Gakenke

Gakenke is a district in the Northern Province of Rwanda, whose capital is also called Gakenke. The region is extremely mountainous and known for the production of high-quality coffee. Coffee farmers from Gakenke regularly achieve high prices at international competitions for their specialty coffees. The steep slopes are terraced to prevent erosion and allow for cultivation. In addition to coffee, bananas, beans, and cassava are also grown. The town of Gakenke is a small but growing commercial center for the surrounding rural population. Infrastructure, especially roads, is a challenge due to the difficult terrain, but the government is making efforts to improve it. The district also has potential for ecotourism, based on coffee tours and hikes in the scenic mountain landscape.

Nearby cities

Musanze

The main city in the north is the gateway to the famous mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Gicumbi

A high-altitude agricultural center where green tea and high-quality wheat are primarily cultivated.

Kinigi

This base camp for tourists is located right next to the Volcanoes National Park and benefits massively from ecotourism.

Base

Its strategically advantageous location halfway to the north makes this place a popular rest stop for travelers.

Kivuruga

A significant rural commercial center on the north-south transport axis, characterized by agricultural markets.

Rwaza

An important historical place in the north, looking back on a long mission history and the construction of old churches.

Rulindo

An emerging community near the capital, whose economy benefits from coffee processing and mining.

Rukozo

A high-altitude agricultural center in Gicumbi, known for extremely steep terraced fields and dense morning fog.

Burera

The administrative center of a northwestern district, located right next to the spectacular twin lakes and nearby volcanoes.

Miyove

A growing settlement in the northern mountains, whose economy is increasingly driven by modern agro-industrial cooperatives.

Gatuna

The busiest border crossing to Uganda, which handles a large part of the national imports via the Northern Corridor.

History & landmarks

Sorwathe Tea Factory

One of the oldest and largest tea factories in Rwanda, surrounded by picturesque tea estates, making a major contribution to the agricult…

Ruhengeri Cathedral

The main cathedral of the Diocese of Ruhengeri in the city of Musanze, a major hub for gorilla trekking tourists.

Nature

Akagera River

A significant tributary of the Nile that flows through the Akagera National Park.

Rurubu River

A significant river that flows through southeastern Rwanda.

Akagera Wetlands

An extensive swamp and wetland area along the Akagera River.

Lake Ihema

The largest lake in Akagera National Park, known for its rich wildlife.

More places

Pots of Rubingo

An archaeological site with ancient hollows carved into stone, indicating an early settlement of the region.

🗺️

Liberation Museum Mulindi

The former headquarters of the RPF (Rwandan Patriotic Front) during the liberation war.

Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village

A reconstructed village that preserves and showcases traditional Rwandan culture, dances, and lifestyle.

Pfunda Tea Estate

One of the most productive tea factories near Rubavu, exporting premium black tea.

🗺️

Rutsiro Coltan Mine

A mining area for coltan, essential for the global electronics industry.

Bralirwa Brewery Rubavu

Rwanda's largest and oldest commercial brewery, located on the shores of Lake Kivu.

🗺️

Rubavu Port

Major inland port on Lake Kivu for trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

🗺️

KivuWatt Power Plant

A unique power plant that uses methane gas from Lake Kivu to generate electricity.