0

Kibuye on divided Lake Kivu

By on 7. August 2011 in Rwanda
Heidi

Heidi loves Kibuye on the shores of Lake Kivu

My favorite place at Lake Kivu? Kibuye! There, the lake meanders deep into the green shoreline, creating narrow inlets. These are lined by green hills thick with eucalyptus and pine trees.

The trip from Kigali to Kibyue was my ultimate Rwandan experience. Paul, an Australian I had met in Kigali, invited me to join him motor-biking across the country. I did not think twice. Every village we passed, everywhere we stopped, locals surrounded us and marveled at Paul’s cool bike. He always allowed kids to climb on the seat, start and turn up the engine. It was so funny to watch their faces when the engine roared! Some smiled, others got really scared…

Read More

0