66 rooms and suites on a private, palm-lined beach in Gisenyi, with the Virunga volcanoes rising behind and the waters of Lake Kivu stretching out in front.
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Overview
A Private Beach on Lake Kivu
Overlooking Africa’s sixth-largest lake, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel pairs manicured gardens and a private beach with the Virunga volcanoes as a backdrop.
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel sits in Gisenyi (Rubavu), 160km from Kigali on the shores of a lake so vast it borders the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its 66 rooms and suites are set among palm-lined, manicured gardens leading down to a stretch of sandy, private beach — a rarity on this part of the lake. Formerly the Kivu Sun, the hotel today combines resort leisure with fully air-conditioned conference facilities, making it a popular choice for both waterfront getaways and corporate retreats away from Kigali.
66
Rooms & Suites
1
Private Beach
6th
Largest Lake in Africa
160km
From Kigali
Rooms
Garden Rooms, Lake Views
Standard rooms, family rooms and luxury suites are set among palm trees and manicured grounds, each finished to an international four-star standard.
Room — Overlooking Lake Kivu
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Air-conditioned roomsDouble or twin beds, air conditioning, satellite TV and an en-suite bathroom with tub and shower throughout.
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Family rooms & luxury suitesA handful of family rooms and luxury suites offer additional space, several with pool or lake views.
03
24-hour room serviceIn-room dining is available around the clock, alongside free Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping.
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Garden and lake outlooksRooms are set among manicured gardens and palm trees, many with a direct outlook toward the water.
Experiences
Beach, Boat and Volcano
Lake Kivu Serena's location gives access to water-based leisure on the lake itself and, for the more adventurous, one of the world's most active volcanoes.
Beach
Private Beach & Water Sports
A stretch of sandy, private beach is reserved exclusively for hotel guests, with water sports available on the lake.
On the Water
Boat Rides & Fishing Trips
Lake Kivu boat rides, sunset cruises and fishing charters can be arranged directly through the hotel.
Wellness
Maisha Spa
The hotel's signature spa offers professional treatments for guests looking to unwind after a day on the water.
Adventure
Nyiragongo Volcano Hike
A four-to-six-hour hike through forest leads to the summit of Nyiragongo, renowned for its active lava lake.
Nearby
Volcanoes National Park Excursions
Gorilla and golden monkey trekking in the Virunga Mountains can be arranged as a day excursion from the hotel.
Local
Gisenyi City Tour & Biking Trails
Explore Gisenyi's markets and cultural sites, or take a guided or self-paced cycling route around the lake.
Dining
Dining by the Water
The Lake Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with panoramic lake views, while the poolside bar keeps things casual through the day.
01The Lake Restaurant, panoramic lake views
02Lake View Bar, poolside snacks and drinks
03Beach bonfires, with Intore dancers
04Romantic dinners, by the water
05Poolside barbecues, for groups
Dinner — Overlooking Lake Kivu
Location
Gisenyi, on the Shores of Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel sits on the outskirts of Gisenyi (Rubavu), 160km from Kigali and minutes from the border town of Goma, DR Congo.
Lake Kivu is one of only three known "exploding lakes" in the world, holding vast reserves of dissolved methane and carbon dioxide.
The hotel is roughly an hour’s drive from Volcanoes National Park, making it a scenic alternative base for gorilla trekking trips.
A charter boat service connects Gisenyi to the lakeside towns of Kibuye and Cyangugu, further south along Lake Kivu.
The hotel’s conference centre, with a ballroom and private boardroom, makes it a popular retreat venue away from Kigali.
Fly
A domestic flight from Kigali to Gisenyi Airport takes around 20 minutes.
Drive
A tarred road from Kigali takes roughly 3 hours, a scenic route through Rwanda’s northern hills.
Arrive
Check-in from 14:00, checkout by 11:30, with airport transfers available on request.
Lakeside Offer
Stay 3, Pay 2
Book two nights at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel and receive a third free on selected 2026 dates.