About Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Set on the shores of Lake Kivu, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel lies on the outskirts of Gisenyi, on the western edge of Rwanda.
It's a large, international-style hotel with a range of facilities and activities, and fronted by a long beach.
The Lake Kivu Serena is the most comfortable option along the shores of the lake. What it lacks in character and individuality, it makes up for in facilities. For a few days relaxation before or after gorilla trekking, this is a lovely option.
Our view
The Lake Kivu Serena is the most comfortable option along the shores of the lake. What it lacks in character and individuality, it makes up for in facilities. For a few days relaxation before or after gorilla trekking, this is a lovely option.
Rwanda expert
Accommodation
66 rooms
Children
Good for any age.
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
9 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the holidays. See our 18 pictures and 1 videos of Lake Kivu Serena Hotel to get the candid view.
View galleryHolidays visiting Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
Mona Monkey Safari
9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
This example of a luxury holiday explores the wildlife of Nyungwe Forest, the scenic shores of Lake Kivu and the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, all accompanied by a private guide and vehicle.
Visiting Volcanoes, Lake Kivu and 1 other area
US$13,790 - US$19,000 per person
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel: Our full report
Set on the shores of Lake Kivu, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel lies on the outskirts of Gisenyi, on the western edge of Rwanda.
It's a large, international-style hotel with a range of facilities and activities, and fronted by a long beach.
The 66 en-suite rooms at Lake Kivu Serena are set in two diagonal lines, one overlooking the gardens and the other facing the pool area below and with views over the lake; we would definitely recommend the lake-view rooms. As you would expect from a Serena property, the rooms are finished to a good standard, but lack the character or individuality that you might find at a smaller or independent property.
Outlook aside, all the rooms have broadly the same features: neutral décor, air conditioning, 24-hour power, tea- and coffee-making facilities, safes, DSTV and WiFi access, and a private balcony. That said, six of the rooms are slightly larger 'suites' with a small lounge area with sofa, minibar and flat-screen TV, and a larger bathroom with a double shower.
Downstairs, the open, breezy bar has lovely view over the lake – though it does lack a little in atmosphere. Adjacent to the bar is the Kiyaga Restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is served as a buffet, with lunch and dinner being served either as a buffet or from an al a carte menu depending on the hotels occupancy. Guests can choose to eat on the veranda next to the pool, or in the inside dining room during cooler evenings. The Ziwini Cafe is located beneath the pool, and is open during the day, serving a selection of snacks and drinks.
The facilities at the Lake Kivu Serena are excellent. There's a large swimming pool overlooking the lake, with plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas dotted around. A shallow children’s swimming pool adjoins the main pool, although parental supervision is recommended. Loungers and umbrellas are set out, too, along the beach that runs in front of the hotel. There are tennis courts that guests can use as well as a watersports centre with catamaran, jet skis and more. A spa provides Elemis treatments, with prices from US$65 for a 90-minute massage. And a little shop sells trinkets and souvenirs from Rwanda, Kenya and the Congo, as well as useful items such as toothpaste and sun cream.
It’s worth bearing in mind that the Lake Kivu Serena is quite popular with ex-pats visiting from Kigali and over the border in the Congo, so can become quite lively at the weekend.
Geographics
- Location
- Lake Kivu, Rwanda
- Ideal length of stay
- Stay here for up to three nights to relax and enjoy the lake views.
- Directions
- Gisenyi is about a two–three-hour drive from the Volcanoes National Park or about three hours from Kigali.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- Breakfast is served between 7.00am and 10.00am and comprises a buffet of cereals, fruit, meat and cheeses, as well as various hot dishes. Tea, coffee and juice are also available.
Lunch and dinner are usually à la carte, but if they have big groups staying (for example if there is a conference) they will often do a buffet. On our last visit in 2019 we had a buffet dinner. We enjoyed a pumpkin soup, followed by a tasty chicken curry. This was rounded off by a selection of mini desserts, including a decadent chocolate mousse and little cakes.
Pizza is available at the bar throughout the whole day. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available 24 hours a day.
If you opt to stay on B&B, you can expect to pay around $30pp for buffet dinner (based on visit in 2019). - Drinks included
- Drinks are an extra cost.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- The hotel welcomes children.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- The hotel can provide children's meals. They can also offer a babysitting service, although this will just be a member of the housekeeping staff, and not someone trained in childcare.
- Equipment
- They have cots and highchairs on request.
- Generally recommended for children
- The Lake Kivu Serena has a good-sized pool, including a special children’s one. They also have good lawns for kids to run around and let off steam.
- Notes
- We advise that children are supervised when using the swimming pool or playing on the beach, or on the balconies.
Communications
- Communications
- There is free WiFi in all the rooms. There is also a business centre that guests may use if they don't have their own computer.
- TV & radio
- There are TVs in each of the rooms and also in the bar.
- Water supply
- Mains
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a first-aid kit on site and also a resident nurse. There is a hospital in Gisenyi.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There are guards patrolling 24 hours a day. There is also CCTV in operation.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in each room, and fire hoses around the lodge, which the staff are trained to use.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is possible for an extra cost.
- Money
- There are safes in each of the rooms.
- Accepted payment on location
- The hotel accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express. They also accept most major currencies (including US dollars, euros, South African rand and GB pounds. They do not accept travellers’ cheques.
Plan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call or email us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Lake Kivu Serena Hotel .
Excursions from Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel . 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.
Cormoran Lodge
Cormoran Lodge is a small, friendly lodge on the shores of Lake Kivu, with beautiful views from its seven chalets.
Moriah Hill Resort
Moriah Hill is a rather dated budget hotel, outside the town of Kibuye on the shores of Lake Kivu.
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 Lake Kivu Serena Hotel 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
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire me