Bukavu Travel Guide – Gateway to Gorilla Trekking in the DRC

Bukavu, a small city on the eastern edge of the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo), is the gateway to one of the world’s most unique wildlife experiences – trekking to see the majestic eastern lowland gorillas. As well as its proximity to Kahuzi-Biega National Park—home of these fascinating creatures—Bukavu also offers an insight into the culture and history of the region.

While it is underdeveloped as a tourist destination there are a few things to see here, from Belgian colonial architecture to picturesque lakeside views. In this guide, we’ll cover the best sights in Bukavu, where to stay, how to get here and essential tips for a successful visit.

Bukavu

Bukavu, sitting on the shores of Lake Kivu, is a city marked by its colonial past. As the capital of South Kivu Province, it serves as a hub for those looking to explore the eastern region of the DRC. Despite its challenges – including political instability and economic hardships – Bukavu is a busy city filled with history and natural beauty.

The city has grown from a small settlement to a dense urban center, but its colonial influences remain visible in its architecture, monuments, and institutions. The Belgian rule, which lasted until the Congo’s independence in 1960, left behind grand churches, schools, and government buildings that still stand today.

Things to See in Bukavu

1. Cathedrale Notre Dame de la Paix – Our Lady of Peace Cathedral

The most significant landmark in Bukavu is the Cathedrale Notre Dame de la Paix. Built by the Belgians in 1951, this grand cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Bukavu’s colonial heritage.

After Congo gained independence in 1960, the cathedral remained an important religious center. It houses a mausoleum for all the dead priests who have served in Bukavu, making it a site of both spiritual and historical importance. The majority of Bukavu’s population are Catholic and so the church still plays a central role in the community today.

2. College Alfajiri

Another notable colonial-era building is College Alfajiri, a large and impressive school that also serves as a library. Like the cathedral, the college was built by the Belgians and has been a pillar of education in Bukavu for decades.

The halls of the school serve as boarding facilities for some pupils, and the campus remains a striking example of Belgian architecture.

3. View of Lake Kivu

Hotel de La Roche, on the edge of Lake Kivu, offers a stunning view of the lake and parts of the surrounding city. The lake’s vast size and peaceful offer a striking contrast to the chaos of Bukavu’s streets.

As you look out over the lake, you’ll likely see impressive fishing boats with large wooden beams holding up their huge nets. These boats are a symbol of how important the fishing industry is for the local community.

4. Place de l’Independance

The Place de l’Independance is another important landmark in Bukavu, representing Congo’s independence from Belgian rule in 1960.

This square is a central part of the city, and while not as grand as other historical sites, it holds deep significance for the people of Bukavu.

5. Belgian Houses

As you explore Bukavu, you’ll come across several old Belgian houses. These colonial-era buildings are scattered throughout the city, serving as reminders of Bukavu’s European past.

Though many are in disrepair, their architecture remains distinct, and they offer a glimpse into what Bukavu may have looked like during the colonial period.

Lowland Gorilla Trekking Near Bukavu – Kahuzi Biega

The reason most people visit Bukavu is the chance to go gorilla trekking in nearby Kahuzi-Biega National Park. This park is home to the rare eastern lowland gorillas, which are even larger and stockier than their mountain gorilla cousins. Trekking through the dense forest to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience.

You’ll trek through the lush forests of the park, as the experienced guides and trackers hack paths through the thick vegetation with machetes. The trek can be physically demanding, but the reward is well worth it. Watching a family of gorillas interact in the wild is an incredibly precious sight that few people will ever get a chance to see.

Where to Stay in Bukavu

Finding suitable accommodation in Bukavu is difficult, as the city doesn’t have many hotels. The only one available on booking.com is Kekele Guesthouse which currently has no reviews. Most options are either overpriced, in need of maintenance, or both!

For those on a budget, Best Kivu Hotel is the cheapest option. It was still $50 for a night which we thought was high for such an underdeveloped area. The rooms are dated, not particularly clean, and the service nonexistent.

We met someone on the trek who stayed in Elizabeth Hotel for $60 a night. With cleaner, modern rooms it sounded like much better value for money, but still don’t expect luxury.

How to Get to Bukavu

To visit Bukavu for gorilla trekking, you will need to arrange your trip through a tour operator. This is because the DRC visas are not straightforward and the easiest way is to buy a gorilla trekking permit, which is typically handled by the tour company.

We’d recommend Charles at Burundi Discover Tours who organized our gorilla permits with very little notice. We booked a tour from Burundi through Rwanda and into the DRC, gorilla trekking, and then back into Rwanda. You can reach him via email at burundidiscoverytours@gmail.com.

The best options involve overland crossings either from Bujumbura in Burundi or Kigali in Rwanda. Both have international airports, although Bujumbura has limited connections—mostly other capitals in East Africa.

Overland Border Crossing – Rwanda to DRC

The borders are not well organized and you’re likely to find yourself queuing for quite some time. It’s important to leave plenty of time, especially if you’re coming from Burundi as it means navigating two borders, one into Rwanda, and one into DRC.

Once through the Rwanda exit process, we were taken to a room on the DRC side. We had to show the invitation letter and answer a few questions before being sent on our way.

Special Invitation Visa

To visit DRC, you’ll need a special invitation visa which you can get by buying the gorilla trekking permit. Burundi Discovery Tours can handle this too. It’s better to plan this in advance, as the process can take some time.

Getting Around Bukavu

If you’ve booked a gorilla trekking tour, it will often include transportation around the city. Our itinerary also included the city tour of Bukavu and a journey to and from the restaurant.

Public transport is not particularly reliable in Bukavu, so relying on your tour operator is the best way to get around.

How Long to Stay in Bukavu

For most travelers, Bukavu is a one-night stopover before heading out on an early morning gorilla trek.

Given the limited options for quality accommodation and the higher prices in Bukavu, it’s usually better to stay in Cyangugu, just across the border in Rwanda. This area offers better accommodation at a lower price, and more restaurant options.

Bukavu FAQs

Is Bukavu Safe for Tourists?

Safety in Bukavu can be a concern, as the region has experienced political instability and occasional conflict. However, if you are traveling with a tour operator, you should feel reasonably safe. It is essential to follow local advice and avoid certain areas.

Is Bukavu Worth Visiting?

On its own, Bukavu may not be a top tourist destination. However, if you’re looking to trek with the eastern lowland gorillas, Bukavu is absolutely worth the visit. The city itself offers some interesting historical sites, but the main draw is its proximity to Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

Is Bukavu Expensive?

Yes, Bukavu is surprisingly expensive for accommodation. Be prepared to pay more than expected for rooms that may not meet high standards.

Do They Speak English in Bukavu?

English is not widely spoken in Bukavu, even by hotel and restaurant staff. French is the most commonly spoken language, so a few French phrases might be helpful.

Bukavu Travel Guide – Gateway to Gorilla Trekking in the DRC

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