Gisenyi town is located near Goma town in the western province of Rwanda, close to the Congo border. It is situated in the northwest corner of Lake Kivu.
Gisenyi escaped the volcanic eruptions of Mount Nyiragongo in 1977 and 2002, although some lava did flow into Lake Kivu.
Gisenyi town has a population of over 100,000 people and is home to Bralirwa, the only brewery in Rwanda.
There are many places to visit and activities to do while in Gisenyi, some of which are listed below:
Tourist Activities – Top Things to do in Gisenyi, Rubavu
- Tea Plantation Tours: Tourists can take guided tours to several tea plantations around Gisenyi, such as the Pfunda Tea Factory, which produces over 90 tonnes of tea daily. Visitors can learn about the process of planting tea and see the harvest. The tea plantations also offer spectacular views and are not far from town.
- Shopping for Crafts: Gisenyi has several shops selling African crafts from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and masks from Congo. Visitors can buy these souvenirs to take home as mementos or as gifts for loved ones.
- Lake Kivu Beaches: Lake Kivu has several beaches along its shores, making it the perfect place to relax after a hectic gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. The beaches are ideal for relaxation, sunbathing, and enjoying great views of Lake Kivu and the Virunga ranges.
- Nature Walks: Explore Gisenyi town on foot. One of the most interesting walks is along the Avenue of Cooperation, which circles Lake Kivu up to the Congo border. This walk takes you through elegant trees and palm trees, offering a refreshing cool breeze. Tourists can also walk to Nyamuyumba, about 6 kilometers away.
- Sunset Boat Rides: Take a sunset boat ride on Lake Kivu and enjoy views of water birds, the Virunga Mountains, and tea and coffee plantations. Local small boats are used for these rides, and tourists can visit one of the lake’s rocky islands for sundowning. You may also see small fishing boats heading out for night fishing. For an adventurous Rwanda safari trip, tourists can take a ferry to Cyangugu or Kibuye, located in the southern part of Lake Kivu.
Accommodation/Hotels
While in Gisenyi, tourists can stay at various accommodations, including Hotel Italiano Al Lago, Kivu Peace View Hotel, Hill View Hotel, Fanad Hotel, Asante Hotel, Musanto Hotel, Stipp Hotel Gisenyi, Gorillas Lake View Hotel, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, and Dean Fossey Nyimaramacidir Hotel, among others.
Gisenyi town can be reached from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, within a 3-hour drive.
