Rusizi

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 you actually see

• 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.

Honest expectations

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.