Western Province · Town guide
Where the lake stops and the rainforest starts. Tea estates climb the hills behind Kamembe, Nyungwe begins half an hour up the road, and the Congolese border sits at the end of the tarmac.
Rusizi, Western Province
Drive from Kigali
5.5 hours
How long to stay
2 nights
Bus fare
7,500–9,500 RWF
Best season
June–September
Best for: Forest visitors, road trippers, birders
The southern tip of Lake Kivu and the closest town to Nyungwe Forest. Tea estates climb the hills behind it and the Congolese border sits at the end of the road.
The Kivu Belt drive between Rusizi and Karongi — arguably the best road in East Africa.
Per person, per day, excluding park permits.
Room
$70
Food
$28
Local transport
$18
Activities
$32
About $148 a day, all in.
Rooms in town run $20–200 a night. Source: RURA intercity tariff, in force 6 April 2026 (checked September 2026).
01 — Why go
The southern tip of Lake Kivu and the closest town to Nyungwe Forest. Tea estates climb the hills behind it and the Congolese border sits at the end of the road.
Don't miss: The Kivu Belt drive between Rusizi and Karongi — arguably the best road in East Africa.
02 — Where to stay
Plan on $20–200 a night depending on how much comfort you want. Budget guesthouses cluster near the bus park; the better hotels and lodges sit slightly out of the centre. Most visitors stay 2 nights.
03 — Eating and drinking
Local buffets (mélange) run about $3–5 at lunch and are the best value in town. A sit-down dinner at a hotel restaurant is usually $10–20. Fresh brochettes, isombe and tilapia are the reliable orders; a Primus or Skol costs about $1.50.
04 — Getting there and around
Five and a half hours by bus, or a one-hour RwandAir flight to Kamembe.
In town, motos cost roughly $0.50–1.50 for a short hop; agree the price before you climb on. Private car hire with a driver runs $60–100 a day.
05 — When to go
June–September; the forest is wet but walkable year round.
Two days, roughly
Where the lake ends and the rainforest starts: tea estates, a border town and the finest road in East Africa.
Day 01
Five and a half hours of switchbacks
Day 02
Rainforest at the top of the road
Practical
Getting there
Five and a half hours by bus, or a one-hour RwandAir flight to Kamembe.
Getting around
Kamembe town is small and walkable. For the forest, arrange a lodge transfer or a car with driver; buses do not stop at trailheads.
Money and costs
Rooms run $20–200 a night and a full day in town costs about $148. Carry cash for motos, markets and guides.
When to go
June–September; the forest is wet but walkable year round.
Respect and safety
Ask permission before photographing tea workers, and buy from the estate shop rather than the roadside.
What to pack
Rain shell, quick-dry layers, insect repellent and a torch — the forest is wet whatever the season.
How long to stay
2 nights
Drive from Kigali
5.5 hours
Bus fare from Kigali
$6–9 one way
Tell us your dates and we'll connect you with vetted local operators, drivers and lodges.
Itinerary
Rusizi day by day
Hour-by-hour stops, map links and per-day costs.
Next town
Nyamagabe
Chimpanzees, canopy walk and montane forest
