Welcome to
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Lakefront Hotel in Gisenyi, Rwanda
Set on a private stretch of palm-lined lakeshore in Gisenyi, overlooking Africa’s sixth largest lake with the Virunga Volcanoes as a dramatic backdrop. Blending tropical charm with modern comfort, our resort offers a unique gateway to Rwanda’s Great Lakes Region.
With 66 stylish rooms and suites, guests enjoy spacious accommodation surrounded by manicured gardens and palm trees. Leisure highlights include a spectacular swimming pool, water sports on the lake and a private beach exclusively for hotel guests. Dining is a highlight with lakefront meals at Kiyaga Restaurant and evening sundowners at Ziwani Café.
Renowned for warm hospitality and personalised service, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is also one of Rwanda’s premier venues for weddings, corporate retreats, and social gatherings, featuring a modern conference centre and scenic outdoor spaces. Whether for a weekend escape or extended holiday, it is the perfect lakefront retreat.
Accommodation
Lake Kivu Weekend Getaway
Step into comfort and style, where 65 beautifully appointed rooms and suites provide the perfect setting for a holiday or weekend escape. Designed with elegant Pan-African décor, each room features a private balcony with sweeping views of Lake Kivu.
Spacious layouts, refined furnishings and elegant bathrooms reflect the beauty of the surroundings. Accommodation options include family rooms, suites, and one specially adapted room for guests with limited mobility.
Whether you are planning a family getaway, a romantic retreat or a business trip, our rooms blend relaxation with convenience in one of Rwanda’s most scenic destinations.
Superior Room
At 23 square metres, our Superior Rooms feature elegant Pan-African décor, a Queen bed, and a well-appointed bathroom. Each room opens to a private balcony with views of Lake Kivu or the hotel gardens. One Superior Room is specially adapted with access and amenities for guests with limited mobility.
Family Room
At 25 square metres, our Family Rooms are designed for comfort and convenience, featuring two Queen beds and an elegant bathroom. Ideal for up to two adults and two children, these rooms offer the perfect base for family holidays on the shores of Lake Kivu.
Suite
At 40 square metres, our Suites combine space and elegance with panoramic views of Lake Kivu. Each features a King bed, an elegant bathroom with both a tub and shower, a private sitting room with a guest washroom, and an integrated work space. A furnished veranda offers the perfect spot to relax and take in the lakeside scenery.
Dining
Dining By The Shores of Lake Kivu
Each dining experience infuses the beauty of our surroundings. Offering an emphasis on prime ingredients and the freshest, locally sourced seafood, meats and produce, our culinary team crafts inventive menus incorporating the traditional flavours and cooking styles of Rwanda as well as influences from across the globe.
Friendly, attentive service and inspired cuisine may be enjoyed in a variety of settings:
- Savour lakefront dining at Kiyaga Restaurant,
- Relax with cocktails and snacks at Ziwani Café on the beach
- Unwind with poolside drinks at the Lake View Bar.
Summer and the festive season, in July and December, our beach parties bring guests together for a lakeside buffet, bonfire, and live music.
Kiyaga Restaurant
Overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Kivu, Kiyaga Restaurant offers a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience. The menu highlights the best of Rwandan, African and international cuisine, with innovative dishes prepared from the finest local ingredients.
Mornings begin with a hot breakfast buffet for hotel guests, featuring a wide selection of fresh fruits, juices, baked breads, pastries, and classic hot dishes.
6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Reservations
T:+250788200430
kivu@serenahotels.com
Lake View Bar
Set beside the pool with views over Lake Kivu, the Lake View Bar is the perfect spot to unwind. Enjoy signature cocktails, wines, and beers alongside a casual menu of sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, and salads. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the bar comes alive with themed buffet dinners, adding a festive touch to your stay in Gisenyi.
Snacks: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Dinner: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m
RESERVATIONS
T:+250788200430
kivu@serenahotels.com
Ziwani Cafe
Set on the hotel’s private beach, Ziwani Café is the perfect spot for sundowners and relaxed dining by Lake Kivu. Enjoy beachside barbecues, Happy Hour specials and live entertainment each evening from 5:00 p.m, featuring local music and traditional Intore dance performances.
Cocktails and snacks, upon request: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Reservations
T:+250788200430
kivu@serenahotels.com
Room Service
Savour an alluring private dining experience within the comfort and convenience of your room or suite. Available 24 hours a day, private dining features personalised service and an extensive menu with superb creations from our executive chef.
24 Hours
Business Meetings
& Conferences
Waterfront Conference Hotel in Rwanda
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel combines modern conference facilities with one of the most scenic settings in Rwanda. Overlooking Africa’s sixth largest lake, with manicured gardens and a private beach, the hotel offers a refreshing alternative to traditional city venues in Kigali or Gisenyi.
Our fully air-conditioned conference centre features a ballroom, two interconnecting meeting rooms and a private executive boardroom. Outdoor spaces, from lakeside lawns to the pool terrace, are ideal for cocktail receptions, beach bonfires or incentive events.
Whether hosting a sales meeting, corporate retreat, or team-building getaway, our dedicated planners tailor every detail. Post-conference, guests can enjoy Lake Kivu boat rides, fishing trips or excursions to Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga Mountains.
Meetings at a Glance
- Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi across all meeting spaces
- Full audiovisual support: PA systems, cordless/table microphones, smart screens and large screens
- Translation and interpretation services on request
- 24-hour generator backup for uninterrupted events
- Podiums, flip charts, whiteboards, and markers
- Modular conference and banqueting furniture adaptable to any layout
- Delegate registration desks and event support staff
- Private entrance and function lobby for receptions
- Tailor-made catering for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and cocktail receptions
- Themed menus, including BBQs and banquets
- Coffee and tea stations with light snacks throughout the day
- Dedicated planning and conference coordination team
- Secretarial services, photocopying, and printing support
- Concierge and travel desk services for delegates and VIPs
- Meet-and-greet assistance at the airport and Stiegler’s Airstrip
- Secure, extensive private parking
- Executive boardroom for high-level meetings
- Private function lobby and reception area for VIP hosting
- Outdoor spaces for cocktail receptions, bonfires, and incentive events
Lake Kivu Capacity Chart
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Name of Room
|
Banquet
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Cabaret
|
Reception
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Theatre
|
Classroom
|
Boardroom
|
U-Shape
|
Hollow Square
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballroom | ||||||||
| Meeting Room 1 | ||||||||
| Meeting Room 2 | ||||||||
| Meeting Room 3 |
Your Stay Enriched
Experience Lake Kivu during your Stay
- Massage services*
- Water sports*
- Health Club - Gym
- Tennis & Volleyball
*Chargeable
Relax and rejuvenate with professional treatments from our signature Maisha Spa. Designed to ease tension and restore balance, each massage combines expert techniques with a serene lakeside setting, leaving body and mind refreshed and renewed.
Additional charges may apply
Make the most of our private beach with a variety of non-motorised water sports, from kayaking to paddleboarding.
Stay active in our fully equipped fitness centre, ideal for maintaining your routine while enjoying your holiday.
Challenge friends or family to a match on our well-maintained courts, with equipment available on request.
Experiences
Explore Remarkable Rwanda
- Jet Skiing & kayaking*
- Lake Kivu boat rides*
- Mountain biking along Lake Kivu*
- Guided excursions & city tour of Gisenyi*
- Smoldering Nyiragongo Volcano*
- Volcanoes National Park*
- Volcanic hot springs*
- Visit to Goma boarder
- Visit to Young Women Destination
*Chargeable
Experience the thrill of water sports on the sparkling waters of Lake Kivu.
- Jet Skiing: 10-minute ride at USD 30 per person (maximum capacity: 1 pax per jet).
- Sunset Kayak: USD 30 per kayak for a one-hour evening trip.
- Day Trip Kayak: USD 100 per kayak for a full-day adventure.
Available daily from 07:00 to 17:00 hrs.
Offers you an experience at Lake Kivu.
Duration: 1 hour
Price: US$150 and maximum capacity is 6 pax.
Available from 07:00-17:00hrs
Duration: 30 Minutes
Price: US$75 and maximum capacity is 6 pax
Available from 7:00-17:00hrs
Boat ride & Sunset experience: Maximum 1Hour from 16:30hrs to 17:30hrs
Price: Usd.150.00
Explore scenic biking trails around Lake Kivu for an adventurous way to experience Rwanda’s natural beauty. Ride past lush landscapes, rolling hills, and vibrant local communities on a guided or self-paced journey.
- Duration: Full day (08:00–17:00 hrs)
- Price: USD 30 per bicycle (max 1 guest per bike)
- Guiding Fee: USD 30 per bicycle
Discover the beauty and culture of Rwanda with guided excursions tailored to your interests:
- Lake Expeditions: Trek or drive along designated routes with expert marine guides (available on request).
- Rubavu Mountain Walks: Enjoy guided nature walks through diverse landscapes with panoramic lake views.
- Gisenyi City Tour: Explore local markets, cultural sites, and the vibrant energy of this resort town.
Nyiragongo is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, renowned for its spectacular lava lake within the summit crater. The hike to the top takes four to six hours through lush forest, where you may encounter rare birds, monkeys, bushbucks, and even chimpanzees. At the summit, breathtaking views of the lava lake and Gisenyi town make the journey unforgettable.
*This excursion requires advance planning and permits. For details, guided options, and current accessibility, please contact our reservations team prior to your visit.*
Just 45 minutes from the hotel, Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda’s most iconic destinations. Guests can enjoy breathtaking volcano treks or embark on the world-famous gorilla trekking experience, an unforgettable encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
*This excursion requires advance planning and permits. For details, guided options, and current accessibility, please contact our reservations team prior to your visit.*
Known locally as the “magic waters,” the Amashuza Hot Springs are just a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Rich in natural minerals, these thermal pools are believed to have healing properties that ease muscle tension and support overall wellbeing. A relaxing soak here is a favourite experience for both locals and visitors.
The Goma border crossing into the Democratic Republic of Congo is located just 2 km from Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, making the property a convenient base for cross-border travel and excursions.
Please check visa requirements and travel regulations in advance.
This is a hand-craft based association comprising of women who dropped out of school due to unplanned pregnancies. It offers hand-craft & traditional dance classes
Time: 2 and half hours
Time Options: 08:00-17:00hrs
Price: US$30 per person or US$20 per person for groups of two or more.
*Please note prices do not include transportation
Welcome to Maisha Spa & Gym
Step into a world free from distractions, where personalised treatments, signature massages, and holistic rituals are tailored to your wellbeing journey.
Wellness Facilities Include:
- 18-metre landscaped swimming pool with sundeck and plunge pool
- State-of-the-art gym and cardio studio
A Romantic Lakefront Setting in Rwanda
With a private sandy beach, tropical gardens, and panoramic views of Lake Kivu, we offer one of Rwanda’s most romantic destinations for weddings, honeymoons, and special celebrations. The nearby Virunga Volcanoes create a dramatic backdrop, while soft lake breezes and golden sunsets set the perfect tone for your event.
Whether you dream of an intimate beach ceremony, a grand ballroom reception, or a tented gala for up to 1,500 guests, our indoor and outdoor venues offer the only private beach setting in Rwanda. Our dedicated team provides customised planning and catering services, ensuring your celebration reflects your vision in every detail.
Enhance your occasion with poolside BBQs, beach bonfires with Intore dancers, sunset cruises, or fishing charters on Lake Kivu. For honeymooners, romantic dinners by the water and excursions to nearby National Parks create once-in-a-lifetime memories. 
Weddings:
- Elegant ballroom with dance floor
- Tented beach lawn with private setting
- Idyllic tropical gardens and pool deck with panoramic views
- Fully tailored wedding packages with décor, catering, and entertainment
- Special group accommodation rates for wedding guests
- Assistance in planning off-site outings, recreational activities, and cultural tours
Honeymoons:
- Exquisite suites with Lake views
- Private candlelit dinners on the beach
- Sunset cruises or fishing charters on Lake Kivu
- Romantic excursions to Volcanoes National Park or the Virunga Mountains
- Spa and wellness treatments for couples
Gallery
Images of Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Green Impact Clean Drive & Cultural Diplomacy
As part of Serena Hotels’ long-term commitment to environmental stewardship, the Green Impact Clean-Up Drive is an ongoing initiative that brings communities together to preserve the natural beauty of our surroundings. Cultural diplomacy is a cornerstone of our identity. We are committed to preserving and promoting the diverse cultural heritage of the regions we serve by creating platforms that celebrate artistic expression, tradition, and dialogue.
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Location
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is a tranquil retreat on the pristine shores of Africa’s sixth-largest lake, blending tropical serenity with vibrant waterfront beauty, located in Gisenyi, Rwanda.