Hot Springs In Gisenyi, Rwanda: Beaches & Lake Kivu Guide

Hot Springs In Gisenyi

Discover the vibrant lakeside town of Gisenyi, Rwanda, from relaxing at Nyamyumba Hot Springs and cruising on Lake Kivu, to exploring cultural markets and enjoying post-gorilla safari relaxation near Volcanoes National Park.

Gisenyi is one of the vibrant towns of Rwanda it is angelically placed along the showers of Lake Kivu, the region is popular for its great beaches, hot springs and views of the great Virunga volcanic mountains, The town is an excellent stop points to relax following a gorilla safari while at the Volcanoes National Park, visitors have the chance be by the shores enjoy boat rides, and also be part of the variety of water sports. The welcoming people of Rwanda will give you a great cultural experience and the chance to immerse yourself deep into their day-to-day life through visiting the market, sampling local produce, and enjoying local food cuisine.

There are several hot springs in Rwanda formed as a result of volcanism and geothermal activity. The water escaping through small cracks on the volcanic rocks appears on the ground, forming ponds of hot springs. The water is warm enough to boiling point of an egg. The locals place high value and importance on their distinct features are connected to their traditional beliefs, they are believed to give manpower, heal traditionally, and also fertility to women seeking children. Gisenyi is one of the best places in Rwanda where you can see hot springs. These are situated along the eastern shores of Lake Kivu. The springs release water at a temperature between 60-75 degrees Celsius.

The Nyamyumba Hot springs are situated in Gisenyi near the town area along the showers of Lake Kivu, these are locally known to improve on the immune system, although the springs are not visited by many travellers they remain part of the most beautiful places of Rwanda, on the site there is an older group of men who tag their life existence to the springs, they take care of the waters as well as maintaining the area, there are 2 pools at the destination that guests have the chance to swim in, the back drop of the volcanic mountain and the views of Lake Kivu add the charm to the hot springs. While at the hot springs, there is an improvised changing room and locker for your belongings. The staff can give you a massage as well, depending on your interest. The hot springs can be visited all year round and can be combined with your Rwanda safari experience.

Beside the Nyamyumba hot springs, there are several other hot springs of Rwanda for example the Bugarama hot springs one of the most visited hot springs of the country, the are placed in Cyangungu closer to the borders of Uganda in Rusizi district these are placed at the bottom of a limestone quarry, they appear as a green pool of water covered by a rare kind of water lily’s.

Kinigi Hot Springs are the most visited springs in Volcanoes National Park, known for the mountain gorilla and golden monkey species, The springs are strategically placed near the park and the Iby’wachu village. The hot springs can be visited during a gorilla safari and added to the list of the variety of things to do in the northern part of Rwanda.

Other things to do in Gisenyi include enjoying the waters of Lake Kivu on boat cruise, boat safaris can be arranged for the midmorning or afternoon hours these take approximately 2 hours with experienced guides, expect to see a variety of bird species along the banks of Lake Kivu, swimming on the Lake, relax and enjoy the long sandy beaches.

Explore the nearby Nyungwe forest National Park, the conservation area is one of the few places of Rwanda that has a high concentration of primates these include Chimpanzee, black and white colobus monkeys, owl faced monkeys, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons to mention a few and over 300 species of birds have been recorded in the national park to date, things to do in Nyungwe include Chimpanzee tracking, this is commenced in the morning at the park headquarters, the primates have been scientifically proven to share up to 98% of the human DNA, they feed on the forest plants, trees, fruits and occasionally young monkeys for a change of diet, the activity takes 2-3 hours. The canopy walk is a famous way of exploring the Nyungwe Forest National Park.

In conclusion although hot springs in Gisenyi are not as popular as other tourism activities, they are a worth try on your visit to Rwanda.