Cyangugu Town (pronounced 'Shangugu' – its new name of Rusizi Town is easier to pronounce!) is the most southerly of Lake Kivu's ports that sprawls along a road through the green hills that run down to the lake shore. It is an old border town whose fading façades tell of its past as a vital trading gateway.
The upper town is a lively business centre and aside from the views of the lake and a couple of flaking colonial era buildings it lacks a little in character. Far more intriguing however, is the lower town - Cyangugu proper. It is situated on the lake shore, alongside a bridge across the Rusizi River, which is also the main border crossing between southern Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In years gone by the town must have been rather grand and prosperous, today however, it is more of a ghost town with many of the buildings dilapidated.
That said, it does have an atmospheric feel to it and almost resembles an old film set of a movie about some colonial West African trading back water. The lakeside setting is lovely and there are some good hotels from which to explore more off the beaten track destinations such as the Bugarama Hot Springs, Cyamudongo Forest and Nyungwe.
It makes for a convenient base if you want to combine a stay on Lake Kivu with Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is only 45 minutes away, although there are limited hotel options.
Why Visit Cyangugu Town, Lake Kivu, Southwestern Rwanda.
- The lovely vies of lake Kivu from Cyangugu Town.
- For a boating excursion along and in to Lake Kivu.
- On your way to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Featured Cyangugu (Rusizi) Town, Safari Holiday Vacation Trips
