Umutuzo Lodge Kivu Lake

Hotels
9.2 (112 reviews)
Rutsiro district, Boneza sector, Remera cell, Bigabiro , Buhoro , RW

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Beautiful location
Great service
Cons:
High meal prices
Limited dining options

Categories

Cleanliness
9.2
Reviews indicate lodges are spotlessly clean and well-maintained.
Service
9.7
Staff are friendly, welcoming, and attentive to guests' needs.
Location
9.2
Idyllic location by the lake, providing a peaceful atmosphere.
Room Quality
9.2
Lodges are comfortable, spacious, and stylishly decorated.
Amenities
9.2
Several activities available, with a well-maintained swimming pool.
Value for Money
8.7
Food and lodging are deemed high-quality, though some prices are considered high.
Food and Beverage
9.2
Food is described as delicious with high praise for the chef.
Overall Experience
9.2
Overall stays were wonderful, with guests wanting to return.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-09 01:03

Property Description

Garden Oasis and Culinary Delights

Escape to Umutuzo Lodge Kivu Lake, a tranquil retreat nestled in Buhoro. Explore our lush garden, unwind in the shared lounge, or sip a cocktail on the terrace overlooking the lake.

Luxurious Comfort and Exquisite Dining

Indulge in modern amenities in every room, from the well-stocked minibar to the plush bed linens. Pamper yourself in the private bathroom before savoring a diverse breakfast spread, including continental and specialty dishes at our on-site restaurant.

Adventure Awaits

Embark on thrilling adventures with our bike and car hire services to explore the scenic surroundings or opt for a leisurely cycling tour. Let Umutuzo Lodge Kivu Lake be your gateway to a memorable getaway.

Book now to experience serenity and luxury at Umutuzo Lodge Kivu Lake.

Important information:

A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

9.2
Based on 112 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.2
Service: 9.7
Location: 9.2
Room Quality: 9.2
Amenities: 9.2
Value for Money: 8.7
Food and Beverage: 9.2
Overall Experience: 9.2
A
Abdoulaye • solo_traveller • ca
9
Pros:

The food was excellent, specially the fish filet. The breakfast was also amazing.
The view is breathtaking, we did not want to leave.
The staff was very welcoming and helped us find the place.

2026-09-18 • via Nuitee
T
TravelMike • solo_traveller • nl
10
Wow what a lake view!
Pros:

It is a long way from main road, but once there you are in "heaven". The bay is beautiful, the people are very welcoming and friendly. You will not regret your booking here. Everybody was very helpful and what I liked was having dinner on one big table with all guests. I met some really nice people.

Cons:

Absolutely nothing I can think of.

2026-09-13 • via Nuitee
M
Markus • solo_traveller • ch
10
Pros:

Sehr schöne Lodge direkt am See, sehr ruhige Lage, aufmerksames und freundliches Personal, ein Ort zum Auftanken, mit diversen Aktivitäten auf Wunsch.

2026-09-13 • via Nuitee
M
Matilla • family_with_children • et
10
A Serene and Authentic Retreat by Lake Kivu
Pros:

A lovely lodge close to Lake Kivu, offering scenic views, a calm atmosphere, and a truly serene setting. The modern design is fresh and thoughtful, yet blends beautifully with the surrounding nature. Newly established, the lodge feels authentic and carefully created rather than superficial.

The owner is incredibly supportive of the local community and exceptionally helpful with anything you may need. You can feel the care and thoughtfulness behind every detail.

We absolutely loved it and would happily recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful and authentic stay near Lake Kivu.

Cons:

There was nothing we didn´t like.

2026-09-12 • via Nuitee
S
Sara • solo_traveller • ma
10
Heavenly place and wonderful people ❤️
Pros:

This lodge is one of my all-time favorite stays! I had a fantastic time there for four days.

The lodge itself was spacious and tastefully decorated. But the highlight of my stay was the exterior shower on the terrace. It was the perfect way to wake up and enjoy the breathtaking view of Lake Kivu.

The staff was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and helpful. The owner, Philippe, went above and beyond to make me feel at home during my stay. Starting with interesting/deep conversations, to having dinner together (I was the only guest 1 night) He even helped me with my transportation back to Kigali, even though it wasn’t his responsibility since I had booked the service with another provider.

I highly recommend this place and would definitely go back in a heartbeat.

2026-09-12 • via Nuitee
M
Marie Anne • couple • mq
9
Le lieu est idéal pour une retraite. Il porte d’ailleurs bien son nom. On s y sent vraiment au calme
Pros:

La vue

Cons:

La route pour y accéder et l isolement par rapport à la situation géographique .

2026-09-09 • via Nuitee
T
Thierry • family_with_children • rw
9
Pros:

Nous avons passé un merveilleux séjour en famille chez Philippe au Umutuzo Lodge Kivu Lake. Mon épouse, nos deux fils Ilan (6 ans) et Aaron (5 mois), et moi avons particulièrement apprécié l'accueil chaleureux, le cadre magnifique et la tranquillité des lieux. Le petit-déjeuner était parfait, varié et généreux, et le chef de cuisine était toujours à l'écoute de nos souhaits et très accommodant pour toute demande supplémentaire. Un petit lit bébé aurait été un plus, mais nous nous y attendions et cela n'a en rien diminué la qualité de notre séjour. Nous repartons avec de très beaux souvenirs et recommandons vivement cette adresse.

2026-08-30 • via Nuitee
C
Christiane • solo_traveller • de
9
Pros:

The view, the lodge, the cleanliness.

2026-08-28 • via Nuitee
J
JOSEP RAMON • solo_traveller • ad
8
Cons:

L accés en vehicle.

2026-08-23 • via Nuitee
C
Chantal • extended_group • be
7
Correct et difficile d’accès
Pros:

La vue

Cons:

La route pour y arriver la nourriture le manque de service professionnel

2026-08-13 • via Nuitee
F
frederic • family_with_children • be
9
Very tranquil location with superb views and very welcoming staff
Pros:

Very friendly welcome by Philippe and his team. The 4,5 hours trip from Kigali is challenging due to the relentless hairpin bends, but the lakeside location is gorgeous and the quality of the lodges is superb.

Cons:

For a longer stay, the food menu might be somewhat limited. A larger array of snacks or bites during the day would be welcome. Food quality during the meals is good. And some people might prefer individual tables for meals.

2026-08-11 • via Nuitee
A
Ayobami Adeloye • solo_traveller • ng
9
Pros:

Loved the views of the lake and serene atmosphere of the lodge. Philippe the owner manger was an excellent host. An amazing place to be one with nature

Cons:

I don't think there was nothing not to like

2026-08-11 • via Nuitee
D
Dagmar • couple • at
7
Großartige Zimmer mit herrlicher Aussicht.
Pros:

Die Zimmer/Häuser sind sehr geschmackvoll, riesing und hochwertig gebaut, schmiegen sich in den Hang und die Aussicht ist einfach herrlich. Die Außendusche mit Aussicht auf den See! Mit dem Hauseigenen Boot kann man Ausflüge buchen. Das Personal war freundlich. Ausflüge zu Kaffeerösterei und Familie, die Bananebier herstellt waren sehr informativ, der Preis angemessen.

Cons:

Für den für Ruanda hohen Zimmerpreis hätten wir etwas mehr kulinarische Abwechslung (wurde schon in mehreren älteren Bewertungen angeführt) und einen sauberen Pool erwartet. Wir waren 3 Tage lang die einzigen Gäste, der Chef nicht da - es hatte den Anschein, als würde man für nur 2 Leute nicht viel Essen einkaufen oder den Pool nur lieblos reinigen. Die Preise für Cocktails oder Kanufahren und SUP haben europäisches Niveau - ziemlich überteuert.

2026-08-10 • via Nuitee
B
Beat • family_with_children • no
8
Cons:

Restaurant was opened very recently and staff seemed to lack experience.

2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
R
Robin • solo_traveller • fr
10
Un séjour d'exception au Umutuzo Lodge
Pros:

Nous avons passé un merveilleux séjour au Umutuzo Lodge. Une vue imprenable sur le lac Kivu, un personnel attentionné, des activités de qualité, des lodges confortables... que demander de plus ?

2026-07-16 • via Nuitee
V
Vera • couple • gb
10
2026-07-09 • via Nuitee
I
Irisa • extended_group • it
10
2026-07-07 • via Nuitee
P
Philippe • solo_traveller • fr
9
Pros:

Magnifique cadre apaisant..
L'architecture des cottages , ma décoration des chambres , ma douche en extérieure.
La piscine top.

Cons:

Un ventilateur ou une climatisation fait du bien dans la chambre..
Des petits équipements en salle de bains seraient les bienvenus (brosse à dents, Charlotte, chaussons).

2026-07-06 • via Nuitee
D
Davnico • solo_traveller • et
5
Largement perfectible
Pros:

La gentillesse du personnel
L'espace piscine

Cons:

- Gros point noir : la cuisine. Pendant trois repas nous avons eu le même plat (poisson/boeuf/poulet grillé, légumes vapeur). Il a fallu qu'on insiste pour avoir quelque chose d'autre. Pas de dessert, soupe en entrée le soir uniquement
Il serait bon d'etablir des menus du jour changeants pour guider le client
Repas cher pour un seul plat !

- on a été déçu par l'absence de cocktail au bar. Avec un si beau coucher de soleil et cadre on aurait aimé une petite carte de cocktails

- activités mal planifiées : quand on a voulu faire une excursion en bateau, rien n'était prêt alors que nous avions confirmé la veille.
Il serait bon d'instaurer un cahier/tableau d'activités

2026-07-04 • via Nuitee
A
Anneke • couple • nl
10
Little peace of paradise in Rwanda
Pros:

We were received very kindly by Eric upon arrival, and after a short walk down to our house, we were pleasantly surprised.
A beautiful, spacious room with a fantastic shower, even one outside.
But then the view, wow, that made us very happy.

Every evening we ate in the restaurant and enjoyed the chef's food it whas delicious!

We were there to rest for a few days after our round tour. At our request the staff even brought our breakfast to our cottage and nothing was too much trouble for them.

The pool is amazing, and we spent quite a lot of time in it.

They also offer trips, but we didn't make use of them because we wanted to do absolutely nothing for a few day's after tiring days in Rwanda.

We loved the atmosfere so much that we extended our stay with 1 extra day.

Thank you to the best staff of Umutuzo lodge and thank you Philippe for the nice dinner together!


Feedback sturen

Cons:

Nothing at all

2026-06-25 • via Nuitee