About Paradise Malahide
Paradise Malahide is a rustic guesthouse which we discovered on our a previous trip through Gisenyi in September 2011.
Located in the small Rwandan village of Rubona, about 7km south of the centre of Gisenyi, it sits on the shores of Lake Kivu, with beautiful views across to some islands in the lake.
Paradise Malahide is a charmingly rustic and simple guesthouse. It's not luxurious or pretentious, and doesn't feel out of place in the surrounding environment. It's well-run, exceptionally friendly and, with a reputation for great food and a lovely location, we think it's excellent value for money.
Our view
Paradise Malahide is a charmingly rustic and simple guesthouse. It's not luxurious or pretentious, and doesn't feel out of place in the surrounding environment. It's well-run, exceptionally friendly and, with a reputation for great food and a lovely location, we think it's excellent value for money.
Rwanda expert
Accommodation
10 rooms
Children
Suitable for all ages
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Paradise Malahide
1 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryParadise Malahide: Our full report
Paradise Malahide is a rustic guesthouse which we discovered on our a previous trip through Gisenyi in September 2011.
Located in the small Rwandan village of Rubona, about 7km south of the centre of Gisenyi, it sits on the shores of Lake Kivu, with beautiful views across to some islands in the lake.
Paradise Malahide is owned and run by a local Rwandese woman, who lives here with her son. Opened to guests in 2003, it was formerly her family home, and has retained a personal, homely atmosphere. It also feels very well cared for; on our last visit in May 2017 the immaculate gardens were ablaze with colour from the vast quantities of bougainvillea, a testament to the pride taken with the property. With lovely views across the lake, it is also a great sundowner spot on a clear evening!
Guest rooms at Paradise Malahide are made up of six individual bungalows and four ‘apartment’ rooms, all fairly simple, and linked by pathways that are lit at night. The circular bungalows, built of local wood and volcanic rock, are dotted around the gardens to one side of the central area, and the ‘apartment’ rooms are grouped in a larger two-storey structure at the far end.
- The bungalows have a double bed with mosquito netting, a couple of bamboo chairs, a small table and a wardrobe. Rattan matting covers the flagstone floors, and African kanga curtains add a splash of colour, though the rooms feel quite dark. On the plus side, they do remain cool despite the heat outside.
A small tiled bathroom leads off the bedroom, and it’s similarly very simple and designed to be functional rather than stylish. There's a small sink, flush toilet and, across one side, a low wall with a brightly coloured shower curtain that separates the shower and stops water going over the floor. - The ‘apartment’ rooms are in a separate building, with a twin room and a triple room on the ground floor and the same arrangement on the first floor. Although similar to the bungalows in design and style, these rooms are more spacious, and have a large veranda at the front, set with a couple of chairs.
The main area of Paradise Malahide consists of a large, simple, open-sided brick structure. A stone firepit is dug into the centre of the gritted floor, around which there is often evening entertainment, such as traditional dancing. In this area, you'll find a number of bamboo chairs and dining tables brightened by colourful African fabrics and cushions. It’s friendly and cosy, though a little dark. The small bar, also located here, is a popular spot in the evenings to enjoy a drink over a game of bao (a traditional African board game). On cooler evenings, a bucket of hot coals may be placed under the tables to warm you up, so be careful where you put your feet!
Continuing from the main area down towards the lake, the gardens at Paradise Malahide are well-maintained and dotted with cushioned benches and tables, some of them shaded by thatched umbrellas. The small beach at the front of this area is public, so there may be a few local people enjoying the water as well. If you want somewhere a bit more private, there's a separate beach in front of the rooms with sunloungers and umbrellas, and this area is reserved for guests.
A large part of the charm of this guesthouse is that you don't feel cut off from the local community. Each evening, at around 6.00pm, you can listen to the fishermen sing as they go out onto the lake. Local children play in the water at the lake’s shore and you can hear the bustle of the nearby village. The lodge can arrange trips out with the fishermen, visits to local tea- and coffee-making plantations, and trips to Akeza Island (less than five minutes by boat and also owned by Paradise), where guests may be able to enjoy a private dinner.
Kayaking tours run by a British operator are among the newer activities on offer. A small hut by the beach houses the kayaks, from where guests can book full- or half-day trips. When we were there in May, we joined an evening trip. With a fully trained guide, we headed out just before sunset, listening to the tunes of the fishermen on the way, and spent a peaceful hour kayaking around the little islands and visiting the local hot springs.
We were very impressed by the management team and staff during our visit. They were keen to expand the range of activities they could offer, so that travellers could get the most out of their stay, so do ask us about the latest options.
Geographics
- Location
- Lake Kivu, Rwanda
- Ideal length of stay
- Stay for three to four nights at Paradise Malahide to relax by the beach and take advantage of some of the activities on offer.
- Directions
- Gisenyi is about four hours’ drive from Kigali or Volcanoes National Park.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- Although we didn’t eat at Paradise Malahide on our most recent trip, in May 2017, we have had dinner here on a previous trip. The food was very well-presented and there was plenty of it!
Breakfast is served from an à la carte menu. The manager told us that it consists of fresh juices, fruit salads, toast with eggs cooked to order and pancakes.
Lunch and dinner are both served from the same extensive menu. There's plenty of choice, including a good selection of local and fish dishes. On our previous visit, we enjoyed a delicious grilled tilapia (from Lake Kivu) served with vegetables and chips. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is possible, at no extra charge, but there are no phones in the room so you'll need to request this in advance from reception.
- Drinks included
- Bottled water is provided in the room and you can purchase extra from the bar as the tap water is not drinkable. Soft and alcoholic drinks are an extra cost.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Paradise Malahide welcomes children.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions here.
- Special activities & services
- With advance notice Paradise Malahide can arrange for a local lady to come and babysit for a few hours. Please note that she will not have a professional qualification in childcare.
- Equipment
- Currently there are no cots or highchairs, but they hope to purchase a few such items in the future.
- Generally recommended for children
- Paradise Malahide is very friendly and can organise quite a few activities. That said, both the guesthouse and beach are small and young children may get restless.
- Notes
- There is no lifeguard on duty, and only a small fence between the main area and the lake. Children should be supervised at all times.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a back-up generator.
- Communications
- WiFi is available at no extra charge in the main areas of the guesthouse. There is cellphone reception throughout and a phone at reception for guests to use.
- TV & radio
- There are no TVs at the guesthouse.
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- There are flush toilets and hot and cold plumbed showers in the rooms.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a first-aid kit on site, and a medical centre very close by. The owner knows a local doctor who can be contacted in case of emergency. The nearest medical centre in Gisenyi is approximately 10km away.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- Paradise Malahide have security guards on site.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the communal areas, and the staff are trained in their use.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A full laundry service is available at an extra charge
- Accepted payment on location
- Paradise Malahide accepts Visa and Mastercard payments, though not American Express. Cash payments may be made in Rwandan francs, US dollars, euros and British pounds.
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Paradise Malahide's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Paradise Malahide.
Excursions from Paradise Malahide
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Paradise Malahide. 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.
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.
When to go to Lake Kivu
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Paradise Malahide 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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