Hot Springs in Rwanda

Hot Springs in Rwanda add a touch of beauty to the ambience around them. Majority of Rwandans believe that there is some sought of healing aspect associated with hot springs. By definition, hot springs are springs formed as a result of geothermally heated groundwater that rises from the earth’s crust.

Hot springs in Rwanda are formed as a result of geothermal activity in the earth’s mantle or as a result of volcanic activity. These hot springs in Rwanda are generally natural discharges of groundwater with elevated temperatures. These temperatures may vary from warm which human can bath in, to extremely hot ones that can cause deadly repercussions to those who get exposed to them directly.

For those hot springs in Rwanda created by geothermal activity have their water heated geothermally with heat from the earth’s mantle. Due to this, the temperature of the rocks increases with depth.

Some of the hot springs in Rwanda include;

1. Bugarama Hot Springs: Bugarama hot springs are situated about 60 km from Cyangugu town by road. These hot springs are located in Rusizi district in the western province of Rwanda. A visit to the hot spring costs USD 45 per person.

The hot springs lie at the base of a limestone quarry 13 km from the Cimerwa cement factory. Tourists travelling by road can view these hot springs from the roadside as a spring bubbling up into a large pool of seemingly green- like water from afar. Bugarama hot springs may look like a pool of green water at the first glance which can easily dishearten you, but if you continue walking ahead to the mainspring, the sight does get better and you will be marveled at this amazing gift from Mother Nature.

Bugarama hot springs have a very rare but beautiful species of water lily called Nymphaea thermarum. These add to the beauty of the hot springs.

Uses of Bugarama Hot Springs:

Bugarama hot springs in Rwanda have become a popular destination for many, including foreign and domestic tourists and it is for the following reasons;

Locals believe that the water from this hot spring curers illnesses like; skin rashes, flu, cuts, wounds, joint pains and headaches.
The water from this hot spring is believed to improve blood circulation in the body by dilating superficial arteries in the body.
It is also said that the water in Bugarama hot springs improves the respiratory system as a result of the presence of high levels of sulphur in the water; thus this improves one’s breathing.
Bugarama hot springs have minerals such as; calcium phosphate, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride and lithium sulphate; all of which have medicinal values.
These hot springs are a source of revenue for the local community and the Rwanda government since they are a tourist destination.

2. Gisenyi Hot springs: These hot springs are located in Gisenyi town along the eastern shore of Lake Kivu, 2 km from Bralirwa brewery. Gisenyi hot springs in Rwanda have several small vents with water oozing out at temperatures between 70°C to 75°C, high enough to boil an egg.

Uses of Gisenyi Hot Springs.

The water in Gisenyi hot springs is said to have a number of uses and these include;

The warm water in the hot springs is used for drinking mainly by the locals and tourists as well.
Locals believe that the water from this hot spring curers illnesses like; skin rashes, flu, cuts, wounds, joint pains and headaches.
The water from this hot spring is believed to improve blood circulation in the body by dilating superficial arteries in the body.
It is also said that the water in Gisenyi hot springs improves the respiratory system as a result of the presence of high levels of sulphur in the water; thus this improves one’s breathing.
Gisenyi hot springs have minerals such as; calcium phosphate, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride and lithium sulphate; all of which have medicinal values.
These hot springs are a source of revenue for the local community and the Rwanda government since they are a tourist destination.

3. Kinigi Hot Springs: The Kinigi hot springs are located in Kinigi near Lake Kivu. Tourists visiting these hot springs also get a chance to be entertained by traditional dancers and drummers from the surrounding communities.

Uses of Kinigi Hot Springs.

The water in Kinigi hot springs is said to have a number of uses and these include;

The warm water in the hot springs is used for drinking mainly by the locals and tourists as well.
Locals believe that the water from this hot spring curers illnesses like; skin rashes, flu, cuts, wounds, joint pains and headaches.
The water from this hot spring is believed to improve blood circulation in the body by dilating superficial arteries in the body.
It is also said that the water in Kinigi hot springs improves the respiratory system as a result of the presence of high levels of sulphur in the water; thus this improves one’s breathing.
Kinigi hot springs have minerals such as; calcium phosphate, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride and lithium sulphate; all of which have medicinal values.
These hot springs are a source of revenue for the local community and the Rwanda government since they are a tourist destination.

4. Nyamyumba Hot Springs: The Nyamyumba hot springs are situated 7 kilometers from Gisenyi town in Rubavu district. The communities that live within close proximity to the hot springs usually have spiritual and superstitious beliefs associated with the hot springs. The local people refer to the hot springs as ‘magical waters’ because of the waters they believe have a healing aspect. The locals usually relax at the hot springs in the evenings and can be found swimming or taking a bath. The water from the hot springs is very hot in some areas and one can even boil an egg in it.

The water from Nyamyumba hot springs is said to cure a variety of fungal infections such as ringworms.

Uses of Nyamyumba Hot Springs.

These hot springs are a source of revenue for the local community and the Rwanda government since they are a tourist destination.
Locals believe that the water from this hot spring curers illnesses like; skin rashes, flu, cuts, wounds, joint pains and headaches.
The water from these hot springs is used for cooking by the locals. They believe that it is much safer to use this water as compared to that from the taps or other water sources at home.
The warm water in the hot springs is used for drinking mainly by the locals and tourists as well.

However, it is advisable for you as a tourist to take precautions while on a Rwanda visit to any of these hot springs for the following reasons;

The water from some hot springs may contain thermophiles which are harmful bacteria that can easily cause diseases to those using water in hot springs.
Some hot springs have microbiota which can be infectious to humans.
The existence of the naegleria fowler (a unicellular organism) in some hot springs, can cause acute inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. In short, these micro living organisms can cause fatal meningitis if they enter a person’s nose.
Acanthamoeba, which is a type of amoebae that commonly lives in soil and fresh water, can also spread through hot springs. This can cause serious illness in case they enter a person’s eye or through an open wound.
Some hot springs may harbour bacteria like legionella which can cause one to suffer from pneumonia-related illnesses.

Etiquette when Bathing in Hot Springs.

In case you have decided to take a bath in hot springs in Rwanda, ensure to take the following percussions;

Always take a bath before jumping into the hot spring.
It is advisable to wear some clothing when taking a bath in the hot spring especially because Rwandans are very conservative people and thus do not encourage public nudity. So carry with you a pair of light shorts or clothing.

Do enjoy yourself while visiting any of the hot springs in Rwanda and in case you are planning a Rwanda tour to the country, please contact a tour operator and have them include any of the above mentioned hot spring to your itinerary.