Lake Kivu is famed for its fresh air, crisp waters, gorgeous mountain views, and perfect weather. Its Rwanda’s largest and Africa’s sixth largest lake extremely good-looking inland water body enclosed by steep, green terraced hills along eastern Rwanda, Lake Kivu stands at a height of 1, 460 meters (4,790 ft) above sea level, 89 km in length and 48 km wide, covering a surface of 2700 km2 at an average depth of 240m with maximum depth at 480m, water volume of 500km3. It stands across the border connecting western Rwanda to the Democratic Republic of Congo and is surrounded by forested hills, with sandy bays and fishing villages. Lake Kivu is an idyllic Rwandan gateway, famed for its fresh water and gorgeous view. Here are accommodations to chose from when travelling to Lake Kivu
GISENYI SIDE
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel celebrates the shores of this African Great Lake as a destination of astonishing beauty, where pristine beaches and the sparkling waters of Africa’s sixth largest lake come together in breathtaking fashion. Your arrival is greeted by a bright, open-plan lobby giving way to a private stretch of beach reserved exclusively for hotel guests. With guest accommodations, restaurants and a spectacular swimming pool nestled among palm trees and manicured grounds and gardens, a privileged waterfront enclave provides all the amenities you would expect from a resort considered by many to be one of Rwanda’s best. From the moment you step into your room or suite at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, you will find your vacation or weekend getaway to be a wonderfully revealed series of surprises and delights. Each of our accommodations has been designed to be both soothing and invigorating with an elegant Pan-African décor and a private balcony with sweeping views of the hotel’s private beach and Lake Kivu beyond. This 66-room getaway is the perfect choice for an extended holiday or weekend escape. Lake Kivu Serena Hotel combines tropical serenity and waterfront exhilaration to create a truly unique Rwanda resort experience.
https://www.serenahotels.com/serenalakekivu/en/location.html
NIRVANA HEIGHT HOTEL&SPA
A charming lake front resort with 18 hotel rooms, all en-suite rooms with a balcony overlooking the Lake Kivu. All of our suites boast majestic views and offer a chic, comfortable and luxurious space for our guests. All the rooms at the Nirvana Heights Hotel are decorated with contemporary style, their trademark 4 poster mahogany super king size beds fit for Royalty, a luxe state of the art bathroom and a plush and relaxing lounging area leading to the Balcony. Rooms are fully equipped with all amenities including a mini-fridge, coffee and tea section, satellite Tv and Free Wifi connection.
PALADISE MALAHIDE
Paradise Malahide is ideally situated in an area of unparalleled natural splendor.
Located just seven kilometers from downtown Gisenyi, this beautiful space provides the perfect escape. Each bungalow is comfortable and was built using local wood and volcanic rock to blend seamlessly into the natural beauty of the area.
A perfect night’s sleep awaits you as you fall asleep to the sounds of Lake Kivu floating into the shore and in the morning, you will be enchanted by the songs of the fishermen and birds.
12 Rooms available:
– 10 by the lake (6 bungalows and 4 apartments in a larger two story bungalow).
– 2 Up the Hill.
https://www.paradisemalahide.com/bungalows.html
PARADISE KIVU RESORT
Located in Nyamyumba by the shore of Lake Kivu away from noise, Kivu Paradis Resort features a garden and free WiFi. The property also features a restaurant. The property offers a children’s playground. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet or a à la carte breakfast. In this 3 star hotel, the luxurious rooms are made of wood and volcanic rocks and offer a sumptuous view in untouched nature.
PALM BEACH RESORT KIVU
Located on the Lake Kivu, Palm Beach Resort Kivu offers the ideal week-end escape and the most beautiful view. It defines itself as an attractive place to relax and enjoy the Kivu Lake and its beaches.
The Modern Bungalows (7 Rooms Available) are Situated in the higher part of the resort. The Bungalows are built with natural stones from Rwanda are surrounded by flowers with wonderful perfume and exotic plants. The bungalows are made of one room (single or double), a bathroom with private toilets and a terrace with beautiful views of the lake. Each bungalow can accommodate up to 3 people.
The African Bungalows (3 Rooms Available) are located in the lower part of the domain, on the shores of Lake Kivu, the Bungalows are in typical African style, and decorated with local craft are surrounded by a large garden lined with palm trees and exotic flowers and can accommodate up to 3 people.
http://www.palmbeachrubavu.com/the-rooms
INZOZI BEACH HOTEL
Boasting a private beach area and fitness centre, Inzozi Beach Hotel is situated in Rubavu, 8 km from Scenic Route. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. Rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. At the hotel, the rooms include a terrace. The private bathroom is equipped with a hot tub, free toiletries and a hair dryer. All rooms at Inzozi Beach Hotel include air conditioning and a desk. The accommodation offers a children’s playground.
HAKUNA MATATA LODGE
Hakuna Matata Rubavu Lodge, Camping and Restaurant is located in one of the most elegant parts of the shores of Lake Kivu. Hakuna Matata Lodge is 5 kilometers from Gisenyi city. The property offers spacious rooms, all equipped with floor to ceiling mosquito nets and TV. Rooms are simply decorated, and large enough to be comfortable. The onsite restaurant offers a variety of cuisines African, Asiatic and European cuisine. Complimentary breakfast is served daily to all guests. Enjoy your lifetime on the view of Kivu Lake or drinks at sunset as you watch fishermen in their old boats fish on the lake. And just like home, you may buy raw ingredients from us and use our kitchen if you choose to make yourself a meal.
GORILLAS LAKE KIVU HOTEL
Located within 2.5 km of Lake Kivu, Gorillas Lake Kivu Hotel offers accommodation in Gisenyi. All rooms feature a satellite TV and a seating area. The private bathrooms have a bath or shower, and a bathrobe, hairdryer and slippers are provided for your convenience. Some rooms offer a dining area, kitchenette and air conditioning.
http://www.gorillashotels.com/spip.php?rubrique12
HILLVIEW HOTEL
Hill View Hotel Lake Kivu is located on the shores of Lake Kivu. It is conveniently situated 5 minutes from the border of Goma (DRC), 5 minutes from Rubavu Airport and 1 and a half hours from the Volcano National Park. Hill View Hotel Lake Kivu offers 47 rooms including Singles, Twins, Silver, Gold, Family Rooms and Executive Suite. The Restaurants feature Rwandan, African and international cuisine and offer a sumptuous breakfast, healthy lunches, and delicious dinners with a grand variety of dishes. Swimming Pool, Gym, Sauna & Massage, Business Center, Conference facilities, Lake fishing, swimming and boating among other amenities
https://hillviewhotelrwanda.com/
WESTERN MOUNTAIN HOTEL
Located in Gisenyi, 700 meters from Western Union, Western Mountain Hotel features a fitness center and terrace. This 3-star hotel offers a free shuttle service. The hotel has an outdoor pool, entertainment staff and free Wi-Fi. The hotel rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV. The private bathroom includes a shower and free toiletries. The rooms have a desk.
The Western Mountain Hotel serves a continental breakfast every morning. The hotel’s restaurant specializes in international cuisine and also offers vegetarian dishes.
http://westernmountainhotel.com/
DISCOVER GISENYI
Fringed by palm-shaded, sandy beaches on Lake Kivu’s Gisenyi shores in the North West, Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach is an exciting addition to the growing chain of Discover Rwanda accommodation options around the country. Set in one of Rwanda’s oldest ‘colonial’ buildings with its unique architectural charm and a fantastic atmosphere, our residence will ensure that not only does this piece of paradise exceed your expectations, but it will also leave you with unforgettable memories of a wonderful stay.
Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach Hostel is located 20m from the water’s edge on the sandy shores of lake Kivu, and is the perfect destination to relax and Discover a piece of paradise on the tranquil lakeside beaches, water sports, mountains and many other activities while enjoying fabulous Rwandan hospitality. Accommodation Options: Double En-Suite, Family En-Suite, Twin Room, Eight-Bed Dorm, Four Bed Dorm & Camping
http://www.discoverrwanda.net/hostels/discover-gisenyi/
INZU LODGE
By far the most unusual sleeping option in Gisenyi, this delightful oasis on a sloping hill that lords over majestic Lake Kivu offers comfortably equipped safari tents set on stone platforms with sweeping views. A grassy, partially shady plot is set aside for campers. The wonderfully cozy open-air restaurant serves a variety of European, American and local dishes and also offers Vegan option.
ASANTE HOTEL
Asante Hotel is a family owned boutique hotel located on the shore of Lake Kivu in Gisenyi, Rwanda. It is an ideal location for both business and leisure travelers. Our luxury spacious rooms are designed for optimal comfort and they all offer a unique view of the lake. The rooftop terrace bar allows you to have unprecedented view of the lake and its stunning surroundings.
DIANA FOSSEY NYIRAMACIBIRI HOTEL
Relax at this quiet location and feel the tropical sun and the extremely gentle Lake Kivu breeze cool on your skin. Dian Fossey Hotel is very close to the beautiful Lake Kivu coast, 5 minutes walking to the lake and also 5 minutes walking to the DRC borders. The landscape will dazzle your senses with vibrant colors, beautiful trees, hilarious chanting birds and friendly artistic human made. Here you will enjoy the fresh smallest sambaza fish and seafood served at our open restaurant under a large thatched roof in the bar while exploring the stunning natural wonders of the nearby Rubavu Mountains.
This hotel offers Standard Rooms, Prime Rooms or Suites. All rooms and suites are equipped with: 24-hour room service, WIFI, direct-dial phone, in-room satellite TV, mini bar, private safe.
http://www.dianfosseyhotel.com/index.php
LABELLA RESORT
Labella Resort offers superb accommodation at very affordable rates. All our rooms are equipped with comfortable beds. Each bed is equipped with a well fitting mosquito net. Our stylish bathrooms have hot and cold water around the clock.
For accommodation at La Bella, you have the option of bungalow, apartment or camping. All rooms have beautiful verandas overlooking the beautiful Lake Kivu whose shore is just a few steps from your room. There is a large camping space in the beautiful grounds by the lake as alternative accommodation. Labella Resort has a great choice of menu. Be it African, Asiatic or European cuisine, we assure you the best. Enjoy barbecues on the beach or drinks at sunset as you watch fishermen in their old boats fish on the lake.
http://labellaresort.com/best%20rwanda%20resort/index.php
KIBUYE SIDE
Cormoran Lodge is located in the village of Kibuye on the eastern shores of Lake Kivu in Rwanda. Cormoran Lodge is a pleasant place to stay, it consists of elegant little public areas and just a handful of rooms, all set up on stilts on steep slopes above a small raised beach. All rooms offer a high standard of comfort and a breathtaking view of Lake Kivu. They are equipped with television, wi-fi, mini fridge, bath / shower.
https://www.cormoranlodge.com/en/restaurant-a-bar.html
RWIZA VILLAGE
Beautiful African style decorated with stunning views of the breathtaking gardens and Lake Kivu, the sound of the waves lapping the nearby shore soothing you to sleep, rooms have the mosquito net, and bathroom with toilet, shower and free wireless internet is available in all rooms. The menu offers an excellent selection of expertly prepared Rwandan, African and internationally dishes to suit your choice.
http://rwizavillage.org/rooms/
RUSHEL KIVU Lodge
Nestled in Rwanda’s coffee paradise, Kinunu, is the beautiful Rushel Kivu Lodge! We offer you the unique beauty, calmness and wonders of the region. Spacious and comfortable rooms offer stunning views of the lake and the greenery surrounding the beach, cozy tents with mattress and towel are also provided. The restaurant proposes a menu to please every palate. The in-house chef will delight you with local and european cuisines accompanied by an exquisite selection of French wines, Fine Liquor and local beverages This is a bed and breakfast guest house, where lunch and dinner are available on demand.
https://rushelkivu.wixsite.com/home
MORIAH HILL RESORT
Located in West on the shores of Lake Kivu, at only 1 km from Karongi town, The Moriah Hill Resort epitomizes gracious living that reflects the modern beach resort elegance; it offers great value for your money. The Moriah Hill Resort features chic bedrooms. When you wish to escape the city hustle, just draw the curtains, sit back and relax in your own quiet space. At Moriah Hill Resort, you have all the flexibility to live life to the fullest. The resort offers you a menu of flexible services to choose from, so you can create the stay experience you desire.
http://www.moriah-hill.com/web/
REBERO KIVU RESORT
Set in Kibuye, 37 km from Mukura Forest Reserve, Rebero Kivu Resort has a number of amenities, including a sport bar, a terrace and free WiFi with amazing view of the Lake Kivu.The area provides: A place for relaxation, sports ( kayaking, biking hiking) and wild camping. The restaurant offers variety of worldwide, international food and beverages. “If you’re looking for tranquility and comfort, then you are talking about rooms in Rebero Kivu Resort. At the resort, rooms include a balcony with a sea view, complete with a private bathroom, while some rooms at Rebero Kivu Resort also offer a seating area.
BETHANIE GUEST HOUSE
Found on the shore of stunning Lake Kivu, this is a budget facility caters to all traveler requirements. At Bethanie, guests enjoy the peaceful environment and take pleasure in the comfort at this guest house. Rooms of various categories and each of the rooms offer wonderful scenery looking over Lake Kivu. The menu of our restaurant proposes a wide selection of meals which satisfies everybody. On the terrace, our customers have a fantastic view over the lake and over its islands of which some are accessible by boat.
HOME SAINT JEAN
Home Saint Jean is located on a hilltop a 10-minute walk, or a 500 RwF moto-ride, from central Kibuye. 270 degree views of Lake Kivu. At The Home Saint Jean provide you with a good night’s sleep, at the price you can afford and with the creature comforts you would expect. it offer 33 contemporary private rooms and 2 dormitories having 26 beds, including 11 Standard doubles, 5 standard single rooms with Lake view, 5 single rooms with mountain view, one apartment with 3 twin bed rooms, one standard twin room, 2 twin rooms, 4 single rooms and 2 simple rooms,. With an emphasis on value for money, all bedrooms are clean and spacious, making it the ideal place for guests. The restaurant offers food of both hot and cold dishes, from salads and fruits to burgers; all incredibly flavorsome and consistently fresh. Those who have a craving for African food will particularly appreciate the comprehensive buffet of African dishes, soups, salads and breads.
Email us at [email protected] for relaxation trip around this magnificent lake