Yearning for a tropical island getaway, I chartered a boat and sailed to k’Abakingi Island off the shore of Rubavu. This is one of fifty-six islands found on the Rwandan side of Lake Kivu.

Like the rest of these treasures, k’Abakingi is a continental island. Its geological composition is similar to the grandeur of hills surrounding the lake. The formation of this picturesque piece of land is traced to the volcanic turmoil that reshaped the area’s landscape and created a variety of topographic designs.

This island is relatively flat. Its altitude level is lower in comparison to her sisters’. Covered by a mixture of riparian and forest vegetation, k’Abakingi is a birding paradise. The soothing melodies of talented birds and the sound of gentle waves blend perfectly to create the remix of my favorite song.

k’Abakingi Island is privately owned. It is ideal for picnics, camping and bigger events like weddings. One of these days, I will disclose the genesis of its unique name and a little bit of its fascinating history.

There is an interesting story behind each one of Lake Kivu’s islands. Some of these stories are legends embroidered in the folklore of the surrounding communities. They are conveyed from generation to generation.

From the distance, the islet looked like a little dot on the verge of being swept by the tides. As we got closer, it looked like a floating garden. When I finally set foot on it, I was thrilled by the "floating" escapade. Tranquility, singing birds, splashing waves and breathtaking views. Need I say more?

The author is an adventurer on a tour of all 30 districts and 416 sectors of Rwanda. His k’Abakingi expedition is sponsored by La Bella Lodge and Exposure Digital.