Karongi: Bethany Guesthouse, a Place to Discover the Beauty of Lake Kivu

Bethany Guesthouse sits on a hill that beautifully stretches down to the lake. The guesthouse is located 3.3 km. As you won’t easily find a cab in the Town of Kibuye, you’ll definitely need to take a motorbike that will charge you Rwf 500 (less than US$ 1) from where the bus will drop you off. The road is actually a loop and makes a nice, long walk if you want to go exploring.

It’s a good idea to take your motor driver’s phone number so you can come and go as you please. The road to guesthouse is a one-way street from the town and you won’t find a motor just by heading out to the street.

What really make this place special are the rooms right down by the lake. You’ll have a porch area with a couple of chairs that looks right out onto the lake where you’ll enjoy fresh air from the lake and listen to beautiful sounds made by gentle waves against the rocks on the shores. It’s actually a gorgeous spot to relax. The rooms by the lake cost Rwf 35,000 for a double (the prices are per room, not per person), doubles without the lake view cost Rwf 25,000 and twins are Rwf 15,000.

The rooms at Bethany Guesthouse are pretty simple but comfortable enough to make you enjoy your stay. They have mosquito nets and some have TVs. The restaurant is right down on the water and makes a nice place to enjoy a meal.

You can take a canoe from the guesthouse out to some of the islands all around. A round trip will cost you between 8,000 to 10,000 (US$ 16) but prices are negotiable and are for the whole boat, so cram as many people on it as you can if you want to share the costs. It’s common just to ask other guests at the hotel to see if they’re interested in a boat rental.

Their number is 0252 568 235 and bookings would be recommended if you want a good room, especially on weekends as this place is a popular Kigali escape.