Rwanda, situated along the Albertine Rift, is internationally known for its Endangered mountain gorillas. But, there is so much more to this country. With its unique wildlife, pleasant climate, varied topography, and welcoming tribal people, Rwanda offers many moments of wonder, tranquility, and excitement.
Rwanda has numerous hotels, camps and lodges located in the urban city of Kigali, lakeside towns, wildlife reserves and parks. The accommodations you choose for your tour of this fascinating nation will affect your experience and enjoyment of everything Rwanda has to offer.
At AfricanMecca Safaris, there is an impeccable gauging system to help you determine the ideal lodgings to match your needs and budget constraints. Some guests look forward to experiencing only the finest Rwandan camp or lodge facilities that are available. Other guests prefer deluxe accommodations that offer the lesser of premier facilities and amenities at reduced prices. Still others prefer more simple, budget-priced accommodations that offer value for the experience. Some bring their older teenage kids along for a family getaway in Rwanda, and there are accommodations that are friendly for their kids’ age range and have special facilities that can add to the enjoyment of every moment of their vacation.
Here's a guide to some of the best hotels, camps, and lodges in Rwanda, ensuring a memorable and comfortable stay.
Luxury Lodges and Hotels in Rwanda
After a day of gorilla trekking, you’ll want to put your feet up in Rwanda’s finest hotels. Here are some of the top choices:
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Volcanoes National Park Area
If you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the company of the famed mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, you will stay in lodges located close to the main gate of the park, just a short distance from the starting point of your treks.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
1. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: Discerning guests can opt to stay at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge for the duration of their primate-trekking trip. Lured in by mighty gorillas and captivated by the majestic landscapes, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is one of a kind. The lodge has six double cottages, two suites, and one family suite, all with terracotta tile roofs, en-suite bathrooms, and sheltered verandas. The former is located on a sprawling estate and offers the romance and charm of living in a colonial-style house. A blanket of vibrant green foliage lay along the Virungas, a vast stretch of 15,000-feet volcanoes crossing through Rwanda, Uganda and ...
2. Bisate Lodge: Bisate Lodge, on the other hand, sits within a forested estate. Venture into a true African wilderness when you stay at Bisate Lodge, which is located in a natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone close to the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. With surrounding, dramatic views of the peaks of the...
With only a few rooms, these lodges accord guests a private, boutique experience and offer the finest of services, meals, and other plush amenities.
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Bisate Lodge
3. One&Only Gorilla's Nest: Whilst the name One&Only Gorilla's Nest will leave you in no doubt as to the draw of this luxurious mountain lodge, stepping inside to the rhythmic beat of local drums, unveils so much more. Gorilla’s Nest Lodge by One&Only, on the other hand, has a collection of rooms located within colonial-style cottages. Allow your senses to lead the way through vibrant garde...
4. Singita Kwitonda Lodge: A unique feat of contemporary architecture, nestled amid the lush landscapes of Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, Singita Kwitonda Lodge is redefining the gorilla tracking experience. From the outside, you'd easily lose this luxury lodge within the l...
5. Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel: Nestled in Musanze (Ruhengeri) along the route to Kinigi, the Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel is your gateway to the wonders of Volcanoes National Park. Set in Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel is the perfect base for gorilla trekking and other primate adventures. It’s only a short drive to the park entrance, making early morning starts easy and stress-free. With deluxe rooms, a Family Suite, Honeymoon Cottage, and more, the accommodations cater to every need.
After a long day trekking through the forest, coming back to Five Volcanoes feels like a reward. The staff are incredibly welcoming, offering hot towels and fresh juice when you return. The on-site restaurant serves hearty meals - precisely what you need after hours of hiking. What makes this place stand out is the personal touch. The staff learn your name, remember your plans, and help organize park permits or community tours. The food was out of this world, and the hospitality was insane. You really can’t pick a better spot before or after gorilla trekking.
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6. Virunga Lodge: On a hilltop with panoramic views of the Virunga Volcano Range, Lake Ruhondo, and Lake Bulera, sits the incredible Virunga Lodge. Virunga Lodge sits atop one of the broad, terraced, hillocks of the Volcanoes National Park, surrounded on all sides by the towering Virunga Mountains and their lightly forested slopes. When you arrive at the hotel, whether by helicopter or by 4X4, y... It's difficult not to fall in love with Virunga Lodge, which has earned a name as 'Africa's Best Romantic Retreat' at the World Boutique Hotel Awards.
Nyungwe National Park Area
1. One&Only Nyungwe House: Shrouded in mist, One&Only Nyungwe House emerges as a blissful sanctuary in the Rwandan hillsides. One&Only Nyungwe House offers a luxurious retreat in Rwanda, with fascinating wildlife, vibrant communities, and dramatic mountain landscapes. Located in Nyungwe National Park, the luxury suites and rooms are in five wooden villa clusters next to an ancient rainforest. Surrounded by ancient forest on one side and a working tea plantation on the other, Nyungwe House is not an invitation to switch off; rather, it is...
A luxurious, sophisticated wilderness retreat perched at the edge of Nyungwe National Park in south-western Rwanda. You’ll no doubt have come here to see the local chimpanzees but you’ll want to stay for the sublime setting, the service and the spa.
One&Only Nyungwe House
ONE&ONLY NYUNGWE HOUSE, РУАНДА
Akagera National Park Area
1. Magashi Camp: Perched on the banks of Lake Rwanyakazinga in Akagera National Park, Magashi Camp is poised to open your eyes onto another dimension of Rwanda's rich wildlife. With the gorillas and the chimps ensconced in the jungles of the east, Akagera is instead ... Magashi offers a stylish opportunity to view the 'Big Five' in a tranquil haven, and is a perfect wilderness experience.
2. Akagera Game Lodge: Akagera Game Lodge offers an entirely different experience - a stay inside Rwanda’s only savanna national park. Perched on a ridge overlooking Lake Ihema, it gives you panoramic views and direct access to the park’s safari routes. What makes this place special is the atmosphere. You might spot giraffes or antelope just beyond the property’s fence, and the early mornings bring golden light across the grasslands. Evenings at Akagera are quiet - often just the sounds of crickets and hippos in the distance.
3. Ruzizi Tented Lodge: The economy Ruzizi Tented Lodge at Akagera National Park offers vacationing guests an authentic experience of sleeping in tented rooms in northeastern Rwanda. Ruzizi, an eco-lodge on Lake Ihema's serene shores, offers nine tents nestled among palm and fig trees. Its thatched reception area leads to a deck over the lake, with a central fire pit for gatherings.
Lake Kivu Area
Many like-minded travelers like to spend the last leg of their Rwanda holiday on the shores of Lake Kivu. A gorgeous lake with small islets, it provides a haven of tranquility for rest in between invigorating dips in the cool waters.
1. Kivu Serena Hotel: Kivu Serena Hotel, located in Gisenyi on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, brings a resort feel to one of Rwanda’s most beautiful natural settings. The hotel sits right on the beach, giving you direct access to swimming, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing by the water. The rooms are modern and comfortable, offering either garden or lake views, and the grounds are beautifully maintained, featuring palm trees and open lawns. The restaurant offers a blend of African and Western cuisine, and the outdoor pool area is ideal for relaxation between excursions. Kivu Serena is ideal for travelers seeking a more luxurious experience while surrounded by Rwanda’s natural beauty.
2. Kivu Marina Bay Hotel: Down on the southwestern shores of Lake Kivu, Kivu Marina Bay Hotel offers a calm and comfortable base after time spent exploring Nyungwe National Park. It’s one of the newest and most polished hotels in Rusizi, featuring spacious modern rooms, a lakeside pool, and stunning views of the water. It’s especially convenient for travelers visiting Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking or the canopy walk, as it’s one of the closest high-quality options nearby. The restaurant offers a diverse selection of international and local dishes, and the outdoor terrace is the ideal spot to savor the sunset over the lake. After several days of hiking or driving, Kivu Marina Bay is the kind of place where you can slow down, swim, enjoy a cold drink, and recharge.
3. Kivu Cleo Hotel: Kivu Cleo Hotel sits above the northern stretch of Lake Kivu, offering comfortable accommodations and easy access to the water. It’s smaller and more low-key than the Serena or Marina Bay properties, which makes it feel more personal and relaxed. This hotel is excellent for travelers who enjoy being active but still want a comfortable space to unwind at night. You can arrange kayaking, swimming, or boat trips directly from the hotel, and the sunsets over the lake are some of the best in the region. It’s also a great midpoint stop between Nyungwe and Gisenyi, breaking up what would otherwise be a long travel day.
4. Cormoran Lodge: The Cormoran Lodge is an economy accommodation situated on the slopes of the verdant hills surrounding the lake. Enjoy the feel of living in a treehouse or log cabin, with wooden ceilings, walls, and floors in each of the rooms.
Kigali City
The capital of Rwanda is Kigali, a thriving, bustling city that showcases the essence of the country. Most tourists arrive and depart from Kigali, which serves as the entry point into Rwanda thanks to its international airport. Spend time exploring the city before making your way to the parks and reserves, or perhaps wander the streets in between the conferences, business, and informal events that are held here.
1. Kigali Serena Hotel: We recommend Kigali Serena Hotel for those seeking a Tier 1 experience. The Kigali Serena Hotel is built around a granite lobby and shows off Rwandese art. It's comfy but fancy, focusing on a lounge and bar by the pool.
2. The Retreat: Bursting with all the vibrancy of Kigali, The Retreat is the perfect springboard into Rwanda. Luxurious to the touch but with an eco-conscious heart, the 11-room boutique hotel stays true to its name amid this cosmopolitan African city. Amid the bri...
3. Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre: If you’re starting or ending your trip in Rwanda, the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre is one of the best places to stay. It’s centrally located in Kigali, just 15 minutes from the airport, and sits next to the iconic dome-shaped Kigali Convention Centre - one of the city’s architectural highlights. Inside, you’ll find spacious rooms, a big pool area, a well-equipped gym, and an excellent breakfast spread. The service is professional but friendly, and the staff go out of their way to make everything easy after a long flight. Beyond comfort, staying here gives you quick access to Kigali’s top attractions - including the Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, and Nyandungu Eco Park.
Kigali Convention Centre
4. Four Points by Sheraton Kigali: Four Points by Sheraton Kigali offers free WiFi, a poolside terrace, a restaurant, and a gym. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and room service. Enjoy buffet or continental breakfast options. Nearby attractions include the Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial and Kigali City Tower.
5. Lemigo Hotel: Lemigo Hotel is a centrally located hotel in Rwanda's capital city of Kigali.
6. Step Town Hotel: Step Town Motel is a contemporary motel perfectly located in the Kigali City Centre suburbs, just 15 minutes drive from Kigali International Airport.
Other Locations
1. Mantis Epic Hotel & Suites: Mantis Epic Hotel & Suites is one of the main accommodations in Nyagatare, Rwanda’s northeastern district. It’s a large, modern property featuring spacious rooms, a pool, and a restaurant offering both local and international cuisine. The hotel’s design is sleek and professional, reflecting its affiliation with the Mantis Collection - renowned for blending sustainability with comfort. You’ll find reliable Wi-Fi, comfortable beds, and a staff eager to help with travel logistics or dining recommendations. It’s not necessarily a destination hotel but rather a high-quality overnight spot on a long journey.
Tips for Planning Your Stay
To make the planning stages of your Rwanda trip more enjoyable and stress-free from the endless available options, consider working with one of the AfricanMecca tour consultants. They can help you choose the best accommodation based on your travel preferences and ensure your stay is pleasant, fulfilling and memorable.
Tap water or bottled water? You’ll want to drink the bottled water in Rwanda to play it safe. If you are in Kigali, tap water won’t cause too many issues.
Is shower water safe? Yes! At least all the places listed here had perfectly fine shower water.
With its unique wildlife, pleasant climate, varied topography, and welcoming tribal people, Rwanda offers many moments of wonder, tranquility, and excitement.
| Hotel/Lodge | Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge | Volcanoes National Park | Colonial-style charm, close to gorilla trekking |
| Bisate Lodge | Volcanoes National Park | Forested estate, private boutique experience |
| One&Only Gorilla's Nest | Volcanoes National Park | Luxurious mountain lodge |
| Virunga Lodge | Volcanoes National Park | Panoramic views, romantic retreat |
| One&Only Nyungwe House | Nyungwe National Park | Luxurious suites, close to rainforest |
| Magashi Camp | Akagera National Park | Stylish, views of the 'Big Five' |
| Kigali Serena Hotel | Kigali | Rwandese art, comfortable and fancy |
| Kivu Serena Hotel | Lake Kivu | Beachfront, modern rooms |
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