Rusizi and Kamembe on Lake Kivu
Rusizi is the district at the southern end of Lake Kivu, west of Nyungwe National Park. Kamembe is its main town and is often still called Cyangugu. From here the forest is the next stop east, with Gisakura about an hour away from Kamembe Airport and Uwinka about an hour and a half, as planning values.
Start with the border. Rusizi lies next to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and current travel advice treats the border area differently from the rest of Rwanda. The section below explains what that means for your plans. For forest trips from the east, see how to get to Nyungwe from Kigali.
Border travel advice for Rusizi
Status of advice dated 4 September 2026. Check it again before you travel.
United Kingdom
The British government advises against all but essential travel to the part of Rusizi within 10 km of the border with the DR Congo. That includes the Rwandan islands in Lake Kivu and Kamembe Airport. Short-notice border closures are possible. The advice does not cover every part of the park.
Germany
The German Foreign Office advises against non-essential travel to the border regions with the DR Congo. It also names a risk of terrorist attacks in Nyungwe and on the road between Rusizi and Nyamagabe. Hikes are allowed only with state-registered guides.
United States
The US advisory puts Rwanda at Level 3, Reconsider Travel, and the border strip within 10 km of the DR Congo at Level 4, Do Not Travel.
Entry rules after a stay in the DR Congo
Foreign travelers who spent time in the DR Congo in the previous 30 days can be refused entry to Rwanda, including in transit. Health checks apply at Kigali airport. Rules for foreign residents can differ.
These are cautions from the governments, not a ban. If you decide to travel, read the current advice for your country. Trips across the border to Bukavu are not part of any plan on this page.
Kamembe Airport and flights from Kigali
The national airline flies from Kigali (KGL) to Kamembe (KME) in about 40 minutes. Fares and the daily schedule change, so check them for your dates. The flight can save a long road transfer, but note the border advice above: Kamembe Airport lies within the 10 km area.
From Kamembe, the road east leads to Gisakura and Uwinka, where the forest trips start. The Rusizi to Nyamagabe road is named in German advice, so plan to travel by day and ask your host or guide about the current road situation.
Our pick: Nyungwe and Rusizi
A three-day trip with a base in Rusizi, so you reach Lake Kivu as well as the forest.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Nyungwe and Lake Kivu trips
Guided trips in the forest and around the lake, with live prices and availability.
Cyangugu and the lake shore
Hills, harbor and quiet water.
Cyangugu is the older name that many people still use for the area around Kamembe. The two names are not exact synonyms, but you will see both on signs, maps and in conversation.
The shore is hilly, with small bays, boats in sheltered harbors and views of wooded islands out on the water. Lake Kivu has its own guide: see Lake Kivu in Rwanda for the wider lake, its towns and where to stay along the shore.
Weather matters here too. Rain peaks from September to December, so allow extra time on the road in those months.
Congo Nile Trail
A long route along the east shore of Lake Kivu.
The Congo Nile Trail follows the east side of the lake from Rubavu to Rusizi and covers 227 km. Plan about 5 days by bike or 10 days on foot, and shorter sections are possible. These are planning values, not a report on the surface or the path today.
Do not confuse the lake trail with the walks inside Nyungwe. The forest trails are guided and start at the park visitor centers, see hiking in Nyungwe. Because Rusizi is the western end of the trail, check the border advice above if you plan to end your ride or walk here.
Rusizi and Kamembe: frequently asked questions
Is Kamembe the same as Cyangugu?
Kamembe is the main town of Rusizi District and is often still called Cyangugu. They are not exact equivalents, but visitors use both names for the same area.
Can I fly to Kamembe?
Yes. The national airline flies Kigali to Kamembe in about 40 minutes. Check the schedule and fare for your dates, and read the border advice for the airport first.
How far is Kamembe from Nyungwe?
As a planning value, about 1 hour by road to Gisakura and about 1.5 hours to Uwinka. Check road conditions with your guide.
How long is the Congo Nile Trail?
227 km from Rubavu to Rusizi. Plan about 5 days by bike or 10 days on foot, with shorter sections possible.
Can I cross into the DR Congo from Rusizi?
Trips across the border to Bukavu are not part of any plan on this page. Read the border advice above, and the entry rules for Rwanda after any stay in the DR Congo.