Rusumo Falls

Rusumo Falls is a stretch of falls and rapids on the Kagera River at the border between Rwanda and Tanzania. The Kagera is the longest river feeding Lake Victoria, making these falls part of the Nile's journey.

Why visit Rusumo Falls

The falls are best seen from the border bridge. A regional hydropower scheme shared by Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi now operates here. Akagera National Park, home to the Big Five, is a short drive north.

Best time to visit Rusumo Falls

Visit in the rainy seasons for the strongest flow.

How to get to Rusumo Falls

Rusumo is about three hours by road from Kigali.

What to see

Rusumo Falls, on the Kagera River at the border between Rwanda and Tanzania, is a set of rapids and falls about 15 metres high. It is best seen from the border bridge. The falls became known around the world in 1994, when refugees crossed here fleeing the genocide in Rwanda. The German explorer Count von Götzen crossed here into Rwanda in 1894.

Practical information

Rusumo is about three hours by road from Kigali, at a busy border post, so photography around the bridge can be restricted; ask before taking pictures. A regional hydropower project now operates at the falls. Akagera National Park is on the way, so the falls fit easily into a Rwanda safari.

Pair Rusumo Falls with a safari

Combine with Akagera game drives and gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Tips for visiting Rusumo Falls

The falls are at an international border crossing, so carry your passport and follow officials' instructions on photography. For planning, see our Rwanda guide and the month-by-month water levels, or compare it with Africa's two most visited falls, Victoria Falls and Murchison Falls.

National parks and sights nearby

• Akagera National Park
• Kigali
• Lake Victoria