CYANGUGU BORDER

Cyangugu border: South-western point of entry between Rwanda and D.R.Congo.

Crossing from one country to the other can be stressful sometimes. Transiting to an exciting destination but having to go through lengthy border crossing formalities is tiring. Cyangugu border was created to ease movement between Rwanda and Congo.

And when it gets to border crossing in Africa, it even gets harder. The fact that most African countries are still developing, all the appropriate structure and equipment that would ease the activity is also being developed. There are consistent delays and sometimes even insecurities at times.

Neighboring Places

Perhaps you have been to Uganda through and was able to cross to Rwanda through Cyanika border in Kisoro district, Katuna border in Kabale district or even Mirama hills in Ntungamo district. If yes, then you had a portion of the real African border crossing experience.

Not saying it is a hassle to cross-borders in Africa, but it is a  unique experience for tourists from abroad. Note that most of the territorial boundary marks in Africa are drafted with unique and beautiful physical features. Meaning that almost all cross border points in Africa have stunning features to behold before or after crossing-over.

Lying at the southern end of Lake Kivu, Cyangugu is the capital of the Rusizi district in the western province of Rwanda. Rusizi River marks the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to separate Bukavu from Cyangugu.

Unlike Kigali or Goma, Cyangugu is not a very pretty city, but its natural setting is way breathtaking. It is one border post between Rwanda and DR Congo that keeps tourists busy before and after crossing to the other country.

Possible Activities

Lying on the shores of lake Kivu, tourists engage in beach activities like swimming, sunbathing, beach soccer and several other relaxing activities. Travelers even choose to have boat rides and ferry experiences to Kibuye and Gisenyi.

Community walks in Cyangugu are a guaranteed experience that exposes to the ways of living of the local people who live around here. Enjoy the traditional performances, taste the local cuisines as well as buying several hand craft souvenirs to carry back home for remembrance.

Cyangugu is also positioned near Nyungwe forest national park; a popular tourist destination in Rwanda. It’s the only home for chimpanzees in Rwanda. And also the only place where tourists have the canopy walk experience in East Africa. Thousands of tourists storm Nyungwe forest national park for chimpanzee tracking, canopy walk, monkey tracking, nature walks and several other thrilling activities in the park.   The park’s close position to Cyangugu offers tourists travelling through this border post to explore the beauty of this amazing park.

Travelers at Cyangugu can also visit the banks of River Rusizi. Additionally, they may have a nature walk in the stunning serene that lies along the river. It’s one beautiful place to cool off all the hassle and bustle of the city centers back home.

Connecting livelihoods…

Having mentioned some of the unique features that lie along the the Cyangugu cross border, trotters might think that its just tourism cross border. However, it’s also a commercial border where most of the products from East Africa cross to the DR Congo. Travelers usually find huge transporter trucks crossing to and from DR Congo.

Cyangugu town is a developing city being an important tourism hub between two virgin countries. Don’t expect luxury accommodation here, nevertheless, no traveler can fail to get where to sleep and have good food.  Several restaurants and lodges have been built in Cyangungu.

 Firmly saying, this is a must see border post, whether in Rwanda or DR Congo. It’s beyond just the cross  border experience.