Karongi District
Karongi is a district (akarere) in Western Province, Rwanda. Its capital is Rubengera, but the district also contains Kibuye, Rwanda, the provincial capital and a major Rwandan lakeside resort. It is one of the districts with the least polpulation density of 334 inhabitants / km² as of 2012 census.[1]
Karongi District | |
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![]() Shown within Western Province and Rwanda | |
Country | Rwanda |
Province | Western |
Capital | Rubengera |
Area | |
• Total | 993 km2 (383 sq mi) |
Population (2012 census) | |
• Total | 331,808 |
• Density | 330/km2 (870/sq mi) |
Tourism
Tourism is one of the main economic sectors of Karongi. Karongi's location by Lake Kivu, the nice scenery and the many islands are the main draws. There are many resort and hotels which has been built recently outside the town of Kibuye most on the shores of Lake Kivu. One of the most popular islands to visit in Karongi is Napoleon Island. Napoleon Island is a large island which is popular for hiking and for viewing one of Africa's largest colonies of straw colored fruit bats which live on the Island. Other islands in Karongi is Monkey Island which has a small population of vervet monkeys and Amahoro or peace island which used to have a camping site.[2]

Night Fishing is another popular past time in Karongi. Night fishing is done by fishermen using three wooden boats bound together by smaller poles. The fish using gas lanterns to attract small Isambaza or Tanganyika sardines into their nets. Visitors are welcome to join night fishermen on their boats.[3]

Geography

The district lies on the shores of Lake Kivu, about halfway down the lake between Gisenyi and Cyangugu.
Sectors
Karongi district is divided into 13 sectors (imirenge): Bwishyura, Gishyita, Gishari, Gitesi, Mubuga, Murambi, Murundi, Mutuntu, Rubengera, Rugabano, Ruganda, Rwankuba and Twumba.
References
- "2012 population census in rwanda" (PDF).
- "Karongi". Destination Kivu Belt. 2021-05-24. Retrieved 2021-10-04.
- "Lake Kivu Night Fishing Experience in Karongi". Destination Kivu Belt. 2021-09-07. Retrieved 2021-10-04.
- "Districts of Rwanda". Statoids.
- Inzego.doc — Province, District and Sector information from MINALOC, the Rwanda ministry of local government.
- Information about Karongi from the Kivu Belt Destination Management Unit