Gisenyi

Gisenyi is a city in Rubavu district in the Western Province of Rwanda. Gisenyi is contiguous with Goma, the city across the border in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The population of the city is about 106 000 (2009). The city features a resort on the shores of Lake Kivu, with several hotels and three sandy beaches. The area is also known for water sports.

The northern shore of the lake on which Goma and Gisenyi lie is a flat plain featuring lava formations from the eruptions of nearby Mount Nyiragongo. In contrast to Goma, Gisenyi escaped the lava flows of both the 1977 and the 2002 eruptions which destroyed between 15 and 40% of the former. The centre of Gisenyi lies at the foot of hills in the north-east corner of the lake, and low-density expansion is taking place in the hills which should be safe from any future eruptions.

Gisenyi is also home to Bralirwa, the only brewery in Rwanda, which manufactures various local beers Primus and Mützig, as well as Amstel, Guinness and a range of Coca Cola brand soft drinks. Gisenyi is a small town compared to neighboring Goma in the DRC, though Gisenyi is growing quickly. In 2011, a new multistory shopping mall began construction over an old bus station in Gisenyi. As of 2011, the main roads of the town are paved, and sidewalks are nearing completion for most of them as well.