About Kivu Lodge
Please note that Kivu Lodge is currently closed and not accepting new bookings.
Please call us to for any updates and to talk through alternative accommodation around Lake Kivu.
The newest lodge in the Kibuye area, Kivu Lodge is set in an enviable location on a private peninsula in Lake Kivu. Sister-lodge to Mountain Gorilla View Lodge at Volcanoes National Park, it has 21 rooms, all with views out across the lake.
We think Kivu Lodge is an excellent addition to the hotel options in the Kibuye area. Incredibly quiet and relaxing, with amenable staff, good food and a lovely pool, it’s a great place to break the journey between Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park. Do bear in mind it takes a good hour to reach the lodge from the main lakeshore road.
Our view
We think Kivu Lodge is an excellent addition to the hotel options in the Kibuye area. Incredibly quiet and relaxing, with amenable staff, good food and a lovely pool, it’s a great place to break the journey between Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park. Do bear in mind it takes a good hour to reach the lodge from the main lakeshore road.
Country manager: Rwanda
Accommodation
21 rooms
Children
Best for 16+
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Kivu Lodge
2 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 Kivu Lodge to get the candid view.
View galleryKivu Lodge: Our full report
Please note that Kivu Lodge is currently closed and not accepting new bookings.
Please call us to for any updates and to talk through alternative accommodation around Lake Kivu.
The newest lodge in the Kibuye area, Kivu Lodge is set in an enviable location on a private peninsula in Lake Kivu. Sister-lodge to Mountain Gorilla View Lodge at Volcanoes National Park, it has 21 rooms, all with views out across the lake.
Kivu Lodge opened in January 2017. Originally called ‘Kivu Safari Lodge’, it aims to be a relaxing stop-off for guests travelling from Nyungwe Forest up to Volcanoes National Park.
With an enviable location on a small peninsula off of the main road to Kibuye, Kivu Lodge is set in a remote and serene location, in an area that previously has seen little-to-no tourists. On our visit in May 2017, friendly locals at the neighbouring coffee plantation we passed on the drive through were excited to have interest, and very keen to show us around and let us help sort the beans!
The road to Kivu Lodge is not tarmacked, and made for a very bumpy drive in. We were told that the plan is to tarmac the road as soon as possible, and so the access to the lodge should be completed within the next few months. When you get closer to the lodge, however, the quality of the road (or lack thereof) is diminished by the beautiful views around you. Driving alongside banana, coffee and macadamia plantations, in untouched countryside, with everyone waving hello as we passed, Kivu Lodge has picked a superb location to set up shop.
On arrival at Kivu Lodge, the first thing you see is a large infinity pool, set into the rocks in front of the hotel, overlooking the lake. Gardens and a firepit also overlook the water, offering views across to the mountains of the neighbouring DRC.
The lodge has 21 double and twin rooms, of which 16 were in use when we visited, the others still undergoing renovation and decoration. We’re told the remaining rooms will include three family rooms. Due to the size of the peninsula, the rooms are a little close together, and feel a bit crowded from the path leading through from reception. This is more noticeable from the land-facing side though, and due to the curve of the peninsula, when you enter each room, a private balcony from each one gives a more spacious feeling as you look out to the lake.
The rooms at Kivu are spacious, though relatively sparsely decorated, with a large and comfortable bed, complete with cosy bedding for cooler nights, and soft bedside rugs and slippers next to the beds. The rooms are set up as doubles, but extra beds can be added if twin rooms are requested in advance.
The lodge runs off a generator, which is turned on from 7-8am and again from 6-10pm, and on request if guests need. Thus, as well as a lamp, on the tables at each side of the bed is a rechargeable torch, next to convenient plug sockets. During our visit we were told that the lodge owners plan on connecting the lodge to the mains electricity, so this situation may change!
Each room also has a desk, small table and a few chairs. Shelving units, built into an alcove near the door, house a small safe.
Sliding doors open up onto a small balcony, with table and chairs overlooking the lake. At sunset, you can watch (and hear) the fishermen heading out for their nights work, singing songs in Kinyarwanda.
The bathrooms are basic but functional, with plumbed in with flush toilets, and hot showers. Following the design of its sister lodges; the shower is brightly coloured with stones inset into the wall, giving a splash of colour to an otherwise pale room. Slippers, toiletries and a hairdryer are provided.
The main area of Kivu Lodge houses the reception, plus a bar area with sliding doors overlooking the swimming pool. There are plastic chairs and tables next to the pool area, which are a little jarring to the overall atmosphere given the lovely wooden furniture indoors, but the lodge provides nautical looking striped towels to give some comfort for sitting, or for relaxing on the large lawn area nearby. The pool, lit at night, with a small waterfall, has built-in seating ledges around the edge, and staff will serve drinks and ‘bitings’ (home-made crisps, plus roasted peanuts) at the poolside. The adjacent dining area again has doors that open up to the views, and you can sit inside or outside for your meals. When we visited, it was such a beautiful night that we asked if we could eat outside by the fire and the staff happily obliged!
There is a small indoor lounge area which we didn’t have cause to use, but in inclement weather would be appreciated! The lodge informed us that there is a plan, once the electricity is connected, to introduce Wi-Fi. This will be welcomed no doubt, but we felt that part of the charm of Kivu Lodge was its peacefulness, and being disconnected allows you to relax and take advantage of the surroundings.
Geographics
- Location
- Lake Kivu, Rwanda
- Ideal length of stay
- We’d recommend a stay of at least two nights at Kivu Lodge, to fully appreciate the peace and tranquility of the area.
- Directions
- 8km from the main road, and 30km from Kibuye.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- When the lodge is full, we’re told that meals will be buffet-style, though on our visit in May 2017, we had a choice of options.
For dinner on our arrival night, we chose pumpkin soup, followed by a beef stew, with roast potatoes, and fruit salad and chocolate pancakes for dessert - and were very pleased with our choice!
At breakfast, we went for the fruit platter, fresh fruit juice, omelettes with a variety of fillings and French toast.
We didn’t have time to stay for lunch, but the packed lunch that the lodge provided for us was, though basic (cheese toasted sandwich, fresh fruit platter, boiled egg and a bottle of water) fresh and tasty. - Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- Bottled water is provided in the rooms, juice and tea included with breakfast, and a soda and tea is included with dinner. All other drinks are extra.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- The lodge currently has an age restriction of 16+, though we are told this may be reduced once the family rooms are built.
- Property’s age restrictions
- 16+
- Generally recommended for children
- The pool does not have a specific shallow area for children and, though there are fences, there is a drop from some of the balconies and decking around the front of the lodge. We would recommend this property for children over 16.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Kivu Lodge runs on a generator, from 6-10pm, 7-8am and other times at guests’ request.
- Communications
- There is a phone at reception for guest use if they need. The lodge has cellphone signal, but no Wi-Fi.
- TV & radio
- There are no TVs at Kivu Lodge.
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- Water is from a mains source on the ‘mainland’ - pumped from the hills and filtered.
Health & safety
- Medical care
- A first aid kit is kept at the reception, and at least 2 members of staff on duty are first aid trained. The nearest medical centre is approximately 10km away.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- Guards patrol the property 24-7.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are located around the lodge and outside the majority of the rooms; staff are trained in their use.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- The lodge has a next day laundry service, at an additional cost.
- Money
- Each room has a safe.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa and MasterCard are accepted, as is cash in the major currencies.
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Kivu Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Kivu Lodge.
Excursions from Kivu Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Kivu 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.
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.
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 Kivu 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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