"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 160 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 square meters to expansive Suites of 40 square meters, 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.
Business Facilities
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.
Family-Friendly 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
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
23 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Family Room
2 persons
25 sq. feet
2 Double beds
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Suite
2 persons
40 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.4/10Review score
General
Non-smoking rooms
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
Show more
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.
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
Explore Gisenyi
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
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:
44
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Lake Kivu Serena Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 127 verified reviews
8.8 /10
Great
91 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
8.7/10
Comfort
9.0/10
Facilities
8.4/10
Free WiFi
9.1/10
Location
9.4/10
Staff
9.1/10
Value for money
8.2/10
Pros
Beautiful views
Private beach
Good restaurant
Clean room
Thoughtful touches
Cons
Loud noise
Noisy event
Hassling vendors
Guest reviews
based on 359 reviews
4/5
based on 152 reviews
8.6/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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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.
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