Tchegera Island
Tchegera Island is one of the major island destination in Africa and this is a small and private island in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Democratic republic of Congo is the second largest country in Africa and you can book a Congo safari to one of the national parks of Congo. There are about 10 national parks in DR Congo and the most famous are the Virunga national park and the Kahuzi Biega national park. These two parks are famous and most visited as they are in fairly safe destinations of the country and also because they are homes to two of the gorilla subspecies.
The DR Congo is associated with poverty and insecurity but the areas around these parks are managing their security issues and can accommodate tourist visits. The Tchegera island visit is offered by the Virunga national park as it is located on the Lake Kivu. The Tchegera Island is located on the northern part of the Lake Kivu closer to the Virunga national park than the Kahuzi Biega national park.
The Tchegera Island is an ideal destination for guests looking for the luxury island experience in Africa or just to cool off and unwind after a visit to the Virunga national park. The Virunga national park offers a mountain gorilla trekking experience as well as a mountaineering experience hiking up one of the world’s most active volcanic mountains; the Mount Nyiragongo. The Virunga national park also has a wildlife sector where visitors to the park can engage in game drives or safari walks known as the Lulimbi sector.
If you have more time in the country and you would like to unwind, a night or two at the Tchegera Island would be great. The Tchegera Island is a volcanic caldera shaped like a U as seen from the aerial view. The Tchegera Island is a 15 to 20 minute speed boat transfer from the Bolengo port where the boat headed to this island sets off.
The Tchegera Island can only be accessed by the water so you will need a speed boat, kayak or book your slot on the Virunga hired boat. The scheduled boat sets off at about 12pm to reach in time for lunch and on return to Bolengo, you usually leave the island by 7 am. On arrival at the Tchegera Island, guests may opt to either have lunch or spend more time at the island. This island is a very natural one and there is currently only one luxury property on the island known as the Tchegera Island Tented camp.
- Tchegera Island Tented camp.
The Tchegera tented camp is a lux property ready to welcome visitors all year round when the Virunga national park is open. The Tchegera island tented camp is also considered a resort as it offers the resort feel. There are currently 10 nicely furnished and decorated safari styled tented rooms. The tents used are the Meru type of tents often found in the luxury properties.
The Tchegera island tented camp rooms are all self-contained with hot and cold water showers with WiFi connection however these tented rooms are private as they are spread far apart from each other. The bathrooms are fitted with class equipment such as electric powered hand driers.
The main dinning tent of the resort is spacious with great views of the Lake Kivu with a great spot to catch the sunset and also on the clear nights, the visitors of the resort can see the red glow from the Mount Nyiragongo and the other active volcanic mountain close by called the Mount Nyamulagira.
What to do on the Tchegera Island
Picnic lunch
The Tchegera Island tented camp is a great spot to have a barbeque lunch getaway with friends, family or even with a loved one. You can book your lunch experience on the Island on top of your safari in the Virunga national park.
Birding
The Democratic republic of Congo is known for its great bird species and these can be also enjoyed while on the Island. Get to spot the cormorants, the gulls or even the African eagle on your birding experience on the Tchegera Island. The birding is best done on the nature walks on the virgin trails of the Island.
Water activities
Being on an island, there are a number of water activities you can plan to enjoy during your stay but note that all these activities are done at own risk. The guests can engage in kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding or swimming.
You may opt to just sit back and enjoy the island, read a book or just sit back and enjoy the breeze of the island. It is important to book your visit to the island ahead as to avoid missing out when the resort is fully booked out being 10 cottages, the island can only accommodate 20 people per night.
