Gisenyi has been one of Rwanda’s top tourist destinations for many years. This city was part of Rwanda’s 12 provinces before 2007 but now belongs to the Rubavu District in the Western Province.
Gisenyi borders the Democratic Republic of Congo and is next to the well-known city of Goma. It is home to two border points, the “Grand Barrière” and the “Petite Barrière,” which tourists and travelers can use to access eastern D.R. Congo, Virunga National Park, and Nyiragongo Mountain.
Gisenyi is located on the shores of the beautiful Lake Kivu and is famous for recreation. It offers the best water sports in the country, white sandy beaches, and classic resorts and lodges to accommodate visitors to western Rwanda.
One of Gisenyi’s unique features is the flat plains on the northern shores of Lake Kivu, which showcase lava formations from past eruptions of Mount Nyiragongo in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Activities to Enjoy in Gisenyi
Tourists visiting this small but lively city can enjoy a variety of activities during their stay.
These include:
- Water sports, beach soccer, and volleyball
- Bird watching
- City tours of Gisenyi
- Swimming in Lake Kivu
- Relaxing and sunbathing on the sandy beaches.
Recommended Budget Lodges and Hotels in Gisenyi
- Kivu Peace View Hotel: Kivu Peace View Hotel is one of the best budget hotels in Gisenyi, offering affordable accommodation to budget travelers. The hotel provides free luggage storage, Wi-Fi, a 24-hour reception, and an efficient ticket service. Rated as a 3-star property, the hotel ensures a comfortable stay with good room service, fully furnished rooms, and amenities such as a minibar, microwave, and oven. The friendly staff are always ready to assist guests with information about the best places to visit in Gisenyi.
- Ubumwe Hotel Gisenyi: Ubumwe Hotel Gisenyi is another excellent budget option located near the beach. Guests can enjoy beautiful views of Lake Kivu and wake up to the sounds of birds. It is also just a 10-15 minute walk to the Rwanda Tourism University College. Amenities include quality room service, a bar and lounge, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. The hotel offers great deals throughout the year and is an ideal choice for budget travelers.
- Beach Garden BnB: Beach Garden BnB is one of the best hotels in Gisenyi for travelers seeking simplicity and great hospitality. It offers stunning views of the beach and friendly service. Staying here puts you right at the shores of Lake Kivu, just a 5-minute walk from the Rwanda Tourism University College. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, dry cleaning/laundry services, an airport shuttle for a fee, and express check-out services. Guests also enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and onsite self-parking.
- Stipp Hotel Gisenyi: Stipp Hotel Gisenyi is a beautiful budget-friendly hotel located near the beach and close to Université Libre de Kigali – Gisenyi campus and other recreational centers. The hotel offers comfortable services, including dry cleaning/laundry, excellent room service, a well-equipped business center, and complimentary newspapers.
Final Tip
Whenever you visit Gisenyi, don’t miss the chance to experience the comfort and hospitality of these budget hotels, offering quality services at affordable rates.
