Town · South Kivu, on Lake Kivu
Bukavu
The gateway town for Kahuzi-Biega National Park, at the southern end of Lake Kivu.
Travel status: since M23 rebels took control of Goma in January 2025 and Bukavu in February 2025, normal tourism in eastern DR Congo has been disrupted, and most governments advise against travel. We only arrange trips here when parks are officially open and we've confirmed it's safe.
How to get there
By road from Rwanda across the Bukavu/Kamembe border crossing.
What to find
Access point for eastern lowland gorilla trekking, and colonial-era architecture on the lakeshore.
Overview
Bukavu, capital of South Kivu province, spreads across several green peninsulas at the southern end of Lake Kivu. It has an attractive lakeshore and is known for its colonial-era villas.
It has long been the base for visiting Kahuzi-Biega National Park and its Grauer's gorillas. In February 2025 the city was taken over by M23 rebels, and normal tourism has been disrupted since.
Highlights
- Historically, the gateway to Kahuzi-Biega's Grauer's gorillas
- Lakeside peninsulas and colonial architecture
Things to do
Kahuzi-Biega access
Park permits and transfers, when conditions allow.
Best time to visit
Depends on security, not season.
Getting there
Historically by road from Rusizi (Kamembe) in Rwanda. Crossing currently depends on the security situation.
Where to stay
Lakeside hotels, when travel is possible.
Bukavu
A selection of well-known options, not a complete list. See all accommodation in DR Congo →
Good to know
- Rwanda's Nyungwe, just across the border, offers chimps and forest walks in the meantime.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.