Spiritual Rest, Relaxation and Renewal in the Heart of Africa

Those three words have been associated with Kumbya since 1944, and they are as true today as  they were when missionaries first began meeting  on this beautiful peninsula.  Situated on Lake  Kivu in southwestern Rwanda, the Kumbya  peninsula has some of the most pristine natural  habit on the Rwandan side of the lake.  Over one  hundred species of birds, several groups of sea  otters as well as a troupe of vervet monkeys call  the peninsula home.  These animals in addition to  the lush vegetation and large trees make Kumbya  a place where spiritual rest, relaxation and  renewal are found in abundance.

From the mid-1940s, missionaries and Christian workers from Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda and Congo have been coming to Kumbya escape the immense stresses of life and allow themselves to rest, relax and experience renewal.  Every July a conference is held a Kumbya that is open to all Christian workers (missionaries, NGO workers, etc…) in the Great Lakes Region of Africa.  Teams of volunteers from America or Great Britain come and provide specialized programs for the children and speakers come to encourage the adults from God’s word.  In addition to this there are time-honored traditions such as the 3 km swim to Three Hump Island, a skit night where new sides of people are discovered every year, movie nights on the beach, and of course, traditional campfires with smores.

But it’s not just about the conference.  Kumbya is open year-round for rest, relaxation and renewal.  Several  mission agencies own cabins that can  be rented out for a small fee and  there are many places for the more  traditional tent camping.  Groups will  often meet at Kumbya over the  Christmas and Easter breaks, as well  as breaks from school.  This is why  Kumbya exists…to provide spiritual rest, relaxation and renewal for those who labor to do Christ’s work in the heart of Africa.  Every July a conference is held a Kumbya that is open to all Christian workers (missionaries, NGO workers, etc…) in the Great Lakes Region of Africa.  Teams of volunteers from America or Great Britain come and provide specialized programs for the children and speakers come to encourage the adults from God’s word.  In addition to this there are time-honored traditions such as the 3 km swim to Three Hump Island, a skit night where new sides of people are discovered every year, movie nights on the beach, and of course, traditional campfires with smores.  Kumbya escape the immense stresses of life and allow themselves to rest, relax and experience renewal.

We invite you to explore the site to learn more about Kumbya’s vast history and impact in the lives of missionaries in the Great Lakes region, to explore the information given about the annual Kumbya conference, and to see a list of birding and other opportunities at Kumbya.

Welcome and may God indeed grant you spiritual rest, relaxation and renewal.