Cyimbili: Fishing the Sunset, Feasting the Night

At Cyimbili on the Congo Nile Trail, you won’t need to sing for your supper — but you might row for it! The fishing experience there is among the most memorable activities, starting any day at 5pm. Adventurous visitors can join local fishermen on Lake Kivu to try and catch their evening meal.
‌
‌This unusual activity can best be enjoyed by Cyimbili Guesthouse overnight guests who get a chance to become part of a culture that is hundreds of years old. After you check in (hikers from the Gisenyi direction usually arrive between 2pm and 4pm), a change of clothes can see you scramble into one of the canoes that dot the shore.

Guided by seasoned professionals, you’ll learn how they coax fish from the lake using age-old techniques. One method involves setting a net in a semi-circle with a fisherman at each end. As they slowly pull it to shore, the catch appears, and yes, you’re welcome to help!
‌
Another highlight is sambaza fishing. These small, silver fish are caught using three linked boats moving in unison. Watching the crew choose the perfect spot to drop their nets is a fascinating part of the experience.
‌
On the lake, you will hear stories of life on the water, songs and traditions that have sustained the fishermen for generations while glorious sunsets unfold around you. The Cyimbili fishing evening is one of a kind that ends with a delicious treat on your plate, and memories for a lifetime.

text & photos by Enock Musabyimana