About Heaven Retreat
The Retreat is a luxury, boutique hotel in the Kiyovu district of Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city.
Located in the same street as its sister hotel, both properties share access to the well-loved Heaven Restaurant.
Luxurious and stylish, the Retreat is a welcome addition to the accommodation options in Kigali. With a focus on wellness, comfort, relaxation and great food, it’s a perfect spot for a stopover in Kigali – though if you only stay for a night you’ll wish you’d stayed longer!
Our view
Luxurious and stylish, the Retreat is a welcome addition to the accommodation options in Kigali. With a focus on wellness, comfort, relaxation and great food, it’s a perfect spot for a stopover in Kigali – though if you only stay for a night you’ll wish you’d stayed longer!
Rwanda expert
Accommodation
11 rooms
Children
Best for 16+
Open
All year
Activities
Cultural excursion
Mountain biking
Traveller reviews of Heaven Retreat
5 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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The Highlights of Africa
17 days • 7 locations • 5 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.
Visiting Cape Town, Okavango Delta and 5 other areas
US$16,410 - US$19,820 per person
Heaven Retreat: Our full report
The Retreat is a luxury, boutique hotel in the Kiyovu district of Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city.
Located in the same street as its sister hotel, both properties share access to the well-loved Heaven Restaurant.
The Retreat is one of the newer hotel options in Kigali, offering boutique luxury accommodation in the city centre.
Owned and run by Alissa and Josh Ruxin, (proprietors of the nearby Heaven Restaurant, as well as the Retreat’s sister property Heaven Boutique Hotel), the Retreat is a luxurious spot, and also proudly the first entirely solar-powered hotel in Kigali.
12 rooms are divided into the more spacious ‘superior’ rooms, along with three wheelchair accessible ‘deluxe’, slightly smaller but still very comfortable. Two of the superior rooms are designed for families with children, with interconnecting doors.
With a combination of Rwandan and Italian design, the rooms, although on the small side, are tastefully decorated with locally crafted Tanzanian teak furniture, and crisp white linens with colourful Rwandan fabrics.
The rooms all have incredibly comfortable king or twin size beds under a walk-in mosquito net, and all have plenty of amenities, including a mini bar, tea/coffee machine and filtered drinking water. There is a huge flat screen DSTV, as well as air conditioning and ceiling fans. The stylish en-suite bathrooms have an indoor and outdoor shower, flush toilet and twin basins, with complimentary eco-friendly toiletries, bathrobes and slippers. Each of the rooms have a small outdoor patio area. The rooms on the first floor have lovely balconies, however these are unsuitable for children.
As at its sister hotel, many of the Retreat’s staff are young Rwandans training up in different aspects of hospitality – the owners put a huge amount of time and effort into training programmes, and it shows.
The main area is roomy, with a welcoming reception, lounge area with comfortable sofas to sink into after a long day walking round the city, and a large indoor dining area that leads out to a balcony with views out across downtown Kigali. Friendly staff are on hand to serve drinks from the bar – there are a range of teas and coffees on offer, as well as cocktails, and various health smoothies.
The Fusion Restaurant serves delicious meals from a varied a la carte menu - there are tables inside or out. or you can choose to eat at the ever-popular Heaven Restaurant, located just next door.
The Retreat has a strong focus on wellness and relaxation. There is a large pool where guests can cool off from the city heat, a hot tub, as well as a spa (offering massages and treatments, at extra cost) and a gym, with yoga and meditation classes.
Most travellers use Kigali as a quick stop before or after a trip to see the gorillas, but it’s well worth a full day just to explore the city, and especially to take time to visit the Genocide Museum, nearby memorials and the Millennium Village. If you have longer, there is a whole host of cultural activities on offer, from traditional cooking classes and visits to a local school, to textile workshops, basket weaving lessons and trips to experience daily life on the coffee farm.
Geographics
- Location
- Kigali, Rwanda
- Ideal length of stay
- Though most guests will just stay for a night before or after their time in one of Rwanda’s national parks, if you do have more time to spend, we’d recommend a couple of nights here, to experience a few of the different activities on offer, as well as allowing you to take the time to enjoy the hotel itself.
- Directions
- The Retreat is a 20 to 30 minute drive from Kigali Airport, though this can vary depending on the traffic conditions.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available on request.
- Drinks included
- Extra cost.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- The owners have young children themselves, and children are welcomed at the Retreat.
- Property’s age restrictions
- The Retreat has no age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- The hotel has a children’s playground, and play corner inside, as well as a children’s menu. Staff are able to provide childminding services, though they do not have childcare qualifications.
- Equipment
- High chairs and baby cots are available.
- Generally recommended for children
- We do think the Retreat has a slightly more mature atmosphere, and so would recommend that families with younger children choose the Garden Villa rooms at the Retreat’s sister property, Heaven Boutique Hotel.
- Notes
- The pool is unfenced and, while there is security on the gate, it does open to a fairly busy main road. Children should be supervised by a parent of guardian at all times. The balcony rooms are not suitable for children.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- The Retreat has a back-up generator in case of power-failure.
- Communications
- Complimentary (and fast) WiFi is available throughout, and there is good cell reception across the hotel site. Each room has an intercom phone.
- TV & radio
- There is a satellite TV in each room, as well as in the main lounge area.
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- Bathrooms are plumbed in, with flush toilets, and hot showers – though the water is solar heated, and so you may need to leave the tap to run for a minute or so for the water to heat up.
Health & safety
- Medical care
- At least two staff trained in first aid are available on each shift. The closest clinic and hospital are both just a short drive away in central Kigali.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- The property is gated, and there is 24 hour security on site.
- Fire safety
- Each room has a fire extinguisher, and there are extinguishers and fire hoses throughout the hotel.
Activities
Cultural excursion
Mountain biking
Extras
- Disabled access
- In Place
- Laundry facilities
- The hotel has a daily laundry service – guests will find a laundry bag and list in their room. This service is an extra cost, each item is US $2, and clothes are machine washed and line or machine dried.
- Money
- There is a digital safe in each room. The hotel is able to offer a limited currency exchange, but they can also assist with a transfer into town to a bureau d’exchange.
- Accepted payment on location
- Payment can be made in US dollars or Rwandan francs, as well as by credit card – Visa and Mastercard are accepted.
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Heaven Retreat's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of The Retreat.
Other lodges in Kigali
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Kigali Serena Hotel
Just 10km from the airport, the Kigali Serena is a comfortable option and one of Expert Africa's favourites for a stopover in Kigali.
Hotel des Mille Collines
The international-style Hotel des Mille Collines offers a comfortable base in Kigali, or a stopover on the way to or from Rwanda's national parks.
Heaven Hotel
Heaven Boutique Hotel is a comfortable and great-value option for a stopover in Kigali, or as a longer stay to explore Rwanda's capital city.
Kigali Marriott Hotel
The Kigali Marriott is a smart international hotel located close to KIgali's business district, in the heart of the city.
Kigali Radisson Blu
The Kigali Radisson Blu is only a short drive from the airport and offers a comfortable base in Kigali.
When to go to Kigali
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit The Retreat in Kigali
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Rwanda in January
January falls into the shorter dry season in Rwanda and conditions can be good, however expect some showers during your stay. Christmas and New Year can be a very popular time of year to travel and lodges book up early. The high demand and favourable conditions lead to high prices for the more luxurious lodges.
Travellers spending at least two nights in another of Rwanda’s national parks, in addition to the Volcanoes National Park, can take advantage of lower prices for one gorilla permit. This makes it great-value to do a longer trip to Rwanda, taking time to explore Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Park. January can be fantastic for birding too, with plenty of migrant species found in the forests.
- Generally good weather although with some rainy spells.
- Popular time of year to travel, particularly around New Year.
- Advance booking advised, particularly for high-end trips.
- Good for birding with migrant species present.
- Special offers are great for exploring the other national parks.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in January
Rwanda in February
As February progresses the likelihood of more rain increases as Rwanda heads towards the heavy rains in March and April. This can still be a good time of year to visit, particularly at the start of the month, and you are a likely to experience a mix of dry days and rainy spells. Your days are likely to be warm, however as with the rest of the year nights can be cold. This is particularly true of the Volcanoes National Park which is at higher altitude.
February can be a good time of year to combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with seeing the wildebeest migration in Tanzania as the vast herds gather in February on the southern Serengeti plains for the calving season.
- Transitional month, with the chance of rain increasing towards March.
- Warm days and cold nights, particularly in Volcanoes NP.
- High-end lodges are expensive, although demand is lower.
- Migrant birds present with great birding to be had.
- Good time of year to combine with the wildebeest migration.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in February
Rwanda in March
The heavy rains typically start in March, often continuing through to early May. This is generally not a great time to visit Rwanda and conditions are likely to be fairly wet and muddy underfoot. Many people still visit at this time, taking advantage of lower prices at the more luxurious lodges and good availability of gorilla permits. The rain clears the air and it is likely to be far less hazy at this time, making it very good for photography.
The green season can be particularly good for bird watching with many migrant species visiting Rwanda at this time. This can also be a good time of year for chimpanzee trekking, as their food is plentiful in March and troops are not likely to travel as far.
- Heavy rains make gorilla trekking conditions not ideal.
- Lower prices and good availability for gorilla permits.
- Good for bird watching with plenty of migrant species present.
- Typically shorter distances to walk for chimpanzee trekking.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Rwanda in April
April is typically one of the wettest months in Rwanda, with an average rainfall of around 150mm. It is still possible to visit during April, however be prepared for heavy rain and muddy conditions in the mountains. April is the low season for high-end lodges and prices can be significantly cheaper at this time.
Comparatively few people choose to visit during April, meaning that it is likely to be fairly quiet and relatively easy to secure gorilla permits. The 7th of April marks ‘Kwibuka’, an annual ceremony which begins three months of remembrance for the victims of the genocide. During this time the whole nation enters a period of reflection, with a number of events being held in commemoration.
- Expect heavy rains throughout the month.
- Few visitors means it is fairly easy to secure gorilla permits.
- It is the green season for luxury lodges, with much lower prices.
- Good time of year for birding.
- Kwibuka remembrance ceremony on 7th April.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Rwanda in May
May is often a transitional season in Rwanda, following on from the rains in April. Heavy bursts of rain can be expected at times, however it will often start to dry up as the month progresses. Any rainy spells are likely to last a few hours rather than all day. With the heavy rain earlier in the year it can often remain muddy underfoot when trekking the gorillas and chimpanzees and it’s advisable to wear gaiters.
Following the rains the air can be clear, without any haziness, and this leads to great photographic opportunities at this time of year. For many of the high-end lodges May is classed as the low season, which can make this month great value for money, with fairly good weather and comparatively low prices.
- Weather can be variable, mostly dry with some rainy spells.
- Be prepared for muddy conditions when trekking the gorillas.
- Good air clarity leads to great photographic opportunities.
- Can be good value for money if you’re looking at a high-end trip.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Rwanda in June
The weather in June can be fantastic and this is one of the best times of year to visit Rwanda. This is the start of the main dry season in Rwanda and the rainfall in June typically averages only around 20mm. It is likely to be warm and dry during the day, however the odd rainy shower remains possible. Conditions for gorilla trekking can be very good, although you are still likely to experience mud underfoot in parts.
This is the peak season for the high-end lodges and prices rise significantly. Rwanda is exceptionally popular between June and September and the luxurious lodges regularly fill up well over a year in advance, so we advise planning early.
- Dry weather can lead to excellent conditions for gorilla trekking.
- High-end lodges increase their prices and trips can be costly.
- Very popular time of year, advance booking is strongly recommended.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Rwanda in July
July is a great time of year to visit Rwanda, this is in the middle of the longer dry period and conditions for gorilla trekking can be excellent. Expect long dry days, although always with the off-chance of rain at some point during your stay. As with the rest of the year, temperatures are likely to average around 20-25ºC during the day, though nights can be chilly.
July is a very popular time of year to travel to Rwanda and we advise booking at least 12 months ahead, particularly if you’re looking for a high-end trip. Prices at the top end of the market can be very high in July, however many of the mid-range lodges have the same prices throughout the year, making these options great value at this time.
- Excellent conditions with dry weather for much of the month.
- Very popular time to travel with a limited number of gorilla permits.
- Advance booking is required to for the best choice of accommodation.
- High-end trips can be expensive at this time of year.
- Many mid-range lodges have the same price throughout the year.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Rwanda in August
August is one of the most popular times of year to visit Rwanda. This is the middle of the longer dry season and conditions can be very good. While it can still be muddy underfoot this is unlikely to impact your trek. Our top advice for travel in August is to plan early as many of the more popular lodges will regularly book up well over a year in advance at this time.
Many people visiting Rwanda will choose to combine this with a safari in the Serengeti and August is one of the best months for this. The wildebeest migration is in full swing, with the vast herds being up near the Mara River and river crossings likely.
- Fantastic time to visit with dry weather and great conditions.
- Very popular time to travel, we advise booking early.
- Lodges book up and gorilla permits can be hard to secure.
- Higher prices for the top-end lodges.
- Great time of year to combine with a safari in the Serengeti.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Rwanda in September
The dry season comes to an end in September, with the rains increasing towards the end of the month. For the most part you are likely to experience dry conditions, but be prepared for rainy showers and cold nights. September remains a popular time to travel, especially for those combining the gorillas with the wildebeest migration.
The Kwita Izina festival (the official naming ceremony for all baby gorillas born in the past year) takes place ever year, usually in September. It’s a time of celebration for everyone involved in their conservation. The exact date varies. Chat to us if you’d like to plan your trip around this event.
- Conditions typically good but expect some rain.
- Popular time to travel and early booking is advised.
- Great time of year to combine gorillas and the wildebeest migration.
- The Kwita Izina festival, usually in September, names baby gorillas.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in September
Rwanda in October
The short rains have typically started by October with the month’s rainfall averaging around 110mm. This rain normally falls in short, heavy bursts and you’re likely to have plenty of dry spells too. As with the rest of the year, days can be warm, although nights can be cold, and this is especially true around the Volcanoes National Park where lodges set log fires to keep you warm in the evening.
Lots of people choose to visit Rwanda at this time and prices remain high for the top-end lodges. Booking early is recommended, particularly if you plan to stay at one of the smaller, more exclusive lodges around the Volcanoes park.
- Good time of year to travel although with an increased amount of rain.
- Days are warm however nights can get cold.
- October is popular, particularly for the high-end lodges.
- Prices remain high at the top end of the spectrum.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in October
Rwanda in November
The rains typically continue into November and this can be one of the wetter months of the year. This can still be a good time to travel, as there are still likely to be plenty of dry periods and the gorillas can still be trekked. However, expect quite a bit of mud. The high-end lodges drop their prices in November, making it much more affordable for luxury accommodation.
Between November and April there is also a special offer from the parks authorities, providing a discount on your first gorilla permit if you spend at least two nights in one other national park. This special offer combined with lower prices for luxury lodges makes Rwanda great value for money in November.
- One of the wetter months however gorilla trekking is still possible.
- Far less busy, making it easier to secure gorilla permits.
- Reduced prices for high-end accommodation.
- Special offers to encourage travel to multiple national parks.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Rwanda in December
Rwanda has a second short dry season which typically runs from December to January. Conditions at this time can typically be fairly good, although not as ideal as June – August, and you can still expect rain at this time. Many of the forest tracks can be muddy and nights can be cold.
Many people choose to travel to Rwanda over Christmas and New Year and we advise booking early, particularly if you have preferred lodges in mind. The special offer for a your first gorilla permit at a reduced price remains in place for all travellers spending at least two nights in another park, making Rwanda excellent value for money in December.
- Short dry season, however rain is still possible.
- Conditions for gorilla trekking can be good, but expect mud.
- Cold at night, warm clothes are recommended.
- Very popular over Christmas and New Year, early booking advised.
- Special offers make December good value for money.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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