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Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

4.0 star property
Beachfront hotel with full-service spa

Photo gallery for Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Exterior
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; British cuisine
Lobby sitting area
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; British cuisine
Interior entrance

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Room service
The current price is NZ$320
includes taxes & fees
31 Aug - 1 Sept

Explore the area

View map
Gisenyi Rwanda, Gisenyi, 00100
  • Gisenyi Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Rwanda Tourism University College
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Université Libre de Kigali
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Goma (GOM)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Superior Room, Pool View

Superior Room, Pool View

Superior Room, Pool View

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Separate bedroom
Bathrobes
Hairdryer
Free bottled water
Satellite channels
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Family Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Pool View

Family Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Pool View

Family Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Pool View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Separate bedroom
Bathrobes
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Free bottled water
  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Junior Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View

Junior Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View

Junior Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Separate bedroom
Bathrobes
Hairdryer
2 bathrooms
  • 40 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Gisenyi

At Lake Kivu Serena Hotel you'll be steps from Gisenyi Beach and 2 km (1.3 mi) from Rwanda Tourism University College. Highlights at this beachfront hotel include a full-service spa, a restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool. .The restaurant, The Lake Restaurant, serves British cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel's own lounge bar and poolside bar are nice places to enjoy a drink. Spend the day at the beach and enjoy the on-site gym. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a 24-hour business centre and laundry facilities. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Sights within a 10-minute drive of this 4-property class Gisenyi hotel include Université Libre de Kigali and Nyamyumba Hot Springs.

What's nearby

  • Gisenyi Beach - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Rwanda Tourism University College - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Université Libre de Kigali - 3 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Nyamyumba Hot Springs - 8 min drive - 7.1 km
  • Parc National des Virunga - 12 min drive - 12.7 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Restaurant Chalet - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Kivu Resto - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Saga Bay - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Les Deux Paysages - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Salt and Pepper Restaurant - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Beachfront hotel with full-service spa
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offers its guests a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi.

A 24-hour business centre and meeting rooms are available. A terrace, gift shops/newsstands, and a garden are also featured at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 4-star Gisenyi hotel.

  • 1 building
  • 30 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Conference rooms
  • Childcare (surcharge)
  • Business centre (24 hours)
  • Conference space
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gift shop
  • Bellhop
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offers 30 air-conditioned accommodations with a safe and complimentary bottles of water. LCD televisions come with premium satellite channels.

Bathrooms include baths or showers and hairdryers. This Gisenyi hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access.

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa.

Languages

English, French

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5.0 out of 5, Exceptional, 7 reviews
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includes taxes & fees
19 Aug - 20 Aug
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • The Lake Restaurant
  • Ziwani Cafe

Things to do

  • Full-service spa
  • Gym
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Free cot
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Porter/bellhop

Business services

  • 24-hour business centre
  • Conference space
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Free cot

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • LCD TV with premium satellite channels

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Free bottled water

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; check-in end time: midnight
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Free cots (infant beds)!

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 120 per person (one-way)
  • Airport shuttle fee per child: USD 60 (from 4 to 12 years old)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB International, Union Pay, Barclaycard and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation.

Property Registration Number A505/06

We should mention

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Kivu Serena
Kivu Serena Hotel
Lake Kivu Hotel
Lake Kivu Serena
Lake Kivu Serena Gisenyi
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Gisenyi
Serena Hotel Kivu
Serena Hotel Lake Kivu
Serena Kivu
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Hotel
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Gisenyi
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Hotel Gisenyi

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel?

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel?

As of 18 Aug 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel on 31 Aug 2025 start from NZ$320.28, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel?

Yep, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Lake Kivu Serena Hotel?

The closest beach to Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is Gisenyi Beach (0.2 km).

Is there a spa on site at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel?

Yep, there is an onsite spa at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.

Does Lake Kivu Serena Hotel have a pool?

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying with a coldie from the bar.

Is Lake Kivu Serena Hotel family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as babysitting services and laundry facilities, as well as free infant beds in the guestrooms, it's no surprise that Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is a hit with families.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves British cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel?

Check-in begins at 3 PM. Check-out time is noon.

Are pets allowed at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 51 out of 91 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 28 out of 91 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 91 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 91 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 91 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful hotel and staff.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Calvin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beauty meets fantastic service

Beautiful setting and view. The comfort and cleaniness of the rooms were amazing. The restuarant and bar services were fantastic
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful propertyz beautiful town
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I did NOT want to leave…. Thats all I’ll say.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel. Very relaxing and ina nice neighborhood.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Timothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Catriona, Newar

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Serena Hotel in Lake Kivu was lovely. We had a great room with a lake view. Since we traveled with a guide we did not use any of the extra guest services but we did take a boat ride out to the Nyamyumbo hot springs which was quite an experience. The opposite of a hotel spa! Staff were very pleasant and accommodating. I would recommend this hotel!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

YOUKYOUNG, New Orleans

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness
Great lake view, beautiful landscape and relaxing place. It was a nice stop after hiking Volcano National Park. The property is a bit outdated. Carpet and chairs in our room had lots of stains. Bathroom door was dusty, but shower (hot water & pressure) was good.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Murithi

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed the stay on the serene , quiet and scenic environment. The service and hotel dining is great
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Georgia

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff are really good. They provide high level customer care.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Adeola

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Would recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Michal

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Hotel is run down with most in-room amenities in bad shape. Food was decent
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rosemarie Jeanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was as expected from a 4 to 5 star hotel.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022

8/10 Good

Aderemi

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice and comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Always love the Serena, especially for the pool + beachfront and excellent breakfast. Rooms are a bit dated (small, older TVs and AC units) but they recently updated to new mattresses and all rooms have balconies. Also the grounds are beautiful!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were courteous, very solicitous, and helpful at every turn. Perched on the lake, the location of the property is superb.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

2/10 Terrible

Raz, Goma

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
There is nothing in the rooms listen in the booking list. Even not a hairdryer or a toothbrush available in the bathrooms.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff very helpful and supportive. Special the receptionist called Love she was magnificent and very supportive. Breakfast was excellent variety of different types of food and excellent taste. All the staff were excellent and excellent location with private beach. The hotel required to be upgraded to modern style
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Staff & service
It was loud the two days I was there . Music blaring from 730 am until 830 pm. It’s not a place to go if you need down time like I did
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Place is ok stay overnight but nothing special. Location is nice.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

4/10 Poor

lionel

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service

serena

The hotel is perfect but the restaurant is not clean have been ill all the 2 days due to the food intoxication certainly fish not fresh
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jill

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Cant wait to come back!

What a great spot! Three nights = total relaxation. Gorgeous room (upgraded to a suite!), fabulous pool, great breakfast included and wow was Leon Munyeshuri a super accommodating front desk assistant manager. Thanks for making the stay truly unforgettable!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019