Sleep by the Shores of Lake
Top hotels, guesthouses & lodges — handpicked for every traveler
Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel
🌟 Overview
Nestled on a hillside in Bwishyura, Karongi District, overlooking the beautiful Lake Kivu, Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel is one of Rwanda’s most luxurious boutique hotels. Known for its refined décor, volcanic-stone architecture, and serenity-focused experience, it perfectly balances modern comfort with natural beauty
🛏️ Accommodation & Room Types
The hotel has 18+ air‑conditioned luxury suites, including:
King Suites (~38 m²) with balconies, lake views, flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, minibar, room safe, seating area, and en‑suite bathroom with hot water and high-end toiletries.
Apartment‑style Junior Suites, ideal for couples or small families, with living area, kitchenette, and shared terrace overlooking the lake.
Private Villa with 4 suites (includes a Presidential Suite, 2 Junior Suites, and a standard suite), offering exclusive living area, dining/kitchenette, wine cellar, and panoramic views
🧰 Amenities & Facilities
Outdoor swimming pool with lake views
Full-service spa: massages, steam, sauna, wellness programs
Fitness centre & yoga pavilion
Two on-site restaurants: Cleo Restaurant (fine dining) and Lakeside Restaurant (casual, open-air) with farm-to-table menus
Well-stocked wine bar
Free high‑speed Wi‑Fi (in-room and public areas)
Free parking, laundry and housekeeping, airport pick-up/drop-off (on request)
Mini bar, TV (incl. Netflix), bathrobes, slippers, blackout curtains, and in-room safe in all rooms
🚗 Travel: Distance & Transit Time
Distance from Kigali to Cleo Hotel: approx. 130 km (~3–4 hours by road) due to winding terrain
30-minute helicopter transfer available on request for quicker access
Umurobyi lodge
🌿 Overview
Tucked on the furthest peninsula of Lake Kivu in Kibuye (Karongi District), Umurobyi Lodge offers peaceful lakefront lodging where you’re just steps from traditional fishermen landing sambaza at sunset. It provides unmatched views of uninhabited islets and delivers a serene escape into local life and nature.
🛏 Accommodation & Room Types
Standard Rooms: Simple, modern design with large lake-view windows, natural light, and stone/wood finishes from local materials.
Bungalows: Private units with minimalist décor, balconies overlooking the lake, and garden settings.
Large Bungalow: Spacious living and sleeping areas for families or groups.
Penthouse : Premium elevated suite with panoramic views of Lake Kivu and the volcanoes in the distance.
🧰 Amenities & Inclusions
All-inclusive pricing: meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), local soft drinks, house wine & beer
Swimming pool with lake vista
Moriah Hill Resort
🌄 Overview
Set on its own private peninsula along Lake Kivu in Karongi District (Kibuye), Moriah Hill Resort is a mid‑range to upscale family-run resort that’s been welcoming guests since 2003. It blends lakeside tranquility with modern comfort and personalized service.
🛌 Accommodation & Room Types
20 well-appointed rooms across 4 floors (no lift), all facing the lake, with private balconies where you can relax and take in spectacular views. Room categories include:
King-size Standard Single & Double
Twin Bedrooms (two singles)
Executive Single/Double Room (75 m²) with expanded lounge area
Family Rooms (for 3–4 people)
Suite / Presidential Suite (top-end option)
All rooms feature Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, satellite TV, minibar/fridge, hair dryer, mosquito nets, hot showers, and private bathroom. Some have fireplaces for cozy nights.
🍽️ Amenities & Facilities
Restaurant & Bar overlooking Lake Kivu, offering local and continental cuisine
Private beach & lakeside terrace for dining or relaxing
Fitness center, sauna, massage services
Outdoor recreation: tennis court, volleyball, table tennis, children’s playground
Shared lounge, business & conference facilities (120-seat AC hall, PA system)
Free parking, laundry, craft shop, bike/kayak hire, fishing equipment
24/7 receptionist, English/French-speaking staff, express check-in/check-out
Delta Resort Hotel
🌟 Overview
Delta Resort Hotel is a mid-range, lakeside hotel located on Nyabidahe Road directly on Lake Kivu in Karongi (Kibuye). It offers panoramic water views and straightforward comforts at very competitive rates. Ideal for travelers seeking value, scenic access, and a relaxed lakeside retreat.
🧰 Amenities & Facilities
On-site restaurant & bar, serving local & international cuisine
Outdoor pool with lake views
Private beach access on the lakeshore
Complimentary breakfast, 24/7 front desk, and concierge services
Room service, laundry,
🛏 Accommodation & Room Types
Rates are budget to mid-range (USD150–350 depending on room category)
Includes breakfast and basic amenities
Free cancellation within 5 days of check-in
Cormoran Lodge
🌄 Overview
Set on the steep hillsides above Lake Kivu in Kibuye, Karongi District, Cormoran Lodge is a charming, small-scale eco-lodge offering stunning lakeside views and personal hospitality. With just seven wooden cabins carved into the hillside, it’s perfect for travelers seeking rustic tranquility in a natural setting.
🛏Accommodation & Room Types
7 wooden cabins built on stilts, perched into the hillside slope above the lake.
Options: Twin, Double, and a VIP cabin with views of DRC’s Nyiragongo volcano
Interiors are rustic yet comfortable: wooden floors, carved shelving, mosquito-net beds, desk, seating, en-suite bathroom with pebble-stone décor, hot showers, mini fridge, TV, safe, tea/coffee facilities, and an umbrella for rain days
🧰 Amenities & Facilities
Main lodge building with cozy bar, lounge area, fireplace, TV, and nautical décor.
Private man-made beach, days loungers, campfire, and children’s swings — steps down from the main area.
Games and social lounge: billiards, cards, board games.
Eco-conscious design, botanical gardens, few but deliberate facilities—no pool, no elevator.
Livalana Hotel
🌅 Overview
Livalana Hotel is a colorful and centrally located lakeshore hotel in Kibuye, just steps from Lake Kivu, offering comfort, friendly service, and lake access at affordable mid‑range pricing. It’s known for its lakeside garden, beach shuttle, and relaxed atmosphere.
🛏 Accommodation & Rooms
28 well-appointed rooms including standard, deluxe double, executive single, twin, and family configurations.
All rooms include: air-conditioning, flat-screen satellite TV, Wi‑Fi (~500 Mbps free), safety box, minibar or shared fridge, and daily housekeeping.
No elevators: rooms are accessed via stairs, with lobby fireplace and seating area offering lakeside views
🧰 Facilities & Amenities
Two on-site restaurants and bars, including a beach bar and lounge area
Free breakfast buffet, daily turndown service, and room service available.
Shared services: spa (fitness center, sauna, massages), concierge/ticket assistance, laundry, currency exchange, gift shop, library, computer/business center, and 24/7 front desk feedback in English, French & Swahili
Outdoor: private lake garden, beach umbrellas, loungers, BBQ events, beach shuttle to nearby spots
kivu lodge
🌅 Overview
Perched on a private peninsula jutting into Lake Kivu in Karongi (Kibuye), Kivu Lodge offers tranquility, seclusion, and sweeping lake views in a serene, plantation-like setting. Recently opened, it features 20 spacious cottages—two of which are executive suites—surrounded by a private coffee plantation.
Originally built by 3B Hotels as a sister property to Volcanoes National Park’s Gorilla Lodge, it provides a peaceful mid‑luxury retreat between Nyungwe and Volcanoes parks
🛏️ Accommodation & Room Types
20 lakeside cottages, each with a private balcony overlooking Lake Kivu
2 executive suites offering more space and upgraded amenities
Amenities in all rooms include: air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, Wi‑Fi, minibar, flat-screen TV, and tea/coffee facilities
🧰 Amenities & Facilities
Outdoor cascading swimming pool with uninterrupted lake views
On-site restaurant, coffee bar & lounge bar serving local and continental dishes
Standard helipad for air transfer (25 min from Kigali Airport)
Private coffee plantation, landscaped lawns, peaceful seating areas
Typical lodge offerings: 24/7 reception, concierge, laundry, parking, optional in-room service
Bethany Hotel Kibuye
🌟 Overview
Located on the quiet peninsula of Bwishyura (Kibuye), Karongi, Bethany Hotel offers panoramic Lake Kivu views within lush gardens. Though simple in design, it’s appreciated for its clean rooms, warm staff, and affordable lakeside hospitality
🛏️ Rooms & Accommodation
Approximately 55 guest rooms, including standard, deluxe, and executive categories—all with lake views and garden surroundings.
Rooms include private bathrooms
🧰 Facilities & Services
Restaurant with waterfront terrace, serving local fish, traditional dishes, and breakfast buffets.
Bar & lounge area for relaxing by the lake.
Boat rides and canoe tours available directly from the hotel.
Conference rooms (small to mid-size), free Wi-Fi in public areas and executive rooms, secure parking, 24/7 front desk and concierge services.
inn on the lake
🌟 Overview
Inn on the Lake is an intimate family-run boutique hotel perched right on Lake Kivu in Gacumba, Kibuye. With just six beautifully appointed rooms, this lakeside sanctuary is known for its panoramic views, tranquil ambiance, and personalized hospitality.
🛌 Accommodation & Room Types
6 rooms total: 3 double rooms and 3 twin rooms, accommodating up to 12 guests.
Room 6 offers a panoramic wraparound view of the lake.
Every room includes a private bathroom with power shower, cable TV, tea/coffee facilities, seating area, universal plugs, and a lake-view balcony.
Features disabled access and guest parking
🧰 Facilities & Amenities
On-site balcony restaurant, serving à la carte or continental breakfast.
Complimentary Wi‑Fi in public areas, freshwater garden lounge, sun terrace, and private beach access.
Facilities include daily housekeeping, 24/7 reception, bar, garden seating, and lounge areas catering to relaxation.
Designed with disabled-friendly access and guests frequently praise the peaceful setting
Golf Eden Rock Hotel
🌇 Overview
Perched right on the sandy shores of Lake Kivu in Karongi (Kibuye), Golf Eden Rock Hotel is a classic mid-range lakeside resort boasting scenic views, a private beach, and convenient access to the town and Environment Museum. Magazined for its authentic lakeside experience since the 1970s, it features over 40 guest rooms and conference facilities
🛏️ Rooms & Accommodation
Approximately 40–45 rooms across several buildings (main and annex)
Room types: single, double, twin, triple, and VIP annex rooms with superior lake views and privacy
All rooms include private en-suite bathrooms (cold/hot showers), mosquito nets, TV, Wi-Fi, ceiling fans, balconies or verandas overlooking the lake
🍽️ Amenities & Facilities
On-site restaurant overseeing Lake Kivu serves Rwandan and international cuisine
Beach bar and VIP bar for local drinks and cocktails
Conference halls, business centre, wedding/event services, lounge spaces
Beach access, gym/fitness centre with massage services, laundry, craft shop
Complimentary wifi, free parking, and 24/7 front desk service
rwiza village
🌄 Overview
Nestled on a hillside just 6 km from Karongi town center, Rwiza Village Resort is an eco‑friendly lodge overlooking Lake Kivu. With charming A‑frame cottages set among gardens, it offers a peaceful, local‑flavor retreat ideal for nature lovers and budget‑conscious travelers.
🛏️ Accommodation & Room Types
9 Lakeside Cottages: Traditional thatch‑roof huts on stilts, each with private veranda and panoramic lake views.
3 Garden‑view Cottages: Cozy huts facing lush flower and vegetable gardens.
All units include:
Mosquito nets & hot‑water showers
Private toilet, basic toiletries
Clean linen & towels
Seating area & side table
🧰 Amenities & Facilities
On‑site Restaurant & Bar with terrace overlooking the lake
Floating picnic tables on the water’s edge
Free Wi‑Fi in the restaurant and lounge areas
Free parking, laundry service, luggage storage