Renting a car while staying in Gisenyi is a good idea if you plan to travel outside of town and explore other nearby destinations. If you are strictly staying in town there is really no need for a car.

Yes, Gisenyi is a small town that can easily be navigated on foot.

Gisenyi is considered a safe destination to visit. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, use common sense, and keep your valuables out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets, and tourist attractions. At night stay in well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable transportation companies instead of taking rides from strangers.

There are some great markets to check out when shopping in Gisenyi where visitors can shop for local arts and crafts, fresh produce, fabrics, clothing, Congolese masks, and other items such as necklaces, paintings, and basketware. The town boasts a vibrant shopping scene and is home to a variety of unique stores and markets selling traditional Rwanda crafts and modern fashion, there are many locations for a great day of shopping. The main shopping area is the Gisenyi Market which is a bustling, vibrant place situated in the heart of the city with a variety of shopping stalls unique souvenirs, and authentic items. There is a great selection of food stalls at the market offering a variety of local Rwandan dishes. There are plenty of modern stores and shopping malls to choose from in Gisenyi. The Gisenyi Shopping Mall is one of the largest malls in the city with a large variety of stores and restaurants with a great selection of international brands as well as local stores and a large food court with a variety of international chains and local dishes to choose from. The Gisenyi market is a great place to shop for local crafts and produce and pick up everything from hand-carved wooden masks to jewelry, and locally-grown produce. The market is well known for its fresh fish where fish lovers can pick up tilapia, catfish, and carp as well as a variety of seafood, shrimp, mussels, and lobster. Try the local cuisine with Rwandan dishes such as isombe which is a stew made with cassava leaves, and ibiza which is a stew made from beans and beef. It is a great place to pick up freshly picked coffee including Arabica, Robusta, and Bourbon. Buy herbs and spices such as black pepper, cumin, cardamom, basil, oregano, and thyme. Pick up local honey and beeswax including types of honey such as wildflower, clover, and orange blossom. Gisenyi market is a great place to experience the culture and atmosphere of Gisenyi.

The official language spoken in Gisenyi is English (along with French and Kinyarwanda) which is widely spoken, especially in the service industry, it is taught in schools and used in government, business, and the media. Many people speak fluent English, especially in hotels and restaurants. We recommend getting a good English/Rwandan guidebook and learning the basic questions like please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.

The best time to visit Gisenyi is from June to September when visitors can enjoy the beautiful beaches and visit the lake city. This time of year is also the dry season as well as mid-December to mid-February when the weather is sunny and dry, making it a great time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The average temperatures during this time of year are pleasant and range between 70-80F degrees. Gisenyi is a year-round destination and can be great to visit at any time, the wet season is from March to May and October to November when heavy rainfall occurs, but produces verdant landscapes and an abundance of wildlife.

The currency of the Gisenyi is the Rwandan franc (Rwf), although US dollars are widely accepted. You should either exchange your US dollars for Rwanda francs and be sure to keep cash on hand when arriving in Rwanda. Cash is preferred, there are ATMs found at the airport and locations in the city, tipping is discretionary and appreciated, and cash is usually preferred.

The city of Gisenyi is known for delicious cuisine offering a unique and enjoyable dining experience. The restaurants in the city range from local eateries to sophisticated fine dining establishments. The menus in Gisenyi feature a variety of stews and grilled meats normally serviced with a side of rice or plantains. Expect to find a range of international flavors to choose from like Italian, Chinese, and Indian. There are plenty of cafes and bakeries to explore to sample famous Rwandan coffee and pastries. There are a variety of typical foods and delicious local dishes from all over the world such as Brochette a dish of grilled meat, made with either goat, beef, or chicken, the meat is seasoned with a blend of spices and grilled on skewers that make it tender and juicy. Mishikaki is a skewered meat dish typically beef marinated in a mixture of spices, onions, and tomato paste. Inyama y’indinginyo is a dish made with smoked beef and served with plantains, beans, meat or fish. Isombe is a traditional Rwandan dish with mashed cassava leaves, served with beans, meat, or fish. Ugali is a strachy dish made with maize flour and water and served with meat, vegetables, and sauce. The country is known for its delicious tropical fruits such as pineapple, papaya, and mango, they can be found sold by street vendors or in the local markets.

There are a few great options for nightlife and entertainment in Gisenyi with locations on the beach and lakeside. There are places to dine, enjoy a drink, and listen to some music while enjoying the natural beauty and surrounding scenery of volcanoes, lakes, and national parks. There are many cafes, restaurants, and bars found in this serene setting. Check out many of the wonderful restaurants to capture a spectacular sunset with a beverage in hand.

In case of an emergency dial 111 for the fire department, 112 for an ambulance, or fire, and 999 for the police.

Hospitals: Rue de l’Hopital tel.250-788-629-215.