Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is the flagship Serena Hotels property in Rwanda, positioned on the western shore of Lake Kivu along Boulevard Umuganda in Rubavu — the town historically known as Gisenyi — approximately 155 kilometres northwest of Kigali. The hotel commands a prime stretch of lakeshore with private beach access, a dock, and unobstructed views across the water to the Congolese coastline and, on clear days, the distant profile of Mount Nyiragongo. The property's origins lie in a former colonial-era lakeside hotel that the Serena group renovated, blending East African lodge aesthetics — warm timber ceilings, stone finishes, wide verandas — with full contemporary hotel infrastructure.

The 69 accommodation units include lake-view rooms, garden rooms, and suites. Lake-view rooms on the upper floors of the main wing are the most sought after and are worth requesting; they frame water views from both the sleeping area and the balcony or terrace. Bathrooms are well appointed with separate bath and shower, and in-room furnishings are at the expected Serena standard across the property. Room service operates around the clock.

The Ziwa Restaurant is the hotel's primary dining venue and is recognised across the Kigali travel community for its consistent preparation of Lake Kivu fish: sambaza, the small sardine-like lake fish served fried, and tilapia are specialities presented to a standard that compares well with the hotel's broader international menu. The bar and lounge fronting the lake is the natural gathering point for the hotel, and the terrace becomes the best vantage point in Gisenyi for watching the sunset over the Congolese hills and the volcanic silhouette beyond.

An outdoor pool is positioned on the lakeside face of the property and is heated during the cooler months. The spa offers massages and body treatments, with some treatments incorporating East African botanical ingredients. Watersports facilities on the private beach include kayaking, pedal boats, and motorboat excursions on the lake. Conference and event facilities accommodate small to mid-sized gatherings, and the hotel is regularly used for both corporate retreats and government meetings requiring a venue outside Kigali.