Bukavu is in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is situated on the border with Rwanda. This locale has left it hard hit by some of the recent political unrest.

Travel to Bukavu - Visa Requirements

You can reach Bukavu from Rwanda via the borders of Cangungu, from Burundi via the border of Uvira, and from Goma via Lake Kivu or by Road. Due to unresolved wars that continue to this day, as well as the massive crossing of goods over the Rwanda/DRC border, the border crossings can take a great deal of time, as well bribes. Do not approach expecting to be able to buy a visa at the border. Have it beforehand and also be prepared to wait and still possibly pay a bribe. It's just one fellow writing everything down in a big ledger.

Tours and Getting around Bukavu

Bukavu tourist attractions and sightseeing

  • A picturesque peninsula on Lake Kivu
  • From Bukavu you can visit the lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National park, Idjwi Island on Lake Kivu, and Minova village.
  • Nuns near the airport. They have fantastic ice cream and cheese. You'll need a car to get to them and the road there is absolutely horrible, although quite worth it.

Bukavu city tours

Bukavu souvenirs and shopping

Bukavu is mainly a dollar economy, so plan to use Congolese francs only for small purchases. For shopping, check out the SuperMarket Asante, between the Mayor building and SONAs, in front of the Bukavu Cathedral.

Bukavu Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

  • Hotel La Roche has great views of the lake, decent pizza, and a nice buffet breakfast.
  • Hotel Horizon (near Alfajiri Secondary School) is a good option for dinner, though the views are less exciting.
  • Hotel Orchid a great view of the lake as well as the best food in town. Not terribly overpriced despite the rather poshy quality of the establishment. You will want to drive to it at night as the road is unlit and treacherous to walk in pitch black.

For lunch and dinner, try the Cafe and Restaurant Asante at Supermarket Asante, located between the Mayor Building and SONAS.

Bukavu nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

  • Beer - Primus, Mitzigi, Turbo king..
  • Soft drinks - Vitalo, Fanta, Coca Cola, juice.
  • Local Drinks - Banana beer called Kasiksi or Mutchibwe.

Bukavu cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

  • Hotel Riviera
  • Laroche
  • Hotel Residence
  • Hotel Orchid's

Get out

If you want to get out Bukavu City: Please visit Kaziba about 35 mileages (55km) from the big city Bukavu. There is a guest House at Byakweli's property, closer to the Kaziba Hospital. This guest house is modernize have a meeting room for 15 to 25 people, 5 bed rooms, nice refrigerator,living room, dinning room, 2 full bathroom and 1/2 bath, kitchen outside-well connected with the dinning-room, no need for flash lights because we have electricity from Hospital's hydro-power, and 8000 Watts generator just in case,.....

Try this city....you will love it( Mountains, valley, agriculture, Culture, Christian environment, ....) Please call +243- 994607790 or + 254-733595608 or + 243- 853713681 for visit or booking.

This page was last edited by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by Colin Jensen, Wikitravel user(s) Primecoordinator, Texugo, Jonboy and Nzpcmad and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. - Content on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 1.0 license

Didn't find what you were looking for?
Submit your question to the Bukavu travel forum
Subject
Question / Comment
Note: HTML tags will be removed.
Your Name (required)
Your Email (will not be published) (required)
Website (Optional)

Note: Hitting submit you grant Traveltips24 the right to edit, display and store the content you provide.