Discover Rusizi, one of Rwanda’s hidden gems, offering some of the most incredible cultural experiences in the country. With its natural beauty, this charming district remains a well-kept secret, waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers. On a getaway to this picturesque destination, you will find untouched nature and rich history at every turn.

Historical and Geographical Overview

Located in the southwestern part of Rwanda, Rusizi is an economic hub because of its strategic location at the border with Burundi to the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. The district lies at the southern end of Lake Kivu, where the lake empties into the Rusizi River, after which the district is named. 

The district is home to one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe National Park. The park is a popular tourist destination and the largest expanse of forest in Rwanda, home to chimpanzees, hundreds of bird species, and many other plant and animal species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift.


Rusizi is known for its connection with the lake and natural forests and its vibrant cultural traditions and heritage. The district is home to amazing traditional dance troupes performing at local festivals and events. This destination holds many places with rich history and culture that have been conserved for years and years.


To fully immerse yourself in Rusizi’s culture, don’t miss the vibrant local markets where you can find unique handicrafts and souvenirs. The district is also home to talents and local markets of unique handicrafts.

This article delves into the rich history and cultural experiences visitors can enjoy.

A unique island with a unique culture

Nkombo Island, a beautiful gem deep in Lake Kivu, far from Kamembe town in Rusizi District, is a unique island with distinctive cultural practices and traditions that offer visitors a memorable experience. It stands among Rwanda’s hidden treasures, with lush green hills and a peaceful breeze.

Approximately 12 kilometers from Kamembe town, Nkombo Island is one of the 18 sectors that make up Rusizi District. Covering an area of 22 square kilometers, it is the largest island in Rwanda and is home to nearly 20,000 inhabitants. To reach this beautiful island, you must travel by boat, enjoying a stunning lake view. Upon arrival, passengers are greeted by lush greenery and banana plantations along the lake’s shores.

Visitors can enjoy cultural dances, singing, and unique arts and crafts, particularly through the efforts of ‘Abasamyi ba Nkombo,’ a cooperative determined to preserve and promote the culture of Nkombo Island. This group, which began in 1987, consists of 30 members, including 20 women and 10 men. 

According to Rosalie Nabinaga, the representative of Abasamyi ba Nkombo, “Abasamyi ba Nkombo is a cooperative started in 1987. We are dedicated to preserving the culture of Nkombo Island. We started with traditional dance, and as we kept on getting guests, we also grew our showcase by introducing different handicrafts like table mats, necklaces made from calendar papers, and crocheted clothes which kept on attracting tourists.” 

The cooperative registers children to ensure the legacy of their culture continues, providing free membership to younger generations.

Nabinaga highlights that “our traditional dance is the main attraction on this island. When guests visit, they come looking for our unique traditional dances, and they also buy our handicrafts to take home.” 

The cooperative has been instrumental in the island’s development, using songs to request access to essential services such as electricity, clean water, hospitals, schools, and roads. The traditional dance of Nkombo is more energetic compared to the well-known Rwandan dance, featuring distinct beats and vigorous body movements.

A fascinating aspect of Nkombo Island is its language. While residents speak Kinyarwanda and sometimes Kiswahili, they also have a unique language called ‘Amashi.’ The island’s residents lead diverse lives, with some depending on fishing while others ferry passengers to and from the island. They also create handmade craft jewels from paper, polished to make them shiny and beautiful, showcasing their culture to visitors.

There are many activities to enjoy on Nkombo Island, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and boat tours, often guided by locals who share their knowledge of the area. 

A trip to Nkombo Island promises an unforgettable experience, offering a deep dive into the history of Rwanda and the uniqueness of its people. Visiting Nkombo Island allows tourists to learn about this special destination and support its community by purchasing their beautiful handicrafts.

Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nyungwe National Park is the largest park in Rwanda, located in the Southeast part of the country. Part of this lush green forest also extends into Rusizi District. Its incredible wildlife diversity and high level of endemism make it a conservation priority. 

In September 2023, this beautiful forest was officially designated a natural World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee. This is a significant moment for Rwanda and Nyungwe National Park, marking it as the first site in Rwanda to be featured on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

According to Dr. Jean Damascene Bizimana, Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list is not only a contribution to the preservation of Rwanda’s natural heritage but also holds particular significance for the Rwandan people, for whom it is the first site inscribed on this universal list.

Covering an expanse of 101,900 hectares, Nyungwe National Park is the largest block of natural forest in the region. Boasting remarkable biodiversity, it is home to over a dozen species of primates, 322 bird species, 200 identified orchids, and nearly 300 butterfly species, including several that are endemic to the park.

Enjoy tales of Cyamudongo

“Rusizi has many opportunities to attract tourists, with destinations like Nyungwe National Park and Cyamudongo Forest,” says Claver, a tourist guide in Nyungwe National Park.

Nyungwe National Park has a small forest separated from the main forest called Cyamudongo. This beautiful forest was once connected to Nyungwe Forest National Park, but after deforestation and poaching, it became isolated. Moreover, because communities could not farm on the steep mountains, the forest survived and is now surrounded by tea plantations and eucalyptus trees. 

This beautiful forest is only 19 square kilometers and is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda.

Cyamudongo is known for many folklore stories. The forest was part of the ‘Kingdom of Love’ or ‘Ubwamwi bw’ubukunzi’ during the monarch period in Rwanda. ‘Nyirandakunze’ was the queen from ‘Ubwamwi bw’ubukunzi.’

During the monarch period, when kingdoms would declare wars on each other,  the king couldn’t hide and would have to fight alongside his guards while his family stayed in a safe place. The king’s family would hide in the Cyamudongo Forest away from the battles, and they would spread a myth that crossing the forest would result in ghost encounters to keep people away and protect their secret hiding place.

“The forest was also considered a rain haven. It is said that when famine struck, ‘Nyirandakunze’ would stand on the mountain and make the rain come down, allowing the community to cultivate and harvest crops,” shares Claver Ntoyinkima, a tourist guide in Nyungwe.

Cyamudongo Forest is a unique place worth visiting. The Cyamudongo Tourism Promotion Cooperative, a community initiative, is crucial in conserving and sustainably managing the Cyamudongo Forest. This cooperative showcases the impact of community-driven conservation, where locals protect their natural heritage while benefiting from responsible ecotourism. They organize tourism and cultural activities at the forest’s edge, guiding visitors through the area with expertise in its ecology, ensuring an educational and memorable experience.

For an unforgettable experience, consider guided tours with experienced and knowledgeable guides who will lead you to a very educational and enriching adventure. 

However, while Rusizi is an attractive destination, better roads are needed for easy access to the parks. Although campsites and cultural villages exist, poor road conditions often deter visitors.

To sum up, Rusizi is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Rwanda, offering stunning views of Lake Kivu and access to the beautiful Nyungwe National Park. This destination is rich in history and culture, providing tourists with memorable experiences and insights into its past and heritage. When visiting Rusizi, trying cultural and historical tours is guaranteed to make your time memorable.