Rubavu, still commonly known as Gisenyi, is Rwanda’s second-largest city and its most developed lakeside resort town, set on Lake Kivu’s northern shore directly across the border from Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With sandy beaches, established hotels, and volcanic lava-rock formations from nearby Mount Nyiragongo along its shoreline, Rubavu has long been Rwanda’s most popular lake escape.
The town at a glance
- Rwanda’s second-largest city, with about 252,000 residents in Rubavu district
- Sits on Lake Kivu’s northern shore, directly across the border from Goma, DRC
- Home to three sandy beaches and a well-established resort and hotel scene
- Two official border crossings connect the town to Goma, with thousands of people passing daily
A resort town on the lake
Rubavu’s beaches and lakeside promenade have made it Rwanda’s best-known holiday town, drawing both local weekenders from Kigali and international visitors looking to unwind after gorilla trekking in the nearby Virunga Mountains. Water sports, lakeside dining and relaxed evenings along the shore are the main draw, giving the town a noticeably different pace from Rwanda’s parks and cultural sites.
A border city shaped by geography
Rubavu’s position beside Goma and the active volcano Mount Nyiragongo gives it a distinctive setting, with dark volcanic rock visible along parts of the shoreline from past eruptions, though the town itself has been spared direct lava flows in the region’s more recent eruptions. Cross-border trade and movement with Goma remain a significant part of daily life, adding a layer of border-town character to the resort atmosphere.
Things to do
- Relaxing on Rubavu’s sandy beaches along Lake Kivu
- Water sports and boat outings on the lake
- Dining and evenings out along the lakeside promenade
- Combining a stay with gorilla trekking at nearby Volcanoes National Park
Practical information
- Reached by road from Kigali, about three hours, or a shorter drive from Musanze and Volcanoes National Park
- Year-round mild climate, with the heaviest rains typically from March to May
- A popular add-on after gorilla trekking, given its proximity to the Virunga Mountains
Rubavu offers Rwanda’s most polished lakeside escape, ideal for unwinding after a gorilla trekking itinerary. Offmap Safaris can combine it with Volcanoes National Park for a complete northern Rwanda circuit. To start planning, visit Plan My African Safari, message us on WhatsApp at +256 701 243 304, or email [email protected]. See also our notes on health and safety and visa and entry requirements.
