A waterfront town on the shores of Lake Kivu, Rubavu is an hour away from the Volcanoes National Park and makes a good stopover on the way to or from Nyungwe, or somewhere to relax after gorilla tracking.

Rubavu, as well as other spots along Lake Kivu, has red sandy beaches, warm, clean water, and an easygoing tropical character. It is a great place to unwind, soak up the tranquil vibe, watch the birds, and enjoy various watersports.

Rubavu, also known as Gisenyi is a town on the shores of Lake Kivu in Northwestern Rwanda, about an hour’s drive from the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park and Musanze. The town is best known for its beaches, lakeside resorts, and beach bars. The most famous and only public beach in Rwanda can be found in Rubavu. Rubavu Public Beach or Gisenyi Beach on the town’s lakefront is a few hundred meters long and hardly ever crowded. The public beach is separated from the street outside by a fence and a short hedge. This together with the lush trees, gives a sense of seclusion and privacy from the buzz of the town.