About Kigali Serena Hotel
Kigali Serena Hotel, formerly known as Kigali InterContinental Hotel, is a large, upmarket hotel with plenty ...
... of modern facilities. Located in Rwanda’s busy capital city, it is just 10km from Kigali International Airport.
Overall, on our last visit to the Kigali Serena, we were really impressed. The hotel was clean and comfortable and we felt it had a much more relaxed feel than some of the other international hotels in the city. The service was friendly and relatively efficient (compared to our experiences elsewhere in Rwanda) and the food was good. This is our favourite option for a night or two in Kigali.
Our view
Overall, on our last visit to the Kigali Serena, we were really impressed. The hotel was clean and comfortable and we felt it had a much more relaxed feel than some of the other international hotels in the city. The service was friendly and relatively efficient (compared to our experiences elsewhere in Rwanda) and the food was good. This is our favourite option for a night or two in Kigali.
Rwanda expert
Accommodation
148 rooms
Children
Good for any age.
Open
All year
Activities
Cultural excursion
Traveller reviews of Kigali Serena Hotel
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Golden Monkey Safari
12 days • 5 locations • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.
Visiting Kigali, Volcanoes and 3 other areas
US$11,010 - US$12,170 per person
Kigali Serena Hotel: Our full report
Kigali Serena Hotel, formerly known as Kigali InterContinental Hotel, is a large, upmarket hotel with plenty ...
... of modern facilities. Located in Rwanda’s busy capital city, it is just 10km from Kigali International Airport.
The Kigali Serena has a brilliant location and it is a great option for travellers who need to stay in the capital overnight, either at the beginning or the end of their trip. Serena has brought up the standard of this hotel to offer high levels of service: it’s certainly comparable to any good city hotel in the Western world.
The main areas of the Kigali Serena give a very good first impression. The atrium extends right up to the top floor, where light floods in through a huge skylight. The well-staffed main reception desk overlooks a polished stone floor and several sofas provide a comfortable area to wait. A small souvenir shop sells reasonably priced trinkets, next to a small business reception area.
The Kigali Serena has 148 rooms in total, broken down into several categories; Standard, Deluxe, Superior, Prime and Suites. The design complements Rwandan culture, with plenty of tasteful African touches, local art and splashes of colour in what may otherwise have been a bland interior.
All rooms have 24-hour room service, air con, WiFi, phones, minibars, safes, tea- and coffee-making facilities and hairdryers.
The Standard, Deluxe and Superior rooms vary slightly in size and location, but all have either a king-size bed, or twin double beds, and a bath as well as a large shower.
As some of the Standard rooms are on the smaller side, we’d recommend going for the more spacious Deluxe rooms, with balconies overlooking the pool area, for that bit of extra comfort.
The Prime rooms face the pool and have an extra seating area as well as a flat-screen TV.
There are also much larger Suites, with extra seating and working areas, and interconnecting rooms are available for families.
The Serena has a couple of restaurants, along with a lounge where afternoon tea is served.
Overlooking the large swimming pool and tropical gardens, the Milima Restaurant serves a varied and oft-replenished buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Sokoni Restaurant, is poolside, and has a more casual vibe with a bit more of a buzz to it. Food is served here throughout the day, and there are also themed dinners, cocktails and live music.
The centrally located Lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a pre- or post-dinner drink while listing to the resident pianist on the grand piano, or to enjoy a selection of fresh cakes with an afternoon coffee.
Right in the middle of the hotel is the Serena’s swimming pool, with the rooms towering up in a V-shape around it. It's a great size, with a children’s area, and plenty of comfortable sunloungers, plus seating both inside and out. Ambient lighting at night gives the entire hotel a very relaxed and tropical atmosphere. A pool guard is in attendance until 9.30pm.
Just off from the pool is the Maisha Health Club, well equipped with a spa, steam room and Jacuzzi, a gym with TVs, exercise classes such as yoga, salsa and spinning, and a Moroccan-style spa using Elemis products.
Whilst visiting Kigali, we’d recommend an afternoon, or a full day if time allows, to visit the Genocide Memorial and Museum. It’s a fascinating, if sobering, insight into the country’s history. City tours are also available - speak to us about the options on offer.
Geographics
- Location
- Kigali, Rwanda
- Ideal length of stay
- Stay here for an overnight stop or for one or two nights to explore Kigali.
- Directions
- The hotel is about 10km from Kigali airport.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- We thought the food here was very good, particularly when compare with the general standard across Rwanda.
Breakfast was a buffet with a large selection of cereals, cheese and meat platters, fresh fruit and juices, and the option of a hot breakfast cooked in front of you.
Lunch could be taken in any one of the restaurants, with the Milima offering a particularly good-value buffet.
Dinner is generally à la carte, though we understand the Milima offers themed buffets several nights of the week. We ate in the Sokoni, which is more relaxed than the Milima, and enjoyed a spicy Indian dhal with chapatis and pilau rice, and a vegetarian pasta bake. We were impressed with the options on the menu, from local dishes through to a range of European meals.
On our last visit, an evening meal in the Sokoni cost US $15–25, while a buffet dinner in Milima would have set us back US $30-35. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- There is 24-hour room service.
- Drinks included
- The tap water is not suitable for drinking. Bottled water is provided in the room, and is also for sale in the restaurants.
No drinks are included in the room rate. Depending on which restaurant or bar you choose, you can expect to pay around US $3 for a soft drink, and US $5-9 for a glass of wine.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- The hotel welcomes children.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None.
- Special activities & services
- Babysitting services are available, although guests should be aware that babysitters may not be trained to UK standards.
- Equipment
- The hotel can provide cots and highchairs.
- Generally recommended for children
- We think this is a good option for families as it has plenty of facilities.
- Notes
- Though there is a pool guard in attendance, the pool area is not separate from the adjacent walkways, so young children should be supervised in these areas.
Communications
- Communications
- There is free WiFi throughout and internet terminals are available for an extra charge.
- TV & radio
- There are TVs in all the rooms.
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- All rooms are plumbed with hot and cold showers and flush toilets.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a nurse based at the hotel for minor illness or injuries. For more serious issues, the hotel has contacts with a doctor who will come and visit.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There is a security gate as you enter the hotel, and guards patrol the property 24-7.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the corridors and staff are trained in their use.
Activities
Cultural excursion
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- There is a 24-hour laundry service at an extra cost.
- Money
- There are safes in all the rooms. The hotel offers a foreign exchange service.
- Accepted payment on location
- The hotel accepts all major credit cards. Cash payments may be made in US dollars, British pounds, euros and Rwandan francs.
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Kigali Serena Hotel's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Kigali Serena Hotel .
Excursions from Kigali Serena Hotel
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Kigali Serena Hotel . Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Kigali Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit
Half day
You'll be driven around Kigali to see the highlights of the city, with a main stop at the Genocide Memorial and museum. This will give you a fascinating, though sobering, insight into Rwanda's modern history. It is remarkable to learn just how far Rwanda has come in such a short period of time and it certainly adds a deeper understanding about the Rwandan people.
More about Kigali Tour & Genocide Memorial Visit
King’s Palace & Museum Visit
Half day
If your trip in Rwanda incorporates travelling south from Kigali, a visit to the King’s Palace and Museum gives an interesting insight into Rwanda’s cultural history and monarchy. It's also ideally placed to break up the long journey to Nyungwe Forest.
More about King’s PalaceOther lodges in Kigali
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
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.
The Retreat
Heaven Retreat is the luxurious and stylish sister hotel of Heaven Boutique, and makes for a great stopover, or a base to explore Kigali.
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 Kigali Serena Hotel 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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