Gisenyi

Note: There are reports that bullets and other projectiles from the fight between rebels and UN/DRC forces in nearby Goma have landed across the border. Travelers should avoid travel to Gisenyi for the moment being due to the safety risk. Travel across the border into Goma is not safe and should not be attempted (Updated November 2012)

Gisenyi is a city in Rubavu district in Rwanda.

Understand

Gisenyi is a town on the north shore of Lake Kivu on the border with DR Congo (Goma) Gisenyi is coterminous with Goma, the city across the border in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Get in

Buses run two times a hour between Kigali and Gisenyi 3 hours. and at least once a day between Kibuye and Gisenyi.

Kampala Coach has a bus to Kampala Uganda. 14 hours.

ferry

there is a ferry going from Gisenyi to Cyangugu via Kibuye every Wednesday and sunday at 7am. the one way fare from Gisenyi to Kibuye is Rwf 2,500. and to Cyangugu Rwf 6,000. the ferry has been working since march 2014.

Get around

Gisenyi is a small town and can easily be gotten around on foot, alternatively there are hundreds of Motorbike Taxis around.

See

• Bralirwa brewery. (updated Sep 2015)
• Pfunda Tea Factory (5 km from Gisenyi). 8am-5pm. (updated Sep 2015)
• Lake Kiva and the Public beach.. (updated Sep 2015)

Do

Situated on the north of Lake Kivu, it also offers many opportunities for water sports or for excursions on the lake.

Gisenyi town features a resort on the shores of Lake Kivu, with best hotels and biggest sandy beaches. The area is also known for water sports. The northern shore of the lake on which Goma and Gisenyi lie is a flat plain featuring lava formations from the eruptions of nearby Nyiragongo Volcano.

• Wildlife Tours, Gorilla Trekking, Historical & Cultural, Village visits,

Volunteer, Walking & Trekking, Kayaking & Boat trip, Community based Tours, Sightseeing Tours.

Buy

• Bank of Kigali. has a Master card and Visa card ATM. (updated Sep 2015)
• EcoBank. has a Master card and Visa card ATM. (updated Sep 2015)

Eat

Drink

Sleep

• Centre d’Accueil de l’Église Presbytérienne, Ave du Marché, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Looks like the one of the cheapest places in town for travelers to stay. This church-run place is quiet and clean. Local restaurant open workdays serves breakfast (2500 RWF) as well as buffet dinner (2500 RWF). Dorm bed Fwf 3,000 Room from 5,000. 
• City Lodge, Rue de Ruhengeric, ☎ [phone]. room with shared bathroom Rfr 8,000. (updated Sep 2015)
• Auberde de Gisenyi, Ave de Ummuganda (close to the market), ☎ [phone]. single/double rooms with own bathroom. Rfr 7,000/8,000. (updated Sep 2015)
• Africano Guest House (near the Mosque). double room with own bathroom Rwf 8,000. (updated Oct 2015)
• Methodist Church Centre d Accueil (north of town centre. near the bus station.), ☎ [phone]. dorm beds. single/double rooms. shared hot water bathrooms. Rfr 2,000/5,000/8,000. (updated Oct 2015)

Connect

Go next

Gisenyi is right on the border with DR Congo and you can easily walk there, most nationalities can get an 8 day Congolese visa at the border for $35. Plane trips can be made from here to view the Nyiragongo volcano craters.