Umutuzo Lodge Kivu Lake

My family and I have just spent 3 fantastic nights in Umutozo lodge. The location is genuinely breathtaking, on the shores of lake Kivu. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel totally at home. The staff are all exceptionally helpful and friendly. I can honestly say I have never stayed at a place that has such a joyful, communal feel to it. I had read that dinner is served communally and as a reserved Englishman I wasn’t sure if I liked that idea but in reality it was truly lovely. It gave my family and I an opportunity to meet fellow travellers from around the world and it made the whole experience so homely. We loved it. The owner Phillipe is extremely hands on and a wonderful host. A very interesting, humble man, it was a pleasure to meet him. Similarly Eric, the hotel manager is someone my family and I will never forget. A lovely man and very helpful. I would highly recommend visiting Rwanda and any visit to Rwanda would not be complete without a stay at Umutuzo lodge. To all the team, thanks for making our stay so special.

Die Zimmer/Häuser sind riesig, auch Familien haben mehr als genug Platz. Highlight ist die Außendusche, vor allem und gerade auch bei schlechterem Wetter. Der Blick über den See, herrlich. Toll fanden wir auch, dass man das Essen an einer langen Tafel einnimmt und so Menschen aus aller Welt kennenlernt. Philippe ist ein toller Gastgeber, der uns viele tolle Tipps für unsere weitere Reise durch Ruanda gegeben hat. Die Tageswanderung mit Philippe als Guide durch die umliegenden Dörfer mit anschließender Bootsfahrt zurück zur Lodge fanden wir wir ganz besonders toll.

I have just spent five absolutely wonderful days at Umutuzo Lodge, with a million dollar view over Lake Kivu and some of the islands. I travel a lot and have stayed in hundreds of hotels, lodges and airbnbs, and my stay at Umutuzo ranks rght on top of all those places. Philippe (owner), Eric (manager) and Olivier (guide) were all wonderful, always helpful, always pleasant and very personable. Half of my stay I was also the only guest, which certainly added to the feeling of being special. This is not an easy place to get to - a four hour drive from Kigali and the final half hour partly on very rough "roads"! But, once you arrive, you will instantly know that THIS IS THE PLACE! Oh, and fabulous food of course. I was also pleasantly surprised by the good wifi. Not perfect (slightly slow at times) but totally workable and I was impressed. My own personal lodge was very comfortable and I could easily settle in and live there! Philippe, Eric and Olivier - thank you for one of my most memorable travel experiences ever!

Magnifique hotel Magnifique hôtel avec une vue imprenable sur le lac Kivu. Le lodge est splendide et Eric et Philippe ont été tres accueillants et serviables pendant notre sejour. Je recommande très vivement.

As a tour operator, and travel enthusiastic, I would say that Umutuzo lodge is now the best property on the shores of lake Kivu. The thing that impressed us most is the beauty of the place, the gentle service especially from Philippe (The owner), the natural serenity, and the possibility to actually network. I, and my partner had an unforgettable stay, though it was too brief. We shall definitely come back, and we highly recommend the property. Sandra et Koen

Ce lieu exceptionnel offrant une vue imprenable sur le lac Kivu, vous promet un séjour relaxant. Les chambres sont très belles et spacieuses ! Gros coup de coeur pour la douche extérieur avec vue sur le lac (pas de panique, il y en a aussi une à l'intérieur ;-) ). L'équipe est au top, vraiment aux petits soins ! Le repas était réellement savoureux. Je recommande vivement cet endroit merveilleux !