Location: Gisenyi
Top Things to do in Gisenyi
Top Restaurants in Gisenyi
Countries
7 Things to Do in Gisenyi That You Shouldn't Miss
Gisenyi is a city in Rubavu district in Rwanda's Western Province. Gisenyi is contiguous with Goma, the city across the border in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Restaurants in Gisenyi
1. Kingfisher Journeys
Overall Ratings
5 based on 89 reviews
Explore, discover and journey amongst the thousand hills and see more of Rwanda from a truly unique perspective. Soak up the peace and quiet on the water, watch the beautiful landscape passing by, see the amazing birdlife, engage with friendly communities and do something unique in almost all of Africa! We run professionally guided small group kayaking day trips and overnight adventures on Lake Kivu from both Gisenyi and Kibuye multi-day activities from Cyangugu to Gisenyi. With new modern and very stable kayaks and all equipment provided, our guides offer instruction to help you enjoy this exciting - and yet also very relaxing - activity!
Reviewed By Kersti P
The Kingfisher staff and equipment where all excellent. The staff gave great instructions and were always on hand to help at various points on the trip as well as the guides that were with us the whole time. This excellent service combined with the beautiful scenery, made for a wonderful team building experience for our students. Kingfisher canoes were also excellent at working to our time table, which meant we did 3 trips with them (in groups of 12 to 14 students/teachers) over the course of two days.
2. Green Hills Eco Tours - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 69 reviews
Green Hills Eco Tours Ltd is a team of local tour guides specialising in scheduled & tailor-made private Eco Tours & Safaris in Rwanda, DRCongo, Uganda & Burundi. Green Hills Eco Tours offers to tourists an experience of a lifetime that transforms their lives and those of local communities. You will have a unique opportunity to explore the fabulous natural treasures of East Africa region. And you can help to empower local communities by visiting their development projects or gain first-hand experience through a volunteer program.
Reviewed By claireemmamorris
Green Hills Eco Tours arranged a wonderful excursion for my friend and me, and did so with very short notice. We trekked along Lake Kivu for approximately 30 km, passing through villages and travelling along the Congo Nile Trail. We arrived at a fair-trade coffee plantation (Kimbiri) and stayed overnight at a guesthouse there on the shores of the lake. Had time to relax on the little beach and cool our feet in the lake before a delicious dinner. The next morning we toured the plantation and got a first-hand look at the various stages that go into producing a cup of coffee. Then we returned to Gisenyi/Rubona by boat, stopping in at the hot Springs along the way to have a foot massage! We felt especially fortunate to have Rita as our guide - she was lively, knowledgeable and accommodating. I'm so glad that this company is making it a priority to hire and train female guides because as a woman there is a certain comfort level when going into remoter areas with another woman as your guide rather than a man. The owner checked in with us the evening we returned to make sure we'd had an enjoyable time, which I really appreciated. I highly recommend this company if you are looking to explore western Rwanda/Lake Kivu area, and I believe they offer excursions further afield as well, including to DRC. They believe in giving back to the community and in low-impact tourism, so another good reason to choose them beyond their excellent service.
3. Rwandan Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 51 reviews
Rwandan Adventures Ltd offers private biking and walking tours across Rwanda, including the Congo Nile Trail (Gisenyi), the Twin Lakes (Musanze), Lake Muhazi (near Akagera Park), Kigali City Tour and a 9 day Round Rwanda Tour. We also organise personalised itineraries to suit your interests and available time. Get in touch with us for more information.
Reviewed By Jane B
My adult daughter and I did the two-day walk to the two lakes, strolling through the lush green countryside (it was October and the short rainy season, so everything was green). Our walk with Yannick was one of the highlights of our trip to Rwanda. We loved the contact with people, especially the children. People working in the fields always waved to us and the little kids gathered around giggling and walking stretches with us. As an avid gardener, I was so interested in the crops and gardening methods we saw being practiced on every inch of ground! The terrain is very hilly and we got some wonderful views.
Yannick was attentive to our needs before we voiced them and kept a walking pace that suited us. It seems he perfectly judged our capacity and tailored the walk to our ability and preference. The over night accommodation at the Lake Ruhondo Beach Lodge was also perfect! And communication with Joanna at Rwandan Adventures was always informative and easy. We already felt lots of confidence before even leaving Canada! Thanks so much!
4. Go Gisenyi Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 22 reviews
We provide all informations to people traveling in Gisenyi and advice them where to go and how to go this include city tour and surrounding areas by hiking on congo nile trail,community tour ,biking and kayaking in lake kivu .Francis
Reviewed By Rachel P
I was in Rwanda for about 2 weeks and had some time to bike the Congo Nile Trail on my own. I initially contacted a different tour company but they weren't very communicative so I reached out to Francis and Go Gisenyi Tours while I was still in the States. I was so impressed with his customer service from the first email. He was responsive, positive, and informative and I felt comfortable going on this trip on my own with a guide. My guide was Cesar and he was excellent - friendly, encouraging, and knowledgeable about everything along the trail. It was adventurous but I felt well taken care of too. Francis and Cesar did an excellent job arranging the logistics - the lodging was all arranged in advance and as promised. My bike was also great - no flat tires but Cesar was prepared for this. I made it to my end point and caught a bus back to Kigali.
I was surprised how much I learned about the area from the coffee washing stations to local history. Everyone was friendly along the way.
I would definitely bring cycling gloves and your own high energy snacks/bars (if that's important to you). It was really rural along the way and not many options for snacks you might be used to (but the food at the lodging was great so no issues there). Also, if I was to do this again, and I had the room in my luggage, I would have brought my own helmet. The one they provided only fit with a ball cap underneath.
If you are looking for a super active, adventurous, and beautiful bike trip, this is it! I highly recommend Go Gisenyi Tours!
5. Cotton Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By cottonGoma - Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
You will certainly be back after passing a night there, they may ask you a 5000frw (+- 7usd) if you come after midnight. But the ambiance is good, bartenders with tropical cocktails and you shall meet good friends speaking German, English, French and some staff do speak chinese!!!!. I liked, it was a nice feeling.
6. Nyiragongo Expedition
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
NYIRAGONGO EXPEDITION will help you design an itinerary that is both affordable and flexible and will meet your needs, including both wildlife and cultural tours. NYIRAGONGO EXPEDITION can arrange visit permits, transport, accommodations, and fees so that you will know exactly how much your tour will cost.
Reviewed By Byamungu K
It was very amazing time with Moses as our full time driver and Guide for both Volcano hiking and Gorilla trekking in Congo, everything was smoothly as crossing from Rwanda to DRC and come with him you are in secure hands all time i would advise other friends visiting Rwanda, Uganda and DRC to book with Nyiragongo Expedition
7. Ames Boat Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Visit the hot Springs to have a massage with natural boiling water on the shore of the lake that make feeling relaxed. Along the way you explore the dairly activities of people on the shore of the lake Kivu, be on the Islands and view the Mountains of Congo and volcano, meet with some birds like kingfisher and comorade, Explore the local traditional fishing boat and the life of fishermen.
