I trust that there a number of travellers that think that the best Africa safari activity to do in Congo is a Congo gorilla tour.
However, this is not true! Congo has lots of fascinating Congo safari activities and destinations to enjoy during your Congo gorilla safari tour.
Idjwi Island is one of the enchanting destinations a traveller must visit on their Africa adventure safari. This pretty island offers travellers to see the unique side of Congo, though it has for a long time had endless wars and conflicts.
Idjwi acted as a safe asylum due to its calm plus alluring landscape with hospitable people. The amazing greenery and the view of the calm lake is a dream come true for photographers who want to capture nature at its most pristine.
This is among the reasons why travellers moving from Goma to Bukavu are normally advised to take a short Congo tour on this popular Lake Kivu island.
Idjwi Island is situated in Lake Kivu on the side of Congo, in the Sud-Kivu province. Lake Kivu is shared by Congo and Rwanda and the biggest portion lies in Congo with a percentage of 58.
Idjwi is roughly in between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, with 10 to 15 kilometres (6 to 9 mi) separating its western shore from the DRC mainland and a similar distance between its eastern shore and the coastline of Rwanda. The island’s southern tip, however, lies only 1 kilometre from a headland of the Rwandan coast.
With a length of about 70 km (43 mi) and an area of about 340 km2 (131 sq mi), it is the second-largest inland island in Africa and the tenth-largest in the world.
The island of Idjwi is a land of green hills surrounded by the fresh waters of Lake Kivu in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This island stands out among the most populated areas of the country with a population of around 300 000.
Because of its isolation, the territory is a haven of peace in the East side of Congo. As soon as you drop here, you are going to experience an awesome feeling of the spirit of this place, surrounded by ever-smiling locals.
Many people do not know this island as well as its indigenous pygmy tribe living on it. It is possible to visit this local tribe on the island by a motorbike Congo tour for the best Safari in Congo trip encounters. it is easily accessible from either Goma or Bukavu by boat.
Described as “Africa’s Forgotten Island”, Idjwi Island has been spared the ravages of wars in eastern DR Congo that have killed millions of people since 1996, mostly from hunger and disease.
Although its inhabitants have been surrounded for years by war and suffering, they have always been spared the violence.
So tens of thousands of refugees have flocked to safety and settled there. Despite the presence of several NGOs in Eastern Congo, there’s literally no support for the Idjwi island community.
This rocky island is encircled by the serenity of Lake Kivu. It’s among the most enchanting places you can ever visit on your Congo safari tour especially after your visit to Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo on the last day of yours.
While on your Congo cultural safari encounters or while exploring the island, you are going to see the people going about their normal lives.
The local people here are proud of their culture and are quite eager to reveal their everyday way of life. Greeting anyone you pass with a ‘jambo’ is going to elicit shy giggles and warm return greetings.
You will see lots of women planting crops, washing clothes, and children running excitedly in groups while playing with makeshift toys.
You will meet many children under the age of six walking around with their younger siblings strapped on their backs.
Meeting and playing with these children is a gift, and maybe the highlight of your visit. The joy they receive from the attention of travellers is contagious.
As part of your adventure, you will also meet the local people and explore various cultural traditions. You walk to the fishing, brick making and pottery community, and more. You may also visit the local markets, schools and health centres that dot the island.
How Do You Get There
The island people mostly speak their local language-‘Kihavu.’ The whole island has less than a dozen cars; therefore, transport is by bicycle, motor or on foot.
When traversing this land feels like you are in another world, and it’s hard to believe Goma is just an hour ride by ferry.
Other Amenities On The Island
There’s no electrical grid on the island or paved roads. But you are going to find local restaurants, while some overnight accommodations have electrical generators with intermittent power.
Book your Africa safari tour to Congo and enjoy nature walks, bird-watching, swimming in the lake and interacting with the local people.
The limitless fields together with pocket-sized villages and rural communities combine to create memorable cultural encounters.
You can combine your Congo gorilla trekking safari tour with a Rwanda safari. Rwanda gorilla trekking safari, Uganda safaris, short Uganda wildlife safaris, Uganda gorilla safaris, Uganda chimpanzee safaris, Uganda adrenaline adventures, Kampala city tours, Jinja city tours and many more.
Congo Gorilla Safari Packages
2 Days Congo gorilla safari to Virunga National Park
3 Days Lowland gorilla trekking safari
4 Days Congo gorilla safari & Nyiragongo hike
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