Bisesero Genocide Memorial
Bisesero Genocide Memorial Centre
One of Rwanda's six national genocide memorial sites, commemorating the months-long resistance of Tutsis on Bisesero Hill in 1994. It is known as the 'Mountain of Resistance.'
During the 1994 genocide, tens of thousands of Tutsis fled to the Bisesero hills in Karongi District, resisting militias for about three months with stones and spears. Only about a thousand survived in the end, and more than 40,000 were killed. The memorial is built on the hillside, with nine small huts symbolizing the nine towns of the former Kibuye Province, climbing up the slope. Exhibits include photographs, personal belongings and victims' remains. The hilltop overlooks rolling hills. Admission is free, donations are welcome, and photography is prohibited inside. It is about 30 km of dirt road from Kibuye (Karongi) town, roughly 1 hour one way. Hiring a car and combining it with a Lake Kivu itinerary is recommended. Please dress modestly and remain quiet and respectful. Not suitable for young children.
Opening hours
Daily 08:00–17:00 (schedule may change during commemorative week from Apr 7)
Nearby sights
- Kibuye (Karongi), Lake Kivu
- Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Nyungwe Canopy Walkway
- Murambi Genocide Memorial
- Isumo Waterfall Trail
- Gisakura Tea Estate
- King's Palace Museum
- Rwesero Art Museum