Night fishing on Lake Kivu – Rwanda
Lake Kivu is one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa shared by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lake is surrounded by peaceful towns, green hills, and beautiful islands thus rendering it important to the economy and culture of the nearby communities. The lake has a lot to offer, and night fishing is one of the most interesting adventures.
Lake Kivu night fishing is more than activity aimed at catching fish, but a sign of culture, tradition, solidarity, and determination. Every night, groups of fishermen go out on the water in dark wooden boats with bright lights. People from all over the area come to see the beautiful scene made by the bright lights reflecting on the water of the lake. This activity helps to maintain customs that have existed for ages. This activity is so essential in towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyangugu.
The night fishing experience
As dusk comes on Lake Kivu, fishermen leave the shores into the lake in three-hulled fishing boats. There are long poles on the bows and sterns of these amazing boats that make them stand out. As you look up at the beautiful sky, the poles slowly become projections of the boats. Fishermen in boats go out into the deep waters of the Lake, a few kilometers from the shores where nets are cast to catch different kinds of fish all night.
As a tourist who wishes to participate in this amazing activity, you will join the normal crew of the singing fishermen as they paddle in their boats for this night fishing activity. Alternatively, you can board comfortable tour boats with the company of the guides and some local fishermen as they provide an explanation of the whole experience. Once in the boat, listen and enjoy the traditional songs, whistles on the way into the lake the songs are heart- warming.
At the fishing spot, the fishermen begin their work, as the visitors observe as the nets are handled and cast. The fishermen work carefully and cooperatively; some control the boats while others handle the nets.
As it gets darker, paraffin lanterns are lit. These help to draw fish closer to the cast nets. The most popular type of fish caught are the small sardines, commonly known as “Isambaza”, at times cichlids, tilapia and catfish.
By the end of the experience, you will realize that the activity is done with respect to tradition, teamwork and harmony. It lasts for 2-3 hours filled with harmonious traditional songs, smiles and glowing lights reflecting the natural beaty of the water.
Best time to go for night fishing on lake Kivu
Night fishing on lake Kivu is carried out from 5 pm to 8:30 or 9pm for tourists, though the some of the local fishermen can stay up to 5:00am. the night hours are always cool and calm, making fishing safer and more productive.
The bright lights attract the fish as the as they make a beautiful glow across the dark waters making a unique reflection that attracts many tourists.
The dry seasons in June to September and December to February are considered most favourable for night fishing on lake Kiu because the evenings and nights are generally calm, with less or no rainfall, and no strong winds thus providing a favourable atmosphere.
Importance of night fishing.
Economically:
Many people around Lake Kivu find this activity as a source of employment. It gives jobs
to people go into the lake as fishermen, fish sellers (mongers), boat builders, workers in fish transportation, and fish sellers in markets. Most families in the area depend on night fishing is the major source of livelihood.
The fish (Isambaza) fish caught during the night fishing activity is highly nutritious and affordable by most of the people in the country. its also served in hotels and restaurants to both locals and international guests during mealtime.
Night fishing is an amazing activity that attracts tourists especially those who visit lake Kivu for relaxation and vacations. The beaty of the bright lanterns on the water at night have made boat trips more popular. In this way, is a contribution to government revenue
Culturally:
The teamwork and strength exhibited through traditional songs, stories and other shared experiences that are shred along the boat trips as the fishing goes on, strengthens unity, provides more knowledge thus creating a sense of belonging and strengthening social bonds.
Since the fishing skills are passed on from elders to parents then to the children, this activity acts one of the best ways to preserve tradition and culture from generation to generation.
Challenges of the night fishing activity
-Harsh weather conditions: storms and winds are unpredictable hence making some hour of the activity unconducive.
– Some fishermen do not have the proper protective gear, yet they spend more hours on the water.
-Over fishing can be a threat if not well managed as oit leads to extinction of some fish species.
-Environmental pollution affects the quality and quantity of fish caught from the lake. Pollution is always caused by waste for engine boats and gas from underneath the lake.
– Some fishermen lack proper fishing equipment and financial support to improve their productivity.
In conclusion:
Night fishing stands out as one of the most interesting activities on lake Kivu. Its so unique and economical. it’s a wonderful combination of culture, economical survival, natural beaty and adventure. The bright lights of the fishing boats on the calm water signify hope, teamwork, and the long-lasting connection between the lake and the people