Serena Lake Kivu Hotel

Location: Serena Lake Kivu Hotel sits on the sandy shores of Lake Kivu, just outside Gisenyi (Rubavu district) in western Rwanda, offering sweeping lake vistas backed by the Virunga Volcanoes. It's Rwanda's only true lakeside resort - around a 20 minute flight from Kigali, followed by a short road transfer, or a scenic few-hour drive. Set in lush tropical gardens with its own private beach, the hotel enjoys a peaceful retreat yet remains close to local life.

Rooms: The property offers 66 well-appointed en-suite rooms, compromising around 37 standard rooms, 23 family rooms, and six executive suites, plus one accessible room. Each room comes with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, a private balcony looking over the lake or gardens, and an en-suite bathroom with a bath tub and shower. The suites add a separate lounge area and significantly larger balconies for relaxing in style.

Amenities: Serena Lake Kivu features multiple dining venues including Kiyaga Restaurant, serving fabulous Rwandan, African and international dishes with lake views; the Ziwani beach café and bar, perfect for beachfront BBQs and sundowners, and the Lake View Bar & Terrace, a lively spot especially at weekends. On-site amenities include a large outdoor swimming pool, palm-fringed gardens, two tennis courts, a gym, Maisha Health Club & spa, business and conference facilities, gift shop and travel desk. Guests also benefit from 24-hour room service and laundry.

Activities: Guests can dive into a host of activities spanning water-sports and excursions: kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, boating, lake fishing, beach volleyball, and scenic boat trips to nearby islands. On land, guests can cycle, trek or walk along the shores, or venture into Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking and visits to hot springs or Gisenyi volcanic springs. Twice-yearly beach parties with bonfires, BBQs and live music add a festive touch to summer and holiday stays.

Sustainability: Serena upholds responsible tourism values with a commitment to energy conservation, waste recycling, reduced emissions and local sourcing, avoiding harmful pesticides and CFC use. Its food menus emphasise locally grown and produced ingredients, reducing food miles, while supporting community partners through economic benefit. The hotel's open, green setting and integration into the local lakeside ecosystem reflect its efforts to minimise visual and noise pollution, making sustainability an active ethos of the guest experience.