Bugesera

Bugesera is a district in southeastern Eastern Province, bordering Burundi. It is characterised by a chain of lakes — Lake Mugesera, Lake Cyohoha, and Lake Rweru — and a warmer, drier climate than the rest of Rwanda. The lakes attract birdlife and offer a different landscape from the terraced hills elsewhere. The area was heavily affected by the 1994 genocide and the Nyamata Genocide Memorial, one of Rwanda's most important memorial sites, lies nearby.

By plane: Kigali International Airport (KGL), 40 km north. By car/road: local transport from Kigali (1 hour). Roads are paved.

Motorcycle-taxis. Boat trips on the lakes can be arranged locally.

• Lake Mugesera — the largest of the Bugesera lakes, good for birdwatching
• Lake Cyohoha — a smaller lake on the Burundi border
• Nyamata Genocide Memorial — 10 km north, a powerful memorial in a former church

Birdwatching around the lakes. Boat trips on Lake Mugesera. Visit genocide memorials in the district.

Small eateries serve Rwandan food, including fresh fish from the lakes.

Local bars and soft drinks.

Basic guesthouses. Most visitors day-trip from Kigali (40 km north).

Basic provisions. Fresh fish from the lakes is a local specialty.

• Nyamata — 10 km north, genocide memorial
• Kigali — 40 km north, the capital
• Burundi — across the border southward