Kivu Beach Expo & Festival Set to Boost Cultural Tourism in Rutsiro

Preparations for the “Kivu Beach Expo & Festival – Rutsiro Edition” are progressing rapidly, with investors and residents of Boneza expressing optimism that the event will boost cultural-based tourism in the area.

Yirunga Ltd, in partnership with the Rutsiro District, is organizing the festival, which will take place in Boneza Sector—one of the areas widely known for its high tourism potential along the shores of Lake Kivu. As part of ongoing preparations, organizers have been visiting various partners to assess the progress.

Local Investors Welcome the Initiative

Some of the tourism operators in Boneza, including Hon. Odette Nyiramirimo, owner of Rushel Kivu Beach Hotel, and the proprietor of KaySun Hotel located along the shores of Lake Kivu, say they warmly welcomed the event as it is expected to increase the number of tourists visiting the area.

Residents of Bugarura Island also say that tourism activities help promote the visibility of their island, and hosting such events nearby gives them greater confidence in local development.

Rutsiro District: “An Opportunity to Showcase What We Have”

The Mayor of Rutsiro District, Kayitesi Dative, says the festival will help the district gain visibility and showcase its tourism assets.

She noted, “We will showcase Prike, Lake Kivu surrounded by beautiful hotels, and the ideal environment for teaching swimming. We will also highlight various tourist attractions, including long-horned cattle and many other features.”

She added that investors will see that investing in Rutsiro carries no risk because the district has abundant opportunities in tourism.

The Mayor further noted that the festival will be used as a platform for environmental conservation awareness, especially protecting Lake Kivu, avoiding construction along its shores, and planting trees that help stabilize the soil.

She said, “We encourage investors to plant trees and protect biodiversity. Trees prevent soil erosion and contribute to a healthy environment for the community.”

Sports and Activities Planned for the Event

Yves Iyaremye, the Managing Director of Yirunga Ltd, says the Kivu Beach Expo will feature several exciting activities designed to offer both tourists and residents new ways to enjoy the tourism experience.

Planned activities include:

A 20 km hiking event launching the Expo, ending at Palega Beach Inn
Badminton matches at KaySun Hotel
Boat racing
Beach volleyball at Rushel Kivu Beach Resort
Swimming in Lake Kivu
Visiting long-horned cattle that swim in Lake Kivu
Touring Napoleon Island
Coffee-based tourism experiences through Boneza Coffee

Boneza Set for a Tourism Boost

The Executive Secretary of Boneza Sector, Munyamahoro Muhizi Patrick, says the event will elevate Boneza to a new level because the area boasts numerous attractions, including:

Lake Kivu and its small and large islands
Long-horned cattle that swim in Lake Kivu, a unique cultural feature
Various bird species and diverse tree varieties
Modern hotels built along the lakeshore

Major Highlights Expected at Kivu Beach Expo 2025

The main event is scheduled for December 9–15, 2025, at the gardens of Palega Beach Inn, facing Bugarura Island, home to more than 2,000 residents.

For the first time in Rutsiro District’s history:

A “Boat Party” Will Take Place on Lake Kivu

This unique celebration will be held on the water on December 13–14, 2025, featuring performances from popular artists and DJs, while participants enjoy food and drinks aboard boats in the middle of Lake Kivu.