It is situated on a hill, at an altitude of 1,520 metres (4,990 ft) above sea-level, close to the eastern edge of Lake Muhazi and 73 kilometres (45 mi) by road from the capital, Kigali.

Little is known of Gahini in pre-colonial times, but under German and Belgian rule the village became an important transport junction[2] linking the lake with the north-south and eastbound roads.

He was joined by Rev Herbert Jackson and Kosiya Shalita, a native of Gahini who had fled to Uganda 30 years earlier, become a Christian, and now wished to return home.

The Muhazi lake shore at Gahini is popular with tourists and features two resorts: the Seeds of Peace centre, which offers accommodation, and Jambo Beach.

[6] These are used both as stop off points for journeys to or from Akagera National Park, and as venues for lake tourism, offering boating, fishing and bird watching.