Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Gisenyi ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025

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Key details

About the Hotel

Gisenyi Rwanda, Gisenyi, Rwanda, 00100

On the sandy beach

Great

8.7

8.6

/10

3.5

4.4

Loved by 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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Rooms and Suites

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel has rooms with air conditioning and 24-hour room service. Each room includes complimentary WiFi, a safe, a satellite TV, a kettle, and a private bathroom with a tub or shower and a hairdryer. Superior Rooms are 25 square meters and have a queen bed. Suites offer 40 square meters of living space, a king bed, a bathroom with a tub and shower, a workspace, a sitting room with a guest washroom, and a veranda overlooking Lake Kivu. Some rooms include a seating area. One superior room is equipped for disabled guests.

Dining Options

The Lake Restaurant serves British cuisine and light fare with a view of the lake. The restaurant provides hot breakfast including hot dishes, fresh fruits, juices, and pastries. The Lake View Bar by the pool offers cocktails, beer, wine, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, and salads. Ziwani Café, on the private beach, hosts beachside BBQs and offers happy hour specials with live local music and Intore dancers at 5:00 p.m. Room service is available 24 hours a day.

Leisure and Activities

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel features a private beach and an outdoor swimming pool. Guests have access to a gymnasium, a water sports center, and two floodlit tennis courts. A state-of-the-art conference center and health center are available. The hotel provides various recreational opportunities. Local activities include guided nature walks on Rubavu Mountain, tours of Gisenyi City, and visits to the Amashuza Hot Springs, 15 minutes from the hotel. There are volcanic hot springs.

Location and Transportation

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is located on a sandy beach, 3 km from Gisenyi's center and 10 km from Goma. Kigali International Airport is 200 km away. The hotel offers a roundtrip airport shuttle. The hotel is near Lake Kivu and Rond Point Chukudu, which are 3.5 km and 3 km away, respectively.

Services and Amenities

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel includes conference rooms and a boardroom. Safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit. The hotel provides a swimming pool and a terrace. No pets or service animals are allowed. Eligible hotel services include restaurants, spa, laundry, and 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.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

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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

The 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

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Family Room

2 persons

270 sq. feet

2 Double beds

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Suite

2 persons

435 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Coffee machine

Bathtub

room details

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

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

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Tennis court

Guest Parking

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

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.

Location

Gisenyi Rwanda, Gisenyi, Rwanda, 00100

Map view

Gisenyi Rwanda, Gisenyi, Rwanda, 00100

City landmarks

Landmark

Lake Kivu

2.2 mi

Landmark

Rond Point Chukudu

1.9 mi

Landmark

Centre d'Accueil de l'Eglise Presbyterienne

3100 ft

Landmark

Presbyterian Church Rwanda

3100 ft

Landmark

Main Market

3800 ft

Landmark

Rwanda Tourism University College

4800 ft

Landmark

Mosquee

4800 ft

Landmark

Sculpture

5000 ft

Landmark

ULK

1.3 mi

Landmark

Seventh Day Adventist Church

1.2 mi

Landmark

AEBR Gisenyi

1.2 mi

Landmark

Village des Artistes

1.4 mi

Church

Paroisse Saint-Esprit

1.4 mi

Landmark

Kigali Independent University

1.4 mi

Landmark

Kivu Club

1.4 mi

Landmark

Chez Ntemba

1.6 mi

Landmark

Fruits and Vegetables market

1.6 mi

Landmark

Eglise Paroles de vie eternelle

1.7 mi

Landmark

Virunga Booking Office

1.8 mi

Landmark

Chist Tabernacle

1.8 mi

Landmark

Monument Chukudu

1.9 mi

Landmark

Rubona Peninsula

2.0 mi

Landmark

Eglise Evangelique de la Restauration ERC

2.1 mi

Landmark

Taxi Rank

2.3 mi

Landmark

New Tam-Tam Bikini

10.0 mi

Landmark

African Art Gallery

10.3 mi

Landmark

Belarusian House

24.2 mi

Nearby

Beach

Gisenyi Beach

800 ft

Gisenyi Public Beach

1300 ft

Ave de l'Indépendance

Green Hills Ecotours

1600 ft

Restaurants

Bistro Restaurant & Wine Garage

1500 ft

btwn Ave de l'Indépendance & Ave de la Coopération

Calafia Cafe

3500 ft

Avenue de la Revolution

New Tam-Tam Bikini Bar & Restaurant

10.0 mi

Avenida De La Production

Hotel Italiano Al Lago

10.2 mi

300 Metres from Soccer Field

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

Gisenyi9 min · 2300 ft

Airports

Goma International Airport (GOM)9 min · 3.6 mi

Bukavu Kavumu Airport (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

is available in for free.

Breakfast

At the hotel Lake Kivu Serena guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Year renovated:

2006

Number of rooms:

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.

Are COVID-19 vaccinations or tests required when checking in?

22 May 2024

Both vaccination certificates and negative COVID-19 tests are required upon check-in.

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.