As preparations continue for the upcoming festival and exhibition known as the Kivu Beach Expo and Festival, organized by Yirunga Ltd in partnership with Rutsiro District, activities are ongoing to visit different partners in Boneza Sector, the event venue, to assess the progress of the preparations. The event aims to promote cultural tourism in the district.
Some tourism investors in the sector, especially those operating along the shores of Lake Kivu including Hon. Odette Nyiramirimo, the owner of Ruchel Hotel, and the owner of KaySun Hotel expressed their excitement about this initiative. They said the event will help boost tourism in the area and increase the number of visitors who come to their facilities.
Besides these investors, residents of Bugarura Island, which belongs to Boneza Sector, said tourism activities have helped their island become more well-known. They added that they are happy such events are reaching them, as it helps them feel increasingly included in development efforts.
Yves Iyaremye, the Director of Yirunga Ltd, confirmed that events like this attract tourists, including those coming to showcase their products and those who follow water sports. He highlighted that this edition of the Kivu Beach Expo will include several innovations.
“Activities will include a 20 km hiking competition, which will launch the Expo and finish at Palega Beach Inn, a Badminton-like tennis game to be played at KaySun Hotel in the Kariba hotel zone, and boat racing competitions. It will also be a great opportunity for Boneza residents to participate in competitions such as swimming and beach volleyball, which will take place at Ruchel Kivu Beach Resort on December 13, 2025.” HeStated.
Kayitesi Dative, the mayor of Rutsiro district highlights what the district expects from this festival. “The main thing we expect from this festival is to celebrate the achievements made, especially in the tourism sector, and to promote Rutsiro as a tourism destination. Another goal is to show investors that investing in this district is worthwhile, as it is a beautiful place for relaxation and retirement. She also added that it is an excellent place for sporting activities and swimming.”
The Executive Secretary of Boneza Sector, Mr. Munyamahoro Muhizi Patrick, told the media that this end-of-year event will elevate Rutsiro District especially Boneza Sector to a higher level in terms of cultural tourism. He emphasized the many attractions found in the sector, including Lake Kivu, various islands, Inyambo cattle known in Nyanza but unique in Boneza for their ability to swim across the lake, different bird species, diverse trees found on the water-based islands, and several modern hotels along the lake shores. The Kivu Beach Expo and Festival is scheduled to take place from December 9 to 15, 2025, at the large gardens of Palega Beach Inn, which offers a clear view of Bugarura Island, home to more than 2,000 residents.
For the first time in Rutsiro’s history, the festival will feature a Boat Party on December 13–14, 2025, where participants will enjoy live entertainment from various artists and popular DJs mixing music while guests eat and drink in the middle of the lake and other activities include tourism experiences such as viewing Inyambo long-horn cattle swimming in Lake Kivu, visiting Napoleon Island, and coffee-based tourism at Boneza Coffee.
