5 Best Beaches in Rwanda: Hidden Gems You Must Visit

When you think of Rwanda, beaches might not pop into your head first. But this East African country, though landlocked, has a surprise. It holds a secret many don’t know—its lovely beaches. Rwanda’s lands are full of beauty, with calm lake views and pretty shores. Let’s take a look at the top five hidden beaches in Rwanda.

Discover some beautiful beaches in Rwanda for travelers

Explore 5 Rwanda beaches for first-time visitors

1. Lake Kivu: A Beach Paradise in the Heart of Rwanda

In the west of Rwanda, Lake Kivu is a big, clear lake next to the border with Congo. This lovely lake has pretty beaches, as nice as some by the sea. With clean water and green hills all around, it’s a calm spot for those who like the beach.

Gisenyi and Kibuye are towns by the lake where people come to see its beauty. These towns have soft sand and lots to do. You can sit by the water, ride a boat to see islands, try water fun like kayaking, or just lie in the sun and enjoy the wide views.

Lake Kivu is one of the best places to visit for tourists

2. Ruhondo and Burera: Twin Lakes of Tranquility

In the Musanze area, there are two lakes, Ruhondo and Burera. These twin lakes are calm and nice to see. Green hills rise around them, making the place feel quiet, like a hidden gem.

At Ruhondo and Burera, you can swim in clear water, ride a kayak, or rest on the soft sand. The calm air and great views help you feel at peace. The green hills nearby are great for hiking, giving you spots to enjoy nature from new views.

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3. Akagera National Park: Where Wildlife Meets Water

Akagera National Park, known for its animals, also has pretty lakes and beaches. Found in Rwanda’s east, the park has Lake Ihema, where you can enjoy a beach with open plains and wild animals nearby.

Visiting Lake Ihema gives you a chance to see nature, water, and animals in harmony. Sit by the shore, take a boat to find hidden spots, or have a picnic while watching birds and animals nearby. The calm vibe and wildlife in their home make this lake a special place.

Explore Rwanda beach around Akagera National Park

4. Lake Muhazi: A Tranquil Getaway Near Kigali

Close to Rwanda’s main city, Kigali, Lake Muhazi is a nice spot to visit. Its clean shores, green hills, and little islands bring peace. It’s a quiet place for a short break from busy city life.

People who go to Lake Muhazi can swim in the still water, catch fish, or walk on the soft sand. They can rest and enjoy the peace of this quiet place. The lake is near Kigali, so it’s great for a short trip or a weekend break. You can see the beauty of Rwanda’s land and still stay close to the city.

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Enjoy one of the best Kigali beaches for travelers- Lake Muhazi

5. Lake Rweru: A Tranquil Border Oasis

Next to Rwanda and Burundi, Lake Rweru is calm and quiet with clean, untouched shores. This small, quiet lake is a secret gem, where people can enjoy nature with no big crowds.

See the pure beauty of Lake Rweru. Rest in peace and quiet. Watch birds flying, as many kinds live here or visit. Try a boat ride to find small hidden spots and islands. The clear coast and wild views make Lake Rweru perfect for those who want peace and nature.

FAQs About Rwanda's Beaches

What is the best time to visit Rwanda beaches?

The dry times from June to September and December to February are the best to visit Rwanda. In these dry months, hiking is good for finding gorillas and chimps, with little to no wet ground, even on steep paths. While there are many times to think about for a trip, the weather is mild and makes travel easy all year because the country is small, near the equator, and high up.

But since lots of people go on safaris in Rwanda during these months, the best time to visit often depends on getting a permit. Still, don't let the rain stop you from going. The short rains in November and the long rains from March to May bring green forests and full lakes, often with fewer crowds. In these rainy times, gorilla permits can cost less. Also, photographers might like the soft light, which makes the jungle look richer and easier to capture in photos.

Is there a beach in Rwanda?

Rwanda has no sea, but it has pretty beaches by Lake Kivu, one of Africa's big freshwater lakes. The top beach spot is Gisenyi Beach in the west. Gisenyi has soft white sand, clear water, and lovely sunsets. It's a great place to relax. People can swim, walk in the hills, go on boat rides, or visit hot springs nearby. Other beaches like Murambi and Nywezi near Lake Kivu also draw visitors wanting quiet trips.

To see the nice beaches in Rwanda, people can get a Rwanda e-visa fast through Rwanda Immigration Services. This easy online way lets visitors get travel papers before they arrive. With an e-visa, beach lovers can start a trip to view Rwanda's pretty lakes like Lake Kivu, Lake Ihema, Lake Muhazi, and the twin lakes, Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera. Whether resting on the sand, trying water fun, or enjoying nature’s beauty, the Rwanda e-visa gives a way to reach a beach dream ready to be found.