Travel Kuoni

 Lake Kivu Serena Hotel 

A tropical lakeside bolthole

When it comes to mesmerising views, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel sets the bar high.

From the sandy, palm-fringed beach, you can gaze out over the shimmering waters of Africa’s sixth-largest lake in one direction and the jungle-covered volcanoes of the Virunga Massif in the other. The epic vistas, waterside setting and clean-cut, white-washed buildings barely visible through the lush planting help to give this elegant resort hotel a breezy charm. Add to this a carefully chosen range of facilities and it’s no surprise that it’s as popular with local urbanites and ex-pats for weekend breaks and family holidays as it is with visitors seeking some R&R between mountain gorilla and chimpanzee treks.

The interiors are designed to be soothing and restful, which means airy open-plan public spaces and neutral décor with dashes of earthy African colours. There’s a spectacular swimming pool, a spa and gym, and sports such as tennis, volleyball and kayaking.

Why we love Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

  • It's the perfect destination to recharge before or after your primate trekking

  • There's a private stretch of beach for relaxation or watersports

  • A 15-minute drive from the hotel are the Amashuza Hot Springs, where the waters are known for their therapeutic properties

  • If you are prepared for an early start, you can go gorilla trekking from here

Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is on the north shore of Lake Kivu near the resort town of Gisenyi
It’s about 1.5-hours to Volcanoes National Park and 3.5-hours to Kigali, which can also be reached by a 20-minute flight

Facilities

  • Restaurants & bars
  • Activities
  • Diving & Watersports

The laidback dining options include barbecues on the beach with live local music and burgers by the pool.

Kiyaga Restaurant
Start your day with breakfast overlooking Lake Kivu.

Lake View Bar
Serving drinks, burgers and salads and weekend themed evening buffets.

Ziwani Café
Located on the beach, this informal setting is a great spot for barbecue specialties.

Head to Ziwani Café at 5pm for happy hour sundowners, live music and dance performances.

Rent a mountain bike and explore the shoreline, make a visit to the border at Gomo or set off early for mountain gorilla trekking.

Take a boat trip on Lake Kivu or try jet skiing or kayaking from the lake's shore. Alternatively relax by the large free-form swimming pool.