Things to Do in Bukavu, République démocratique du Congo

Bukavu is a picturesque lakeside city nestled on the shores of Lake Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, near the border with Rwanda. Known as one of the most beautiful cities in the DRC, Bukavu sits dramatically on a peninsula surrounded by rolling hills and offers stunning views across the crystal-clear waters of Africa's sixth-largest lake. The city serves as the capital of South Kivu province and is renowned for its pleasant climate, colonial architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Despite facing challenges from regional conflicts over the years, Bukavu has maintained its charm as a gateway to some of Central Africa's most spectacular natural attractions, including nearby national parks and the therapeutic hot springs that dot the lakeshore. The city's unique position between lake and mountains, combined with its rich Congolese culture and proximity to gorilla trekking areas, makes it an increasingly popular destination for adventurous travelers seeking authentic African experiences away from typical tourist circuits.

Top Things to Do in Bukavu

Lake Kivu Boat Excursions

Explore the pristine waters of Lake Kivu on traditional wooden boats or modern speedboats, visiting small islands and fishing villages along the shoreline. The lake's unique characteristics include being one of the few large African lakes safe for swimming due to its lack of hippos and crocodiles. Sunset cruises offer particularly spectacular views with the surrounding hills reflected in the calm waters.

Booking Tip: Local boat operators charge $20-50 per person for half-day trips, with full-day excursions costing $60-100. Best times are early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. Look for operators with life jackets and well-maintained boats, and negotiate prices in advance.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park Gorilla Trekking

Experience one of the world's most thrilling wildlife encounters by tracking endangered eastern lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the largest gorilla subspecies and offers visitors the rare opportunity to observe these magnificent primates up close. The park also features diverse ecosystems from lowland forests to high-altitude bamboo groves.

Booking Tip: Gorilla permits cost $400 per person and must be booked well in advance through park authorities or reputable tour operators. Dry seasons (June-August, December-February) offer better trekking conditions. Choose operators with experienced guides and proper safety protocols.

Explore Bukavu's Colonial Architecture

Wander through the city's historic neighborhoods to admire well-preserved Belgian colonial buildings, including the iconic Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace and various administrative buildings from the early 20th century. The architectural tour reveals the city's complex history while showcasing beautiful examples of tropical colonial design adapted to the lakeside setting.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking tours are free, while guided tours cost $15-30 per person for half-day experiences. Morning hours offer the best lighting for photography. Local guides can be found through hotels or cultural centers and provide valuable historical context.

Visit Local Hot Springs

Relax in natural thermal springs located along Lake Kivu's shoreline, believed by locals to have therapeutic properties for various ailments. These geothermal features create unique bathing spots where visitors can soak in warm mineral-rich waters while enjoying lake views. The springs are particularly popular with locals and offer insight into traditional healing practices.

Booking Tip: Access to most hot springs costs $5-15 per person, with some requiring short hikes to reach. Early morning visits are less crowded and offer cooler air temperatures. Bring water shoes as rocks can be slippery, and respect local customs if families are present.

Traditional Market and Craft Shopping

Immerse yourself in local culture at Bukavu's bustling central market, where vendors sell everything from fresh produce and spices to traditional crafts and textiles. The market provides authentic glimpses into daily Congolese life and offers opportunities to purchase unique souvenirs including wooden carvings, traditional fabrics, and locally-made jewelry.

Booking Tip: Markets are busiest and most vibrant in the morning hours from 8am-noon. Bargaining is expected - start at 30-40% of the initial asking price. Bring small bills in local currency and keep valuables secure. Consider hiring a local guide for $10-20 to help navigate and translate.

Getting There

Bukavu is accessible by air through Kavumu Airport (KVY), located about 30 kilometers north of the city, with regular flights from Kinshasa, Goma, and other major Congolese cities. Overland travel is possible but challenging, with the most common route being a scenic but bumpy 6-8 hour drive from Goma through mountain roads that offer spectacular views but require a sturdy 4WD vehicle. Border crossings from Rwanda at Cyangugu are also possible for travelers with proper visas and documentation, though road conditions can vary significantly depending on weather and political situations.

Getting Around

Within Bukavu, motorcycle taxis (boda-bodas) are the most common and affordable transportation option, costing $1-3 for short trips around the city center. Shared taxis and minibuses serve longer routes and cost slightly more but offer more comfort and safety. For greater convenience and security, visitors can hire private cars with drivers through hotels or tour operators for $30-60 per day. Walking is pleasant in the city center during daylight hours, though the hilly terrain can be challenging, and it's advisable to use motorized transport after dark.

Where to Stay

City Center

Lakefront District

Panzi Area

Kadutu Neighborhood

Bagira Hills

Nyawera Quarter

Food & Dining

Bukavu's dining scene reflects its lakeside location and Congolese heritage, with fresh fish from Lake Kivu featuring prominently on most menus alongside traditional dishes like fufu, cassava, and grilled meat. Local restaurants serve authentic Congolese cuisine at very reasonable prices ($3-8 per meal), while a few upscale establishments cater to international visitors with continental and Indian cuisine options. Street food is abundant and delicious, particularly grilled fish, samosas, and fresh tropical fruits, though visitors should choose busy stalls with high turnover for food safety. Several lakefront restaurants offer dining with spectacular sunset views, and local Primus and Mutzig beers pair well with the regional cuisine.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Coco piment

4.6 /5

(225 reviews)

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Bukavu is during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February, when rainfall is minimal and roads are more accessible for excursions to national parks and surrounding attractions. These periods also offer the clearest skies for lake activities and mountain views, though temperatures remain pleasant year-round due to the city's high altitude location. The rainy seasons (March-May and September-November) bring lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, but can make gorilla trekking more challenging and some roads impassable, though the city itself remains accessible and accommodation rates may be lower.

Insider Tips

Always carry cash in US dollars or Congolese francs as credit cards are rarely accepted, and exchange money at official bureaus rather than on the street for better security and rates.

Learn basic French phrases as it's the primary language for business and tourism, though many locals also speak Swahili and local languages like Mashi.

Respect photography restrictions around government buildings and always ask permission before photographing people, as many locals prefer privacy or may expect small payments for photos.

Things to Do in Bukavu