Rubavu
Rwanda · Western Province · 1460 m
Description
Rubavu, still widely called Gisenyi, is the resort end of Lake Kivu and the place Rwandans go to do nothing. A sand beach runs below a row of old Belgian villas, the promenade fills in the evening, and the water is warm and safe to swim. The town ends at the barriers into Goma in Congo, so the border is part of daily life here, and the cone of Nyiragongo stands over the lake with its crater glowing red on clear nights. Boats cross to Napoleon Island, the brewery works at the shore, and the Congo Nile Trail starts here.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 4 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: June – September
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Gisenyi beach and the lakeside promenade
- Swimming off the Gisenyi shore
- Boat trip to Napoleon Island
- Glow of Nyiragongo over the lake at night
- Rubona bay and its fishing harbour
- Nyamyumba hot springs on the lakeshore
- Kayaking and paddleboarding on Kivu
- Bralirwa brewery on the shore
- Northern start of the Congo Nile Trail(Multi-day trip)
- Pfunda tea estate(Day trip)
- Gardens of Mugongo above the lake(Day trip)
- Evening boats of the singing fishermen
Getting there
- Nearest airports:
- KGL
- Border town:
- Rwanda