Tchegera Island
Tchegera Island is a fantastic weekend gateway island located in the northern shore of Lake Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lake Kivu forms a natural boundary between Rwanda and DR Congo. Tchegera Island is a top destination where most travelers relax after a very long gorilla trekking experience in Virunga national park and the adventurous mount Nyiragongo hiking tour on a memorable safari to DR Congo.
Many visitors opt to take a tour to the island as a last activity on their travel itineraries in order to relax and refresh their mind after an amazing memorable trip in Virunga. Guests normally hire Virunga boat to the island and at times you may book a private boat or a kayak for a transfer. The main ports to get a boat to access the island are Goma port and Kituku port. Tchegera Island is endowed with a number of unique fauna and flora as well as various species of birds and butterflies that are worth watching.
The serene nature of Tchegera makes it a perfect destination for honeymooners in DR Congo. On a clear night, the Island offers remarkable views of Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira active volcanoes with their glowing red lava piercing a star covered sky, this spectacular view is worth experiencing! Other Virunga mountains such as Mikeno and Mount Karisimbi can also be seen from Tchegera Island.
The Island is in a horseshoe shape, formed as a result of volcanicity. A boat ride from the mainland of Goma to Tchegere is approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The Island was officially opened for tourism activities in 2019 after strengthening security of the region with the help of the government and Virunga national park management to ensure utmost safety of visitors.
Activities in Tchegera Island
A number of tourism activities can be done in Tchegera Island ranging from relaxing to active adventure experiences such as bird watching, nature walking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and Snorkeling in the fresh waters, picnicking in some of the most beautiful areas around Tchegera Island, paddle boarding, fishing, scenic and sunset viewing among others.
Paddleboarding and kayaking are great adventurous activities most tourists do on their visit to Tchegera island to explore its surroundings while enjoying the thrill of it.
Nature walks are also another way to discover the island. You can encounter several primates like the blue monkeys and a number of bird species such as the African eagle and gulls. Those interested in these activities should carry comfortable hiking shoes and long trousers.
The Island experiences often warm temperatures during the evening and quite fair at night. During the day, temperatures range between 23°C to 26°C however, temperatures drop 10°C in the cold season. You are therefore advised to carry appropriate clothing depending on your time of visit.
Getting To Tchengera Island
The island can be accessed by either hiring a Virunga boat (we strongly recommend this), booking a private boat or a kayak. These boats to Tchegera Island start from either Goma harbour or Kituku port and its about 15 to 20 minutes ride from Goma mainland to Tchegera. You will enjoy the great sceneries during your journey before arriving to Tchegera Island for the next activity.
Normally, a boat sets off from Tchegera Island to Goma at approximately 7:30am. For those with transfers to Kigali for their outbound flights, this is the best schedule from the island to the main land.
Accommodation at Tchegera Island
Most travelers stay at Tchegera Tented Camp, it offers best services and most comfortable tents to guests. It has 10 tents with spacious bathrooms, flushing toilets and running water. The camp is powered with solar and a generator. There is an onsite restaurant where guests enjoy fresh food derived from local community and a fully stocked bar.
The main building has Wi-Fi to enable guests stay connected with their friends and relatives.
Rates for accommodation at Tchegera Island tents range from $168 for a single and $226 for a double and twin room on full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Rates are subject to change without prior notice.
Why choose Tchegera island camp?
The tents are very simple and comfortable that can be set up in single or double occupancy.
Nyamulagira volcano turns the sky red during night and this gives an ultimate experience to guests.
Food served at Tchegera Island Camp is fresh and derived from the local community and served from the main mess tent.
In conclusion, the Island is one of the best escape travel destination for any travelers looking for DR Congo tour and it is a perfect place to end a safari to Virunga National Park after gorilla trekking and hiking the Nyiragongo. If you feel tired and you want to relax, Tchegera Island is the best answer! It is also a great island for visitors on honeymoon holidays in DR Congo. Contact a trusted local tour operator of your choice to range for you a tour to the beautiful island.
