Lake Kivu nestled between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It offers a range of accommodations to travelers visiting and experience the gorilla tours in both countries. Hotels and lodges do caters to various preferences and budgets of travelers. These lodges come with top-notch hospitality services. Here are some top-rated hotels and lodges along Lake Kivu in Rwanda;
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel. It is a luxurious lakeside hotel offering spacious rooms, a private beach, swimming pool, spa and multiple dining options. Ideal for both relaxation and business travelers. Nestled in Gisenyi- Rwanda, this hotel offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and luxurious comfort.
The pristine sands and sparkling waters of Lake Kivu create a breathtaking backdrop of a customer’s stay. Lake Kivu Serena Hotel prides itself on delivering exceptional warmth, hospitality and relaxation all inspired by the tropical surroundings. During your stay at this hotel, you experience the serene beauty and unparalleled comfort.
This hotel comprises of about 66 en-suite rooms. Indulge in the luxury spacious suites, each offering a generous 40 square meters of elegant living space. These suites are designed for ultimate comfort and relaxation, featuring a plush King bed and a lavish bathroom equipped with both a tub and a shower. For business people, there is an integrated workspace that provides a convenient area for you to stay productive and enjoy your leisure as you work.
The private sitting room, complete with a guest washroom offers an inviting space to unwind. Step out onto the furnished veranda and take in the breathtaking views of Lake Kivu hence making your stay truly unforgettable.
The hotel’s restaurant known as Kiyaga, offers a delightful blend of sophistication and casual charm since it is located along the shores of Lake Kivu. The restaurant’s menu is a culinary celebration featuring the finest Rwandese, African and international dishes crafted with premium local ingredients. Each morning, the restaurant comes alive with a vibrant breakfast service. Hotel guests can indulge in a complimentary, lavish spread that includes a variety of hot dishes, fresh fruits, freshly squeezed juices and an assortment of baked breads and pastries.
Kivu Lodge. Nestled on a serene peninsula in Karongi District, Kivu Lodge offers a tranquil escape on the shores of Lake Kivu. The lodge features 20 spacious cottages including two executive suites, each with a private balcony that provides stunning lake views.
Each cottage is designed for comfort and relaxation, offering breathtaking views of the lake from private balconies. The lodge is surrounded by a private coffee plantation, adding to its secluded charm.
While at the lodge, enjoy delicious meals at the on-site restaurant or relax with a coffee at the coffee bar and a drink at the lounge bar.
After the meals or during your leisure time, you can take a dip in the outdoor cascading swimming pool which overlooks the calm waters of Lake Kivu.
For those arriving by air, the lodge has a standard helipad, making it accessible via a 25-minute flight from Kigali International Airport.
The lodge can be accessed by road, boat or helicopter.
Comoran Lodge. This lodge is located near the charming town of Kibuye and it sits right on the picturesque shores of Lake Kivu. This facility features 6 wooden cabins, each perched on stilts along the hillside, offering a unique and serene retreat.
The cabins are designed for comfort with options for double or twin beds, all equipped with mosquito nets. Each cabin is a standalone chalet, providing a peaceful and private atmosphere. Guests can unwind on their balconies as they take in uninterrupted views of the lake.
Every cabin includes modern amenities such as a mini fridge, Wi-Fi and an en-suite bathroom with both a bathtub and shower. The stunning location gives you an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking lake views from your room.
During your stay, you can engage in canoeing and boat rides to nearby Bat Island and Monkey Island but at an extra fee. There is also a communal games’ room equipped with a billiards table, card packs and board games where guests can relax and have fun during their leisure time. This lodge has a bar with a fireplace where guests can sit on the cold evening and chill as they sip their drinks.
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel. Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel offers breathtaking views over Lake Kivu from its hilltop location. This eco – luxury retreat provides unparalleled tranquility and elegant accommodation.
Guests can enjoy gourmet dining, thrilling water activities, tea and coffee tastings at some of the best plantations in Africa and easy access to the nearby Nyungwe National Park. Ideal for adventure seekers, those looking to unwind and business travelers, Mantis Kivu Marina Bay promises a memorable Rwandan escape.
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel is a deluxe hotel comprising of 79 rooms on Lake Kivu with its resort lifestyle, cultural experiences and tea & coffee tastings. The rooms are divided into standard rooms, family rooms, deluxe rooms and a presidential suite.
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel features 2 restaurants that offer guests sophisticated international cuisine and a casual poolside eatery with a pizza oven.
Other facilities include; an upscale lobby, restaurant, bar, convention center, lake view swimming pool, parking area, Gym, Spa and sauna, VIP meeting rooms among others.
Activities that can be engaged in while at Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel include; boat ride, swimming, birding, mountain trekking among other activities.
Paradise Malahide. It is situated in the quaint village of Rubona, just 7km south of Gisenyi. Paradise Malahide graces the shores of Lake Kivu hence offering stunning views of the lake and its islands. Owned and managed by a local Rwandese woman and her son, this guesthouse has been welcoming visitors since 2003.
This accommodation is an ideal spot for enjoying a sun downer on a clear evening. Paradise Malahide features six individual bungalows and four apartment-style rooms, all connected by well-lit pathways. The circular bungalows, constructed from local wood and volcanic rock, are scattered throughout the gardens while the apartment rooms are housed in a two – storey building at the far end.
Each bungalow is equipped with a double bed, mosquito netting, bamboo chairs, a small table and a wardrobe. The interiors are adorned with rattan matting and colorful African Kanga curtains hence providing a cozy yet cool retreat. Apartment rooms offer more space and include a twin room and a triple room on both the ground and first floors. They feature large verandas with seating perfect for relaxing and taking in the views.
All rooms come with a mini fridge, Wi-Fi and an en-suite bathroom with a bath and shower for ensuring a comfortable stay.
The heart of Paradise Malahide is a large, open-sided brick structure with a central stone fire pit. This area often hosts evening entertainment such as traditional dancing. Guests can relax in bamboo chairs and dine at tables adorned with colorful African fabrics. The small bar is a popular evening spot where you can enjoy a drink and a game of bao, a traditional African board game. On cooler nights, hot coals are placed under the tables to keep guests warm.
This facility has well -maintained gardens which are dotted with cushioned benches and tables, some shaded by thatched umbrellas. The public beach in front of the gardens is a lively spot, while a more private beach area with sun loungers and umbrellas is reserved for guests.
The lodge can arrange various activities including trips with the fishermen, visits to local tea and coffee plantations, and excursions to Akeza Island where you can enjoy a private dinner.
This charming guesthouse offers a perfect blend of relaxation, local culture and adventure, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic Rwandan experience.
Rebero Kivu Resort. Rebero Kivu Resort is a serene lakeside retreat located in Kibuye- Rwanda, offering breathtaking views of Lake Kivu and the surrounding hills.
Established in 1999, the resort provides a peaceful escape with comfortable accommodations of about 20 well-appointed rooms and apartments.
Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant serving local cuisine, relax in the garden or terrace and engage in activities like canoeing, hiking, biking among others.
The resort also offers event facilities, making it suitable for both leisure and business travelers. With its tranquil atmosphere and warm hospitality, Rebero Kivu Resort is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and adventure in Rwanda’s Western Province.
Emeraude Kivu Resort. Emeraude Kivu Resort is located in the town of Kamembe facing the quiet and beautiful Lake Kivu. The Resort is a high standing hotel designed to provide guests
Emeraude Kivu Resort is made up of 28 executive rooms, 4 suites and 1 family cottage offering traditional Rwandan décor and lake views. The rooms are decorated with amazing crafts. Emeraude Kivu resort has comfortable, spacious and cozy rooms spread out across the beautiful gardens of the lodge. These rooms overlook the lake. The colorful flowers and plants outside the rooms on some days attract beautiful sun birds.
Visitors enjoy continental or American breakfast. With its ambiance environment and friendly workers, Emeraude Kivu Resort is an ideal destination for travelers.
Each room at Emeraude Kivu resort consists of en-suite bathroom with a toilet, a shower, a sink, a mirror, shampoo, lotion, shower gel and bathing soap. Hot running water is also available in bathroom the throughout the day.
There is also a private balcony with a reasonably sized couch and table where guests can sit.
The hotel’s restaurant is beautifully decorated with authentic Rwandan décor and serves delicious food throughout the day. There is a chef’s special for the day but an a la carte menu is also available in case one wants to order directly off the menu.
The restaurant serves a continental breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guest can decide to sit inside the restaurant or at the terrace. The terrace offers the best view of Lake Kivu. The restaurant staff also always arrange a parked breakfast for guests heading out into Nyungwe National Park for their chimpanzee trekking experience.
Emeraude Kivu resort has a well-stocked bar with some of the finest liquors and wines which visitors can sip as they enjoy the sunset over Lake Kivu.
The spa at the hotel offers massage therapy, beauty treatments and wellness treatments. It is a great spot to relax and unwind as your body gets a much-needed treat especially after park activities like hiking and trekking.
Some of the services at the lodge include; ample car parking area, Wi-Fi for internet connectivity and maximum security.
Tchegera Island Camp. The Tchegera Island Tented Camp is a serene eco-lodge nestled on a crescent-shaped volcanic island in Lake Kivu within Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It can be accessed by a 15–20-minute boat ride from Goma.
The camp comprises of about 10 luxury tents, each equipped with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers and flush toilets powered by solar energy.
Guests can engage in activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, bird watching with opportunities to spot endemic species and observe the glowing lava of Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira volcanoes at night. The camp also offers a restaurant and bar, providing a tranquil setting for relaxation and exploration.