Experience the Beauty of Umurobyi Lodge: Where Lake Kivu Meets Rich Fishing Heritage
Where is Umurobyi Lodge?
Umurobyi Lodge stands at the very tip of a peninsula by Lake Kivu. It sits at the end of a paved road in Kibuye. Just 500 meters away, you’ll see fishermen in boats catching fish all night. You can watch them from your room!
It’s the only lodge with views of small, uninhabited islands. Local farmers grow food there, and nature stays peaceful. Staying here helps you feel calm and close to nature. umurobyi-lodge.com+8umurobyi-lodge.com+8umurobyi-lodge.com+8
Your Room Choices
Umurobyi Lodge has:
- Standard Rooms: cozy, clean, with lovely lake views
- Bungalows: small homes with private balconies
- Large Bungalows
- Penthouse: high up with the best views, looking at lake, islands, and even volcanoes
Every room is bright, spacious, and comfy. They have nice bathrooms, air-conditioning, and big windows—so you wake up to beautiful lake views. umurobyi-lodge.com+3umurobyi-lodge.com+3umurobyi-lodge.com+3
Fishing and Lake Life
Every evening, local fishermen sail out to catch Sambaza, tiny fish that taste great. You can join them or watch from the lodge’s terrace.
Lake Kivu is special—it has only certain fish like tilapia and sambaza. It also has a hidden energy treasure: methane gas deep in the water. umurobyi-lodge.com+1umurobyi-lodge.com+1
taking panoramic views of Lake Kivu, with nine uninhabited islands visible across the waters. Among these, Kumbabara Island stands out with fascinating folklore and a storied past of former inhabitants who lived a simple life, crossing vast waters to attend school on the surrounding hillsides.
Although currently uninhabited due to government regulations, local farmers continue to use small boats to tend to their crops on these islands, sustaining the region’s livelihood.
Fun Things to Do
Umurobyi Lodge offers lots of fun activities:
- Island Visits: Take a boat to islands like Napoleon and Amahoro. Explore, hike, and see animals like fruit bats. umurobyi-lodge.com+7umurobyi-lodge.com+7umurobyi-lodge.com+7
- Kayaking: Paddle to islands or just enjoy the calm lake water. You can even get free kayaks!
- Vespa Tour: Ride scooters around the Kibuye hills and stop at tea farms or small villages. Allowed if you have a license. umurobyi-lodge.com+1umurobyi-lodge.com+1
- Hiking: Walk around the lodge, hike to the Source of the Nile, or explore part of the Congo-Nile Trail. umurobyi-lodge.com+12umurobyi-lodge.com+12umurobyi-lodge.com+12
- Birding & Stargazing: See birds like kingfishers and eagles, and at night spot stars—no city lights here! umurobyi-lodge.com
- Farmer Tours: Visit tea or coffee farms nearby to learn how drinks are made, from plant to cup. umurobyi-lodge.com
- Visit Idjwi Island (DRC): Cross the lake to this big island and meet local communities. Bring your visa! umurobyi-lodge.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1
What the Lodge Gives You
Staying here means:
- All meals are included—breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Drinks like soft drinks, wine, and local beer are free too
- You get to relax at your own pace—enjoy pool, meals, and quiet time umurobyi-lodge.com+1umurobyi-lodge.com+1
They even show you how to cook local fish, like the "Fishermen’s Feast." So much fun!
Lively Design & Culture
The lodge’s name Umurobyi means “fisherperson” in Kinyarwanda. A bronze statue of a fisherwoman greets you—celebrating strong women in fishing. umurobyi-lodge.comumurobyi-lodge.com+7umurobyi-lodge.com+7umurobyi-lodge.squarespace.com+7
The buildings use stones and wood, honoring the volcanic land. From the penthouse, you can spot Nyiragongo, Karisimbi, and Mikeno volcanoes! umurobyi-lodge.com+1umurobyi-lodge.com+1
What Guests Say
- “Truly unforgettable—perfection in every detail.” (Booking.com review) umurobyi-lodge.com+2petitfute.com+2booking.com+2
- “Views are immaculate, the staff made it perfect.”
- “Fishermen sunset boat trip was beautiful!”
- Guests love the design, pool, and friendly service. booking.com+1booki
Just 500 meters from the lodge, thriving fishing activities flourish. Nighttime is alive with numerous fishing boats seeking the popular “isambaza” fish, illuminating the lake with their lights as fishermen call to each other over the water’s gentle ripples. This vibrant daily ritual offers visitors an authentic window into Karongi’s fishing economy.
Umurobyi Lodge is more than just a name—it symbolizes the intertwined lives of the fishermen and the guests who stay there. A striking sculpture of a female fisherman by Belgian artist Dirk De Keyzer stands near the lake, honoring the often-unsung role of women in supporting local fishing communities and the broader economy.
The lodge’s architecture combines natural simplicity with modern comfort. Built mainly from wood and glass, its bungalows and rooms offer expansive windows that invite the serenity of Lake Kivu right into the living space, providing guests with an unparalleled connection to nature. Walking paths and terraces are lined with indigenous trees, ensuring a peaceful and eco-friendly atmosphere.
Guests can choose from uniquely named rooms such as Mukondo, Napoleon, Amahora, and Kumbabara, priced around $495 (about 703,000 RWF) per night, each with private seating areas overlooking the lake. Exclusive standalone bungalows like Iwawa and Idyi are available for $645 (916,000 RWF), while the spacious Bugarura room costs $695 (987,000 RWF) per night, ideal for families or groups.
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