Happy TravellerWelcome to Bukavu, a city located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Situated at the southernmost tip of Lake Kivu, Bukavu is separated from Cyangugu in Rwanda by the outlet of the Ruzizi River. It is the capital of the South Kivu province and has an estimated urban population of 1,133,000 as of 2021.
Bukavu has a rich history that dates back to the ancient territory of Bushi Kingdom, an ethnic group of South-Kivu. The city was established in 1901 by the Belgian colonial authorities and was originally named Bukavu. It was later renamed Costermansville in 1927, after Vice Governor-General Paul Costermans, before being changed back to Bukavu in 1953.
The city has a unique architecture with over 100 art deco buildings constructed during Belgian colonial rule. These buildings have attracted proposals to preserve them and make the city a tourist attraction for architecture enthusiasts.
Bukavu is an important transport hub and gateway to eastern DR Congo, but the road network has deteriorated due to wars, and highways to Goma, Kisangani, and other towns have not been fully restored. However, Bukavu’s proximity to the Lake Tanganyika ports of Bujumbura and Kalundu-Uvira gives it an additional advantage, with access on the lake to the railheads of Kigoma and Kalemie.
The city is home to many schools and universities, including the Université Catholique de Bukavu and the Université Évangélique en Afrique. Bukavu is also home to the Panzi Hospital, founded by the Swedish Pentecostal Mission in 1921. Its director, Denis Mukwege, operates on women who survive sexual violence and is one of two doctors in the eastern Congo qualified to perform reconstructive surgery.
Bukavu is close to the Kahuzi-Biéga National Park, a World Heritage Site and one of two homes of the eastern lowland gorilla. The park headquarters at Tshivanga is located 31 km from Bukavu.
Despite its many attractions, Bukavu has faced social issues, including violence against women in the wake of war in the eastern DRC. However, organizations like the Fondation chirezi and V-Day have launched projects to help women affected by violence.
Bukavu is a city with a rich history, unique architecture, and many attractions. It is a hidden gem that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Come and discover the many treasures of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
