Rusizi District of Rwanda – Rusizi District is located in the southwestern end of Rwanda in the country’s Western Province, inclusive of six other districts. The district is a major economic hub in Rwanda; its economic status is attributed to its location at the border with Burundi in the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the west.
Cyangugu (Kamembe) is the capital of Rusizi District and a major city in southwest Rwanda. It is one of the three major lake ports on Lake Kivu in Rwanda, alongside Gisenyi and Kibuye.
Eighteen sectors make up Rusizi District, and these include Bugarama, Butare, Bweyeye, Gikundamvura, Gashonga, Giheke, Gihundwe, Gitambi, Kamembe, Muganza, Mururu, Nkanka, Nkombo, Nkungu, Nyakabuye, Nyakarenzo, Nzahaha, and Rwimbogo.
Rusizi District gets its name from the Rusizi River that flows through the district. The river is fed by the vast Lake Kivu, which is located in the northern end of Rusizi District. The district also covers the western side of the popular Nyungwe Forest National Park, making the district a top tourist destination.
Tourist Attractions (What to See) in Rusizi District:
- Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in the southwest of Rwanda with its western part in Rusizi District.
- Lake Kivu, the scenic vast lake west of Rwanda at the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Explore the lake by engaging in the different activities in and around the lake.
- Rusizi River, which empties into Lake Kivu.
- Canopy walkway in Nyungwe Forest
- Rusizi Stadium
- Amashyuza Hot Springs
- Nyarushishi Genocide Memorial
Tourist Activities (What to Do) in Rusizi District:
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Hiking expeditions/tours in Nyungwe Forest, along the lake shores of Lake Kivu, and the riverbanks of the Rusizi River.
- Bird watching in Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is home to over 300 bird species, including Albertine endemic species. A guided birding safari will be more rewarding.
- Guided canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest
- Forest and nature walks
- Local community visits/cultural tours
- Colobus monkey trekking in Nyungwe Forest
- Boat cruise on Lake Kivu
- Kayaking and canoe rides on Lake Kivu
- Lake Kivu island guided tours where you can go birding and enjoy guided nature walks on islands like Nkombo Island and Gihaya Island.
You can get to Rusizi District via road transport from Kigali on a 4 to 5-hour drive using private or public transport, or by air from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe Airport.
Visit Nyungwe Forest with these recommended Chimpanzee Trekking Companies or send us an inquiry below to book directly through this website.
