We are not currently offering travel to this area. Government travel advice is against all travel to North and South Kivu, and the parks and airports here are closed or not operating. This page stays here for reference, and we will review it when the advice changes. Our Uganda and Rwanda gorilla safaris are open.
For reference, Bukavu lies on the hilly southern shore of Lake Kivu, across the Ruzizi River from Cyangugu in Rwanda. Before the current conflict it was the base for visits to Kahuzi-Biega.
Bukavu has a pleasant, warm climate tempered by the altitude, with rain in most months and a drier season from June to August.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26 | 16 | 130 |
| Feb | 26 | 16 | 130 |
| Mar | 26 | 16 | 150 |
| Apr | 25 | 16 | 170 |
| May | 25 | 16 | 140 |
| Jun | 25 | 15 | 50 |
| Jul | 25 | 15 | 40 |
| Aug | 25 | 15 | 80 |
| Sep | 25 | 16 | 130 |
| Oct | 25 | 16 | 170 |
| Nov | 25 | 16 | 170 |
| Dec | 25 | 16 | 140 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
June to August would be the best time when travel is possible.
Best time to visit Mar, Jun to Aug
Bukavu’s airport is not currently operating commercial flights, and the crossing from Cyangugu in Rwanda can close at short notice. We are not arranging travel here at present.
We are not currently offering travel to this area. Please check your government’s travel advice.
Please see the DR Congo page for health information and the Ebola outbreak.
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