Between lake and mountains, find your moment of absolute serenity at our 5-star hotel, on the shores of Lake Kivu, Rwanda

LUX* Lake Kivu is located on the shores of Lake Kivu in Karongi District, Western Rwanda. The resort is approximately a 3-hour scenic drive from Kigali International Airport. View directions here. Guests may request private airport transfers or opt for helicopter transfers for added convenience and comfort. Contact us here for more information.

Visa requirements: Rwanda offers a visa-on-arrival for most nationalities, with a single-entry tourist visa costing USD 50. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the travel date.

Plastic-free policy: Rwanda has a strong environmental policy and is a plastic-free country. There is a strict national ban on plastic bags, non-biodegradable plastic packaging and various single-use plastic items. Travelers entering the country are strictly inspected and are advised not to bring plastic items, as they will be confiscated upon arrival.

Safety and security: Known as one of Africa’s safest destinations, Rwanda is known for its stability, cleanliness, and welcoming hospitality.

Currency and payments: The local currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF), though US Dollars are widely accepted in select hotels and tourist establishments. Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted, and mobile payments are also widely used across the country.

Language: Rwanda’s official languages are Kinyarwanda, English, French, and Swahili.

Time zone: Rwanda operates on Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC+2).

Internet and phone usage: SIM cards are easily available at Kigali International Airport and in major towns, requiring a passport for registration. Mobile connectivity is generally reliable, and Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and lodges across the country.

Vaccination: Travelers arriving from or transiting through countries with a Yellow Fever risk must present a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.

Each season at LUX* Lake Kivu brings its own unique charm. Rwanda enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, with daytime temperatures generally ranging between 20°C and 30°C. Dry seasons are from June to September and December to February. Rainy seasons are from March to May and October to November, which bring occasional showers but are ideal for a quieter escape surrounded by vibrant greenery 

We offer a curated selection of facilities and services, including comfortable accommodation, restaurants and bars, a swimming pool, spa and wellness treatments, a fitness centre, complimentary Wi-Fi, laundry service, water sports and lake activities, meeting and event spaces, personalised concierge services, wedding and vow renewal services and more. 

Cleo, our main restaurant, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving international cuisine with local influences. 

Maison LUX* is our signature, handcrafted coffee experience. It’s the place to be for coffee and tea round the clock, as well as aperitifs, after-dinner digestifs, and delicate, jewel-like pastries. Open daily from 06:30 until 22:00.

Riva is our lakeside dining restaurant, offering sweeping views and authentic African cuisine. 

For something truly special, we also create bespoke romantic dining experiences by the lake Kivu or on the hilltop, under open skies, serving exceptional gastronomy. 

The junior suites offer generous space, an elegant en-suite bathroom, a comfortable lounge area, and a private terrace, and accommodate up to 2 guests. 

The Family Suite is a spacious two-bedroom apartment with each room offering an en-suite bathroom, plus a large living area and a fully equipped kitchenette, accommodating up to 4 guests. 

The villa, designed for up to 8 guests, features four bedrooms, including a presidential suite with three additional en-suite rooms, expansive living and dining areas, a kitchen, and a wine cellar, all set between forest and lake views. 

All accommodations offer comforts including complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, minibar, tea and coffee facilities, and private outdoor spaces with views over Lake Kivu. 

Guests staying at LUX* Lake Kivu are invited to enjoy a selection of experiences, including boat cruises, kayaking, fishing excursions, cultural activities, nature walks, wellness treatments, swimming, fitness sessions, and guided visits to nearby attractions, all framed by the beauty of Lake Kivu. 

For an additional supplement, experiences include jet ski adventures, motorised speedboat rides, night fishing with local fishermen, and island-hopping tours to Monkey Island, Swimming Cows Island, Bat Island, and Cormoran Island. Guests may also explore off-property excursions to Nyungwe, Volcanoes National Park, and local tea and coffee plantations, as well as a nearby 9-hole golf course. 

Yes, LUX* Lake Kivu can assist in arranging gorilla trekking experiences in Volcanoes National Park. Guests are advised to secure permits well in advance and to ensure a reasonable level of fitness, as the trek involves hiking through varying terrain. Comfortable trekking gear is recommended, and all park guidelines must be followed to ensure a safe and unforgettable encounter with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. This adventure is also suitable for children. Contact us here for more details.

The journey between LUX* Lake Kivu and Volcanoes National Park takes approximately 3 - 4 hours by road.

Perfect for families, LUX* Lake Kivu features spacious accommodations, a swimming pool, and a variety of family-oriented experiences. Guests of all ages are welcomed into a relaxed and inviting setting, ideal for discovering and enjoying the beauty of Lake Kivu together.

Check-in at LUX* Lake Kivu is from 14:00, and check-out is by 11:00. Early check-in and late check-out may be available upon request and are subject to availability.