Reviews of Cormoran Lodge
(88%) From 25 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Cormoran Lodge review
Cormoran Lodge is one of the only options halfway Kivu, but one should temper the expectations. The location is excellent and idyllic but the rooms are rather dated and worn out. Someone should invest in this property before the downturn really starts.
The food in the restaurant was good and the service ok.
Cormoran Lodge review
a very lovely place to break our journey.
not luxurious but friendly
Typical
We had there the impression to be in a place where local people would also go.
We ha a big room with a view on the water. We spend time on our balcony it was great but you had not a view on the all lake but on a kind of fiord
On the balcony of the restaurant where you were sitting the view was obstruct by a too thick balustrade.
The food was simple and good
Cormoran Lodge review
The only issue was that it took an hour before the meal arrived.
We solved that by ordering in advance.
Good lake side lodgings
Nice accommodation, a little way out of town overlooking Lake Kivu with great views from the room's balcony and public rooms.
I arrived in an extended downpour [umbrellas available] and the narrow slippery paths between the cabin and reception/restaurant might be tricky for someone with mobility problems.
I was the only guest staying there [ I spent 2 nights] and that felt slightly weird but I was well looked after by considerate staff and after the initial rain, the next day was clear.
I had a trip to the local museum which dealt with ecological matters, natural history, geology and a roof garden where there were plants growing that are used in traditional Rwandan remedies. also had about trip on the lake which was enjoyable too.
Very relaxing lodge on the lake.
Very relaxing lodge on the lake.
More activities would have been exciting and it would be nice if guide could make it clear which items on menu are included.
Cormoran Lodge review
Exceeded expectations.
Idyllic location with a reasonable range of activities including the Bisesero Genocide site which we visited from here (there are other closer sites in Kibuye too).
We had planned a full day Kayak trip which turned out to be disappointing but our guide sorted out a boat trip to the island we had been aiming for with the kayaks which made up for it.
Beautiful lakeside location, stunning views..
We stayed two nights at Cormoran Lodge en-route to Kigali.
The cabins are located on a hillside and we were allocated one of the higher view ones. The setting is beautiful with peaceful views across the lake and a large balcony from which to enjoy them.
When we visited there seemed to be quite a lot of construction of new hotels and guest houses ongoing, one of which was almost opposite (around the lakeside) to Cormoran Lodge. This slightly spoilt our idyllic view and there was building noise, but this I suppose is the price of progress and increased visitors and demand.
Personally we found our cabin very comfortable and spacious. Granted there were a few things that might be helpful additions like bedside tables, but this is just an observation and far from a criticism.
Housekeeping I think was so-so, nothing fundamentally wrong, just things like no soap, toilet tissue & water not replaced but these simply required a mention at reception and they were quickly rectified.
The safe in our room did not work and when we brought this to the managers attention he can gave us a manual key to use.
Bed had a mosquito net, room had a kettle, tea & coffee, working fridge, television with a few channels (one I think in English), wi-fi was available and one of the better connections we experienced on our trip.
The gardens and bird life are stunning, but the property is very steep and care has to be taken especially either after rain or when the gardener has been watering as the pathway tiles can be slippery.
If mobility is a concern perhaps a request for one of the lower closer cabins to the main building can be suggested.
We actually went via the car park to the main building as this was easier walking.
I don't recall if there were touches available in the room or if the path was sufficiently lit as we had our own head torches.
The small lakeside beach area with a few loungers was a nice spot for relaxing and enjoying the birds and gardens. I am not sure if a beverage service is offered there but it might be nice for a waiter to wander occasionally if that is not the case.
It was our experience that the Manager that was on duty during our stay and the restaurant staff spoke primarily French and there was a need at times to speak very slowly and carefully to be understood correctly.
When we checked in the Manager seemed quite unclear as to what our package consisted of in terms of fully explaining the concept of full board and the extensive menu. Initially it was not immediately clear to us if we could choose from the entire menu or just partial.
We had to sign for drinks and food at the end of each evening and wise to double check the bill when checking out as they had got some things that were included in the bill to be charged for. I don't think intentional, but suggest people double check to avoid this.
Other reviews have mentioned not the best food and time it takes to be served. Our experience was the opposite in that we thought all the food served to us was excellent and some of the best we ate on our trip especially the fish soup.
Granted it did take a while to be served but we were not in any hurry.
They did ask at lunch for our dinner order but we declined that and simply ordered when we sat down in the evening.
The dining room was especially nice with the central fire lit in the cooler evening temperatures.
Breakfast was a small but adequate selection of cold cereal, cheese, bread and toast with the option of hot eggs and accompaniments.
We were asked by a waiter if we were interested in renting a boat which we politely declined and instead opted for a lovely walk along the lakeside from the lodge.
The night before we were checking out we were asked by the manager if we would like a packed lunch to take with us which we accepted, however apparently a waiter was then supposed to come and ask us what we would like which nobody ever did and so our packed lunch did not appear.
For us it did not really matter as we has not expected to be offered this, if however you have a long journey ahead and might appreciate a packed lunch then better to be specific. Likewise the restaurant staff may want to be reminded about this option for guests checking out.
There is apparently a new Environmental museum in Kibuye which had we had a little more time we understand is worth a visit.
Overall a two night stay was sufficient for us and our expectations were met and we enjoyed the peace and quiet (apart from a bit of construction noise..)
If you happened to live in Kigali Cormoran Lodge would certainly be a nice option for a long weekend.
Good to average
Nice location on the lake.
Average room and food. Limited dinner menu.
Average service.
One night stay here was enough.
Great location on the lake, but disappointing
Cormoran Lodge has a superb location on Lake Kivu and all lodges have great views. The gardens are full of birdlife and we spent any spare moments wandering around the gardens trying to capture the beautifully coloured birds as well as the Kingfisher's down on the water's edge.
The room itself was shabby and feels in need of a facelift. The mosquito nets were grubby. The linen was faded, again looking like it needed replacing. The overall feel of the room could have been better.
General feedback for the staff in the bar and dining areas is that we felt they were a bit too 'attentive' making us feel a little under pressure to decide quickly on choice of drinks, food etc.
