Rusumo Falls
Est
Rusumo Falls is a waterfall located on the Kagera River, forming the border between Rwanda and Tanzania. Although it is relatively modest in size, approximately 15 meters high and 40 meters wide, it holds significant historical importance. The falls are situated on ancient Precambrian rock formations, including schists and quartz–phyllites. Historically, the falls provided the only bridging point across the river in the area, making it a strategic location. In 1894, it was the site where Europeans first entered Rwanda, when German explorer Count Gustav Adolf von Götzen crossed from Tanzania. Later, during World War I, the Belgians used the Rusumo Bridge to invade Rwanda, overcoming German forces entrenched nearby. The falls gained international attention during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, as thousands of bodies were carried downstream beneath the bridge while refugees fled to Tanzania. Today, Rusumo Falls remains a symbol of both natural beauty and poignant history. Additionally, the site is part of a major regional hydropower project aimed at increasing renewable energy capacity for Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi.
Plan your trip to Rwanda with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The best time to visit Rusumo Falls is during the dry season for clearer views and safer river conditions. Visitors should consider arranging transport in advance due to the remote location. While there are no formal entrance fees, check locally for any access permissions. The area is accessible from both Rwanda and Tanzania, and crossing the border may require proper documentation. Visitors interested in the historical context should plan time to learn about the falls' role in regional history and the 1994 genocide.
Interesting facts
- •Rusumo Falls is formed on Precambrian schists and quartz–phyllites, making it geologically significant.
- •It was the entry point for the first Europeans into Rwanda in 1894.
- •The falls' bridge was a strategic military crossing during World War I.
- •During the 1994 genocide, the river beneath the falls carried thousands of bodies downstream, highlighting its tragic historical role.
- •The Rusumo Falls Hydropower Project, approved in 2024, aims to generate 80 MW of renewable energy for Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi.
History
Rusumo Falls has been a key geographic and historical landmark since at least the late 19th century.
In 1894, it marked the first point of European entry into Rwanda by German explorer Gustav Adolf von Götzen.
During World War I in 1916, the falls and its bridge were strategic in the Belgian invasion of Rwanda from German East Africa.
The falls became internationally known during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, when the river carried thousands of victims' bodies downstream as refugees fled across the Rusumo Bridge into Tanzania.
More recently, the site has been selected for a regional hydropower project to support electricity access in East Africa.
Contact
Phone: 0767 349 679
