Rusumo Falls- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Rusumo Falls, located on the Kagera River along the Rwanda-Tanzania border, are a striking natural feature with historical significance. The falls, about 15 meters high and 40 meters wide, have long been an important crossing point on the Kagera River, with early European explorers like Gustav Adolf Von Gotzen using the area as a route into Rwanda in the late 19th century. Over the years, the site has also held poignant historical meaning, especially during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, when many refugees fled to Tanzania, and tragic events unfolded at the falls. While not as large as some other African waterfalls, the area offers a unique combination of natural beauty and historical depth. Visitors to Rusumo Falls also have the chance to explore the nearby Akagera National Park, home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the Big Five. However, the falls' appearance may change with the development of the Rusumo Falls Hydropower Project, which aims to boost energy production in the region.