Rusizi
A border town at the southern end of Lake Kivu, the gateway to Nyungwe from the west.
Updated 2 September 2026
Rusizi, formerly Cyangugu, sits at the southern tip of Lake Kivu where the Ruzizi river flows out of it, at the border crossing with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The town is in two parts, one on the lake and one on the hill above, and it is the western base for Nyungwe Forest, about an hour and a half away. Hot springs, tea estates and the lake shore are all within reach, and the setting between water and forested hills is the appeal.
What to look for
- The lake outflow - the point where the Ruzizi river leaves Lake Kivu.
- The two levels - the lakeside town and the upper town on the hill.
- The border crossing - the bridge and post at the river.
- The setting - lake on one side and forested hills on the other.
When to go
June to September and December to February are the drier windows. The rains from March to May are heavy in this corner of the country. The lake shore is warmer than the upper town.
Practical notes
There is little to do in the town itself; it is a base and a border post. Photography near the border installations is restricted. Accommodation is limited and standards vary.
Nearby
Mashyuza hot springs are nearby, and Nyungwe Forest is northeast.
What to pack for Rusizi
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- Swimwear - Needed at most public thermal pools; some traditional baths are nude and single-sex. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry towel + flip-flops - For wet changing areas and hot poolside stone. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
