Overview

Gisenyi is the second largest city in Rwanda, a small, quiet town situated on the northern side of Lake Kivu on the border with DR Congo (Goma). The city features a resort town on the lakeshores with several hotels and sandy beaches, the area is popular for watersports.

Gisenyi is a great destination for a relaxing beach vacation with some beautiful sandy beaches, beachfront accommodations, as well as restaurants and bars. Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes shared by the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, It is extremely wide and one of the deepest in the world. The lake experiences limnic eruptions where carbon dioxide suddenly erupts from the surface due to the lava that flowed into the lake from Mount Nyriagongo during the last eruption in 2002

Vacationers can stretch out on Gisenyi’s beaches with some breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes, take a boat trip to visit the different surrounding islands for a day trip. Visit Kigarama Hot Springs for a relaxing therapeutic massage and a dip in the healing hot springs or “magic waters” as the locals refer to them. There are several other hot springs in the area such as Gisenyi Hot Springs, Kinigi Hot Springs, Bugarama Hot Springs, and Nyamyumba Hot Springs. Gisenyi is also home to the only brewery in the country, Brilawa.

Things to see and do

Lake Kivu is the stunningly beautiful lake in Ginseyi, it is an incredible place to visit with crystal clear water, and it is one of the safest lakes in Africa. Visitors can explore, discover, and journey along its interesting shoreline and watch unique fishing boats ply the water. There are interesting villages dotted along the coastline as well as amazing birdlife set amongst the peaceful and tranquil surroundings.

The picturesque freshwater lake borders with Congo in the North of the lake, a great place to immerse yourself in nature and relax. There are also many watersport activities like boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, jet skiing, swimming, and fishing. Local tour operators offer guided boat tours to appreciate the pure beauty of the lake. Or enjoy a spectacular sunset cruise on the lake.

Visit Brilawa the only brewery in Rwanda, they offer tours once a week. Stop in take a tour and sip on a refreshing local brew.

View Mountain Gorillas in Virunga or Volcanoes National Park. Gisenyi is located relatively close to the park making it a convenient place for a day trip. Gorilla trekking is one of the most popular activities in Rwanda and a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a remarkable setting with these incredible primates. The national park is a great place for a fantastic adventure and some great experiences, Gorilla trekking is a memorable and unique experience.

Visit several hot springs in the region including the Gisenyi, Kinigi, Bugarama, and Nyamyumba Hot Springs. The locals believe that these magical waters have healing properties and a dip in them can help heal so many ailments. Experiencing these unique and relaxing springs is a great way to unwind, the waters have therapeutic properties. The best time to visit the hot springs is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the peak heat of the day. Admire the surrounding scenery as you unwind in the healing waters, the hot springs at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel often provide beautiful views of Lake Kivu. Consider combining your visit to the hot springs with other activities around Gisenyi city, and take a boat tour of nearby attractions.

Explore some of the surrounding islands such as Idjwi which is the second largest inland island in Africa and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and a great place to experience local culture.

Cuisine

The city of Gisenyi is known for its delicious cuisine offering a unique and enjoyable dining experience. The restaurants in the city range from local eateries to sophisticated fine dining establishments. The menus in Gisenyi feature a variety of stews and grilled meats normally serviced with a side of rice or plantains. Expect to find a range of international flavors to choose from like Italian, Chinese, and Indian. There are plenty of cafes and bakeries to explore to sample famous Rwandan coffee and pastries. There are a variety of typical foods and delicious local dishes from all over the world such as Brochette a dish of grilled meat, made with either goat, beef, or chicken, the meat is seasoned with a blend of spices and grilled on skewers that make it tender and juicy.

Mishikaki is a skewered meat dish typically beef marinated in a mixture of spices, onions, and tomato paste. Inyama y’indinginyo is a dish made with smoked beef and served with plantains, beans, meat, or fish. Isombe is a traditional Rwandan dish with mashed cassava leaves, served with beans, meat, or fish. Ugali is a starchy dish made with maize flour and water and served with meat, vegetables, and sauce. The country is known for its delicious tropical fruits such as pineapple, papaya, and mango, they can be found sold by street vendors or in the local markets.

Shopping

There are some great markets to check out when shopping in Gisenyi where visitors can shop for local arts and crafts, fresh produce, fabrics, clothing, Congolese masks, and other items such as necklaces, paintings, and basketware. The town boasts a vibrant shopping scene and is home to a variety of unique stores and markets selling traditional Rwanda crafts and modern fashion, there are many locations for a great day of shopping. The main shopping area is the Gisenyi Market which is a bustling, vibrant place situated in the heart of the city with a variety of shopping stalls unique souvenirs, and authentic items. There is a great selection of food stalls at the market offering a variety of local Rwandan dishes.

There are plenty of modern stores and shopping malls to choose from in Gisenyi. The Gisenyi Shopping Mall is one of the largest malls in the city with a large variety of stores and restaurants with a great selection of international brands as well as local stores and a large food court with a variety of international chains and local dishes to choose from. The Gisenyi market is a great place to shop for local crafts and produce and pick up everything from hand-carved wooden masks to jewelry, and locally-grown produce. The market is well known for its fresh fish where fish lovers can pick up tilapia, catfish, and carp as well as a variety of seafood, shrimp, mussels, and lobster.

Try the local cuisine with Rwandan dishes such as isombe which is a stew made with cassava leaves, and ibiza which is a stew made from beans and beef. It is a great place to pick up freshly picked coffee including Arabica, Robusta, and Bourbon. Buy herbs and spices such as black pepper, cumin, cardamom, basil, oregano, and thyme. Pick up local honey and beeswax including types of honey such as wildflower, clover, and orange blossom. Gisenyi market is a great place to experience the culture and atmosphere of Gisenyi.

Nightlife

There are a few great options for nightlife and entertainment in Gisenyi with locations on the beach and lakeside. There are places to dine, enjoy a drink, and listen to some music while enjoying the natural beauty and surrounding scenery of volcanoes, lakes, and national parks. There are many cafes, restaurants, and bars found in this serene setting. Check out many of the wonderful restaurants to capture a spectacular sunset with a beverage in hand.