Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Gisenyi ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

Name: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Address: Gisenyi Rwanda, Gisenyi, Western Province, 00100
Price range: US$279+

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Gisenyi Exterior photo

Key details

About the Hotel

Gisenyi Rwanda, Gisenyi, 00100

On the sandy beach

Great

8.6

/10

4.0

4.3

Loved by Lake Kivu Serena Hotel guests

Lakeshore grounds

Attentive staff

Beautiful view

Comfortable stay

Really good breakfasts

Healthy options

"The garden and private acces to lake Kivu as well as the Pool are unbeatable assets"

Walter from Germany

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"Luxury hotel with large, green lakeshore grounds, a big pool and wide range of lovely buffet food."

RednotTan from United Kingdom

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"A lake shore property, near a small sandy beach."

Arun

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4-star lakeside retreat in Gisenyi, Rwanda

Location

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is situated on the shores of Lake Kivu, just outside Gisenyi. The hotel offers a private beach exclusive to its guests, providing direct access to the lake's waters. Additionally, it is located 200 kilometers from Kigali, easily reachable by a 20-minute flight from Kigali International Airport.

Accommodations

The hotel houses 66 rooms, including beautifully appointed suites with views of Lake Kivu. Each room features a private balcony, allowing guests to enjoy the serene surroundings. From Superior Rooms of 25 m² to expansive Suites of 40 m², options cater to various needs.

Dining

Dining experiences at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel include Kiyaga Restaurant, which showcases Rwandese dishes and international cuisine. Ziwani Café offers beachside BBQs and evening sundowners with live music, enhancing the waterfront dining experience. Guests can also enjoy themed buffet dinners at the Lake View Bar during weekends.

Amenities

The hotel's air-conditioned conference center accommodates various events, featuring a ballroom and two interconnecting meeting venues. Outdoor settings have been designed for sunset cocktails and BBQs, maximizing the lake's scenic beauty. Assistance for recreational activities, including Lake Kivu fishing charters or gorilla trekking, can enhance corporate gatherings.

Amenities

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel welcomes families with specially tailored amenities. It offers adjoining family rooms and children's meals prepared to suit their tastes. Activities for children are easily arranged, ensuring enjoyment for all family members during their stay.

Highlights

Location: private beach reserved exclusively

Accommodations: 66-room getaway

Dining: Kiyaga Restaurant

Business: conference centre

Family-Friendly: adjoining family rooms

“Lake Kivu Serena Hotel benefits from a unique position on its own private beach, a distinct advantage in Gisenyi. The integration of local Rwandese culture and ingredients into the dining is a thoughtful touch. While the business facilities are modern, some areas show their age, needing refurbishment.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.5/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningBreakfast Variety!

The breakfast had so many options! I especially appreciated the choices for lactose-free diets, including soy milk.

Olivia from Canada

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Room FeaturesLake View!

The room had a balcony offering a superb view of the lake. It made for very relaxing evenings.

Carlos from Spain

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Spa & LeisurePoolside Bliss

The pool area was stunning, equipped with everything needed for a relaxing day by the water and the lake.

Mei from China

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Business FacilitiesReliable Connection

The internet was strong and reliable, perfect for uninterrupted online meetings and calls.

Anders from Sweden

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Select your room type

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Superior Room
2 persons
250 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Family Room
2 persons
270 sq. feet
2 Double beds
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Suite
2 persons
435 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.5/10Review score

General

Non-smoking rooms
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Private beach

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Tennis court

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Poolside snack bar
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

Cots
Babysitting/Child services
Children's buffet

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Beach access
Beach umbrellas
Live entertainment
Garden area
Spa & wellness centre
Massage
Pool with view
Shallow end

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Dressing area
Patio
Terrace
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Bedroom

Electric blankets

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Parquet floor

Dining Onsite

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offers a delightful culinary experience with its two restaurants, showcasing both local flavors and international cuisine. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the lake while savoring dishes crafted from regional and global ingredients, perfect for both relaxed meals and elegant dining occasions.

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Gisenyi Restaurant photo

Kiyaga Restaurant

African, Local, International

Ambiance

Inviting and spacious, the Kiyaga Restaurant provides a tranquil setting with a warm atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings or intimate meals.

Key Offerings

Dine on a rich menu featuring Halal and vegetarian options, providing authentic African flavors alongside international favorites.

Reservation

Recommended

Open daily from 06:00 to 22:30.

The Lake Restaurant

British and light fare

Ambiance

With an extraordinary view of Lake Kivu, The Lake Restaurant exudes a serene and picturesque charm, ideal for a relaxed dining experience.

Key Offerings

Guests can indulge in light British fare and enjoy refreshing drinks at the poolside bar, complemented by the captivating lakeside scenery.

Reservation

Not needed

Details on operating hours are unspecified; please inquire directly.

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Location

Gisenyi Rwanda, Gisenyi, 00100

Explore Gisenyi

Gisenyi Beach

3 minutes walking

Relaxing beach with stunning views of Lake Kivu, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Centre d'Accueil de l'Eglise Presbyterienne

12 minutes walking

Beautiful church showcasing local architecture, offering visitors a glimpse of Rwandan heritage.

Main Market

14 minutes walking

Vibrant local market featuring fresh produce and handmade crafts, ideal for experiencing the local culture.

Rond Point Chukudu

10 minutes driving

A popular landmark surrounded by local shops and eateries, showcasing Gisenyi's vibrant community life.

Water Sports

5 minutes walking

Various water activities available at Gisenyi Beach. Rentals for kayaks and boats are offered nearby.

Green Hills Ecotours

6 minutes walking

Guided eco-tours through lush landscapes provide a chance to relax and connect with nature.

Hiking at Rubona Peninsula

35 minutes driving

Thrilling hikes through picturesque trails with breathtaking views of Lake Kivu and surrounding hills.

Bistro Restaurant & Wine Garage

6 minutes walking

Casual restaurant offering a range of local and international dishes, complemented by fine wines.

Calafia Cafe

13 minutes walking

Charming café known for its artisanal coffee and fresh pastries, perfect for a relaxed meal or snack.

Kivu Club

25 minutes driving

Lively venue with music and dancing, featuring events like weekly live performances and themed nights.

Village des Artistes

25 minutes driving

Artistic haven hosting exhibitions and workshops, showcasing local talent across various artistic disciplines.

Getting around

City Centre
Gisenyi 9 min · 2300 ft
Airports
Goma (GOM) 9 min · 3.6 mi
Bukavu Kavumu (BKY) 251 min · 103.9 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-23:30

Check-out

from 01:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs USD 26.0 per person.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Year renovated:

2006

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Lake Kivu Serena Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Cleanliness

8.7/10

Comfort

9.0/10

Facilities

8.5/10

Free Wi-Fi

9.0/10

Location

9.5/10

Staff

9.2/10

Value for money

8.2/10

Pros

Beautiful views

Private beach

Good restaurant

Clean room

Thoughtful touches

Cons

Loud noise

Noisy event

Hassling vendors

based on 359 reviews

4/5

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Questions of the users

About Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Is there a charge for children staying with their parents at the hotel?

5 February 2024

Children aged 0-4 years can stay for free when sharing a room with a parent. For those aged 4-7 years, a fee of 75% applies. Children aged 7-9 years are charged at 50%, while guests aged 9 and older pay the full rate.

Is there a transportation option available to get from Kigali to the hotel?

12 March 2024

Transportation to and from Kigali can be arranged for a fee of USD 150 one way.

How close is the hotel's private beach?

18 April 2024

The private beach is conveniently located next to the hotel property.

What options do guests have for dietary restrictions?

10 June 2024

Special dietary requests can be accommodated with advance notice to the chef, including halal food options.

Is it possible to go on boat trips to nearby islands?

4 July 2024

Boat trips to the islands of Lake Kivu can be organized at an additional cost, with space for up to six people.

How can I reach the hotel from the Goma border?

14 August 2024

A shuttle service is available for pickup from the Goma border at a cost of USD 5.

What is the dining experience like at the hotel?

30 September 2024

Dining at the hotel features an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients with options for Rwandan, African, and international cuisines, served at its lake-view restaurant and beachfront café.

How far is the hotel from Kigali and what is the travel time?

15 October 2024

The hotel is located approximately 160 kilometers from Kigali, with an estimated travel time of about three hours by road.

Are taxis readily available for transportation outside the hotel?

25 November 2024

Taxis are available right outside the arrival gate at Kigali Airport, and arrangements can be made for hotel staff to pick up guests from the airport with prior notice.