Rusizi (Cyangugu) on Lake Kivu's southern shore is one of Rwanda's most dramatically positioned towns. Here is how kigali car hire gets you there via Rwanda's most scenic route.
Kigali Car Hire to Rusizi Cyangugu: Rwanda's Most Scenic Southern Drive
Rusizi — formerly Cyangugu — occupies Lake Kivu's most dramatic position. Perched where the lake's southern tip narrows toward the Rusizi River, with the DRC directly across the water, it is both geographically striking and remarkably peaceful. Getting there with kigali car hire involves Rwanda's most scenic overland route.
The Route: Kigali to Rusizi via Nyungwe
Distance: approximately 220km. Driving time: 4-5 hours. Route: Kigali south on Route Nationale 1 through Huye, then southwest through Gikongoro and Nyungwe Forest to the western escarpment descent into Rusizi.
This is Rwanda's most scenic overland drive — tea estates, Nyungwe's ancient rainforest canopy, and a dramatic descent to the lakeshore. An SUV or 4x4 kigali car hire is recommended for the Nyungwe mountain sections.
What Rusizi Offers
- Views of the DRC directly across the narrow southern Lake Kivu
- The Rusizi River access point where Lake Kivu drains toward Lake Tanganyika
- A genuinely unhurried atmosphere — less developed than Gisenyi or Kibuye
- DRC border crossing for travelers with appropriate visas
Rusizi as Part of a Nyungwe Road Trip
Most travelers use Rusizi as the endpoint of a Nyungwe visit — chimpanzee trekking in the forest, then descending to the lakeshore for a night. See our Nyungwe car hire guide.
Circuit Route Option
Drive the Kigali-Nyungwe-Rusizi-Gisenyi-Kigali loop rather than backtracking. Avoids retracing steps entirely. Ask us about one-way kigali car hire arrangements allowing drop-off at a different location from pickup.
Book Your Kigali Car Hire Today
Ready to hit Rwanda's roads? Book your kigali car hire now and we will have your vehicle ready.
