A Rwanda Hidden Gem: Free Massages at the Lake Kivu Hot Springs



Lake Kivu rests on the western border of Rwanda. Shared by both Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is a vast body of water that offers a ton of surprises. It’s hidden hot springs are one of them! For the equivalent of $5, you can get an unbelievable massage from the locals here. Just tip them- they deserve it!

What to expect

When our driver took us to the hot springs, we weren’t sure what we’d do there. We figured we would take a few pictures, see a small pool of hot water, and be done with it. What we weren’t expecting was individual attention by some incredible masseuses.

The hot springs are the result of nearby volcanic activity, and the locals swear by their medicinal powers. We saw people bathing in the hot springs, while others caked the mud on their skin.

All in all, if you’re visiting Gisenyi or the Lake Kivu area, the hot springs are the best thirty minutes you’ll spend that day!

What to wear

We didn’t know we were getting massages, and as you can see, I’m in a dress! I’d probably choose something that you don’t mind getting muddy. You really shouldn’t be getting dirty, but the sandbags around the hot spring pool are quite slippery.

Also, even though many tourists wear shorts, sundresses, etc. it is best to wear something that covers the knees in Rwanda, as that shows respect for Rwandan culture. (Yes, I do realize I am wearing a short dress here! When packing, I was told by my Rwandan friends to feel free wearing shorts/sundresses, etc. but looking back, I would opt for longer dresses. I always want to respect the local culture everywhere I go!)

What to bring

Tip money for the kind souls who give the world’s cheapest massages!

The lady in the purple shirt in these photos was my favorite. She worked tirelessly and joyfully. What a sweetheart! And… she was deaf! That strikes a particular soft spot with me, as both of my parents are deaf! I only wish American Sign Language was universal!!

Can you tell I’m ticklish? This is me barely surviving under this lady’s shoulder massage! I don’t know how I got through the foot massage below!!

Check out the locals bathing in the hot spring pool! No shirt, no shoes, no problem 🙂

Sick of ads?

I get it! 

Pay $5 and sign up below to never seen an ad on my website again!

Plus, you’ll get access to my email vault of past issues containing my best travel and life hacks I don’t share anywhere else! 

You will also get all my digital printables including itineraries, checklists, and more!

Jasmine Alley

Jasmine Alley

I'm a Dallas-based, full-time travel blogger with a serious case of wanderlust! Through my website and Instagram, I hope to help others plan picture-perfect trips to the most beautiful places in the world! When I travel, I like to emphasize nature, hidden gems, and unique places.
Jasmine Alley

Jasmine Alley

I'm a Dallas-based, full-time travel blogger with a serious case of wanderlust! Through my website and Instagram, I hope to help others plan picture-perfect trips to the most beautiful places in the world! When I travel, I like to emphasize nature, hidden gems, and unique places.

4 Responses

  1. Thank you for telling us about this lovely and welcoming place. It seems to me that this is just a great place to relax and unwind body and soul. It really should be like this. But I have never been to such places and would really like to know how hot the springs are there? It seems to me that despite the healing properties of this mud, I would never dare to use it on my skin, as it is quite finicky in terms of temperatures. And yet, is it really not scary for anyone to be near a source that is powered by a volcano?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search

Hi, I’m Jasmine! I’m a nature-obsessed, beauty-finding, Jesus-loving dreamer with a serious case of wanderlust. I love to create photo-worthy travel content and hope to fill your travel plans with incredible beauty and breathtaking views! Thanks for following along on my adventures!

Sign up for my email list to get my best life and travel hacks that I don't share anywhere else!

What's In My Camera Bag

Start Your Own Blog

Instagram

Affiliate Disclosure

Hello friends! FYI, most product links on my site are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission from advertising or affiliate programs. This doesn’t raise prices- it sometimes may actually lower them! Thanks for supporting my blog by purchasing through these links!