About Moriah Hill Resort
The basic Moriah Hill Resort has a lovely lake-side location in Kibuye, with views across Rwanda’s Lake Kivu ...
... to many small islands. Named for the small hill close by, the hotel opened in August 2007.
We were rather underwhelmed by Moriah Hill. It has a beautiful location, and the staff are friendly, but the rooms were dated, it lacked attention to detail and the whole place felt rather scruffy. If you are on a fairly tight budget then it may be worth considering, but there are certainly better options in the Kibuye area.
Our view
We were rather underwhelmed by Moriah Hill. It has a beautiful location, and the staff are friendly, but the rooms were dated, it lacked attention to detail and the whole place felt rather scruffy. If you are on a fairly tight budget then it may be worth considering, but there are certainly better options in the Kibuye area.
Rwanda expert
Accommodation
18 rooms, 1 suite
Children
Best for aged 8+
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Moriah Hill Resort
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 15 pictures of Moriah Hill Resort to get the candid view.
View galleryMoriah Hill Resort: Our full report
The basic Moriah Hill Resort has a lovely lake-side location in Kibuye, with views across Rwanda’s Lake Kivu ...
... to many small islands. Named for the small hill close by, the hotel opened in August 2007.
Moriah Hill has 18 standard rooms, set over three storeys, with the second and third levels reached by steep concrete steps. All are simply furnished, and we would describe the en-suite bathrooms as functional rather than stylish, but they are clean and comfortable, and each has a small private balcony with views over Lake Kivu.
Inside, you’ll find the normal hotel amenities, including a phone, a minibar, an electric safe, a pedestal fan and a slightly dated TV. Most rooms are either doubles or twins, but two would be suitable for a family of three.
The hotel also has a two-bedroom presidential suite, finished to a much higher level than the standard rooms, and with a rather opulent feel. The master bedroom has an imposing dark wood bed with gold-effect detailing, which is echoed in the large dressing table and free-standing wardrobe. The en-suite bathroom has a double bathtub, large shower and twin sinks. There’s also a smaller second bedroom as well as a lounge area and a kitchenette. While Moriah Hill had clearly invested money in the suite, it all felt a little over the top when we visited in May 2017, and lacked character.
The restaurant at Moriah Hill lies next to the lake shore, with a terrace where you can dine overlooking the lake. Friendly staff are on hand to bring drinks from the small bar, which you can also enjoy on a separate terrace with imitation wicker furniture and a few glass-topped coffee tables.
At the time of our visit, facilities were completed by a small sauna, but Moriah Hill was in the process of building a children’s playground and creating a short nature walk.
Activities from Moriah Hill include scenic boat trips from the small man-made beach, perhaps to Gisenyi or to nearby islands such as Amahoro or Chapeau de Napoleon. Or borrow a kayak to explore by yourself. It is also possible to walk along Lake Kivu or to climb up Moriah Hill itself for lovely views of the area, or to visit the interesting small town of Kibuye.
Geographics
- Location
- Lake Kivu, Rwanda
- Ideal length of stay
- 2 nights
- Directions
- Moriah Hill is a drive of about 5 hour drive from Kigali, or 4 hours from Volcanoes National Park.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- We did not eat at Moriah Hill on our last visit, but we understand that breakfast is served as a buffet, with lunch and dinner being à la carte.
For lunch and dinner, the menu features a selection of hot dishes, including grilled chicken, freshly caught fish and vegetable curry. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- Drinks are at extra cost. Expect to pay around 2,000 Rwandan francs (US$2.50) for a beer, and 3,000 Rwandan francs US$3.50) for a glass of wine.
Bottled water is supplied in the rooms.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome at Moriah Hill.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- Cots and highchairs are available on request. A children’s playground was in the process of being built in 2017.
- Generally recommended for children
- Moriah Hill is generally fine for children, although the concrete stairs leading to the rooms are fairly steep.
- Notes
- Moriah Hill is located right on the edge of Lake Kivu, and we would recommend that children are supervised around the lakeshore.
Communications
- Communications
- WiFi is available in the main areas and rooms.
- TV & radio
- All rooms have TVs with access to local channels.
- Water supply
- Mains
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Staff are first-aid trained.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are in all rooms and central areas.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- In Place
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is available at around US$2 per item.
- Money
- Every room has an electronic safe.
- Accepted payment on location
- Moriah Hill accepts US dollars, Rwandan francs and euros, as well as all major credit and debit cards including Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
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.
Moriah Hill Resort's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Moriah Hill Resort.
Excursions from Moriah Hill Resort
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Moriah Hill Resort. 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.
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 Moriah Hill Resort 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