Located in Rubavu District, Rwanda’s western province along the Congo eastern border, the Gisenyi beaches on the northern shore of Lake Kivu are among the most visited tourist destinations in Rwanda.
Gisenyi town is a surviving wonder of the 2002 Nyiragongo eruption when lava flowed all the way to Lake Kivu, affecting a large part of the nearby Goma town.
Known as one of the longest and cleanest beaches in East Africa, Gisenyi beaches are a good destination for travelers, friends, and family getaways.
With a population of 106,000 people, Gisenyi is one of the most popular tourist places in Rwanda, thanks to its many attractions.
What to do in Gisenyi?
- Swimming is one of the most loved activities at the beaches. With no crocodiles, hippos, or bilharzia, a swim in the lake will give you a relaxing experience in the cool waters of Lake Kivu.
- While in Gisenyi, you can visit several hot springs, including the Amashyuza Hot Springs, whose cool waters are believed to have healing properties for many diseases. Other hot springs in the area are Gisenyi Hot Springs, Bugarama Hot Springs, Kinigi Hot Springs, Kigarama, and the Nyamyumba Hot Springs.
- A sunset boat ride on Lake Kivu is one of the best activities to end your day. During the cruise, you can enjoy the views of the nearby landscape, including the Virunga Mountains and coffee and tea plantations. You can also ride to the lake’s rocky islands, meet local fishermen, visit fly bats, and see blue monkeys on Napoleon Island.
- The beaches are a good place for nature walks, with their neat lines of palm trees that offer a refreshing breeze. While at the Gisenyi beaches, you can also explore the local culture, visit hot springs, go mountain biking, enjoy night fishing, watch traditional dances, and more. The beaches are popular for water sports. The waves on Lake Kivu are good for windsurfing, but you can also enjoy water skiing, paddling, kayaking, sport fishing, and motor boating.
- Gisenyi is also home to the only brewery in Rwanda called Bralirwa. Several local drinks are made here, including Primus, Guinness, Amstel, and Mutzig, among others.
- Gisenyi beaches are considered the final stop for visitors who want to relax after the tiring primate trekking adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park.
There is a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. Some popular places to stay include Lake Kivu Serena, Hotel Italiano, Kivu Peace View Hotel, Asante Hotel, and Gorillas Lake View Hotel, among others.
To make a good decision about the best place to stay, it is best to talk to a professional tour operator like us.
