About Cormoran Lodge
Set on a steep hill, leading down to the shore of Rwanda’s Lake Kivu, the rustic yet stylish Cormoran Lodge ...
... in Kibuye has a small number of wooden cabins, each affording beautiful views over the lake.
Overall, we love the location of Cormoran Lodge, and the view over the lake is stunning. It's quirky style, and rustic interiors offer a cosy atmosphere, reminiscent of an alpine ski lodge! The staff are friendly and the food, although a little hit and miss, is on the whole fairly good. It’s a great place for a few days’ rest and relaxation by the water, and would be ideal for those looking for something that is small in size, personal and relatively economical in this area.
Our view
Overall, we love the location of Cormoran Lodge, and the view over the lake is stunning. It's quirky style, and rustic interiors offer a cosy atmosphere, reminiscent of an alpine ski lodge! The staff are friendly and the food, although a little hit and miss, is on the whole fairly good. It’s a great place for a few days’ rest and relaxation by the water, and would be ideal for those looking for something that is small in size, personal and relatively economical in this area.
Rwanda expert
Accommodation
7 cabins
Children
Best for 8+
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Cormoran Lodge
30 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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Cormoran Lodge: Our full report
Set on a steep hill, leading down to the shore of Rwanda’s Lake Kivu, the rustic yet stylish Cormoran Lodge ...
... in Kibuye has a small number of wooden cabins, each affording beautiful views over the lake.
Cormoran Lodge is set on quite a small plot, with a picturesque lakeside location and is well-run by friendly staff. Slightly smaller and more personal than the nearby Lake Kivu Serena, it makes a good spot to relax either before or after seeing the gorillas, or as a stop off on your journey from the Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest.
The central areas of Cormoran Lodge consist of a large wooden structure set into the hill, supported on wooden stilts, with recently renovated wooden decking. At its heart are a large bar and a big fireplace, which is lit in the cooler evenings. On one side, there are sofas, chairs and a TV; on the other, tables are set out for dinner. If you're lucky, you may get a table on the small terrace with lovely views of the sunset over the lake.
These main areas are decorated with lifesaver rings and chunky ropes to create a nautical feel, while African ornaments and statues lend a local atmosphere, and the vast amounts of wood make it feel slightly alpine. Despite the mix of styles, it somehow all works quite well!
The seven cabins are, for the most part, identical, though they all have a different colour scheme. Nestled in lush, well-maintained and botanically interesting gardens, the cabins are reached along quite steep pathways (lit at night) with steps leading up to the doors; Cormoran Lodge is not for those who are unsteady on their feet.
Inside, the rooms are quite simple and rustic, with wooden floors, ceilings and walls, plus carved shelving in small alcoves. On our last visit in 2019 we felt that the soft furnishings could benefit from an upgrade, and that the rooms, though bult to a standard are being to look a little tired in places. Each cabin has either a large wooden double bed or twin beds, with mosquito net, a small writing desk and a couple of comfortable chairs in front of a flat-screen TV. You'll also find a minibar, safe, tea- and coffee-making facilities and an umbrella for rainy days.
The spacious en-suite bathrooms have a very natural feel, decorated with individual stones set into concrete. Each has a flush toilet, large shower and a single sink with a mirror. Carved wooden towel rails and shelves complement the décor.
In front of the bedroom is a small terrace, with a nautical-style rope mesh to prevent children from falling through the gaps. It’s a brilliant spot to sit and watch the sunset if you're here on a clear evening.
Steep steps lead down to a private man-made beach next to the lake, with a few sunloungers, a campfire, and toys and swings for children. The beach is quite small, and could feel a little crowded if the lodge is full, but it's a nice area to relax. Children must always be supervised here, not least because there's a drop from the edge of the beach to the water.
If you’re feeling energetic it’s possible to swim from a nearby jetty. Other activities include renting kayaks or motorboats, or waterskiing. All have an extra charge, ranging from about US $20 per hour for kayaks, to US $90 an hour for waterskiing. Boat trips out to the local islands are also available.
NB: In Aug 2022, one of our travellers advised that a boat trip bought locally from the lodge was very poor - citing mechanical issues with the boat and a lack of life jackets. Until we have confirmation of these issues being addressed, we recommend that you do not arrange any boat activities locally here unless you have satisfied yourself as to their safety.
Geographics
- Location
- Lake Kivu, Rwanda
- Ideal length of stay
- We would recommend a stay of two to three nights here.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- On a previous visit we were highly impressed at dinner by the quality of the food and the levels of service, although on our last visit here in 2019 we were quite disappointed with the quality of food served at dinner. Breakfast however was very good, even though we were the only guests that morning.
Breakfast is served as a buffet, with a selection of fruits and yoghurts, plus a cooked option, and fresh tea, coffee, hot chocolate and fruit juices. We enjoyed some absolutely delicious freshly cooked lemon pancakes.
Both lunch and dinner are from the same à la carte menu. There is a wide choice here, and at weekends, when the lodge tends to be busier, there are also specials. You can expect everything from pizza, pasta, fish dishes and meat stews. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Cormoran Lodge does not offer room service as all the cabins are made of wood and they don't want food to attract animals.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are an extra cost. You can expect to pay about US$1 for a soda, US$2 for a beer and US$30 for a bottle of wine.
Bottled drinking water is provided in each cabin.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Cormoran Lodge welcomes children.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- The lodge has toys and a children’s play area with swings by the beach. A selection of board games is available at reception.
- Equipment
- The lodge has cots and highchairs.
- Generally recommended for children
- Although Cormoran Lodge has plenty of toys and games so is ‘child-friendly’ in this respect, we felt the height of the cabins and the terraces (though these now have safety netting), combined with steep paths and the drop into the lake at the end of the beach, mean that it is not particularly safe for young children.
- Notes
- Children will need to be supervised at all times, both at the lodge and by the lake.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- The lodge has a back up generator.
All cabins have multiple charging sockets. - Communications
- There are no phones in the cabins but there is one for emergency use in reception. There is cellphone signal in and around the main area, and around some of the cabins. There is WiFi access in the main areas and in all the cabins.
- TV & radio
- There is a TV in the bar and in each of the cabins.
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- All the bathrooms have hot and cold showers and flush toilets.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The lodge has a first-aid kit and one member of staff is trained in first aid.
The nearest medical centre is approximately 10km away, on the road to Kibuye. - Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- The property is gated, and there are security guards who patrol the lodge day and night.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in every cabin and the staff are trained in their use.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- A full laundry service is available at an extra charge.
- Money
- There is a safe in each of the cabins. Guests may exchange small amounts of US dollars, British pounds, euros and Rwandan francs here.
- Accepted payment on location
- Cash payments are preferred, and US dollars, British pounds, Euro and Rwandan francs are all accepted. Credit cards are also accepted if guests are unable to pay cash.
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Cormoran Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Cormoran Lodge.
Excursions from Cormoran Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Cormoran Lodge. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Canoeing in Rwanda
Half day - approx. 3 hours on the water
This half-day adventure takes place through lush farmland, on the meandering Mukungwa River near Musanze town. Discovering Rwanda’s countryside in a canoe is great fun: the launch spot is just half an hour from Volcanoes National Park and you'll be guided along the shallow waterway by an expert local canoeist. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers and introduce you to your canoe group and guide.
More about CanoeingOther lodges in Lake Kivu
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Moriah Hill Resort
Moriah Hill is a rather dated budget hotel, outside the town of Kibuye on the shores of Lake Kivu.
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is a larger, international-style resort hotel on the lakeside, well placed for a relaxing stay.
Kivu Lodge
Kivu Lodge, sister lodge of Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, is located on a remote peninsula on the shores of Lake Kivu.
Paradise Malahide
A small and simple guesthouse on the shores of Lake Kivu, Paradise Malahide has rustic charm, a friendly atmosphere and some great views.
When to go to Lake Kivu
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Cormoran Lodge in Lake Kivu
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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