Umutuzo Lodge Kivu Lake

You had a stressful time and need to disconnect & rest or you need to spend a wknd out of Kigali? Umutuzo lodge is the right place to go to. The place, staff, food, experience.. everything is just amazing, not mentioning the owner Philippe Velings⁩' customer care which is on point.

Une super expérience grâce aux équipes sur place qui sont accueillantes et bienveillantes. Un lieu adapté aux enfants avec le lac et sa petite plage, la piscine, des ballades, son terrain de foot. Pour les adultes comme nous un lieu paisible, avec un paysage à couper le souffle, des bungalows confortables et une cuisine de qualité.

Umutuzo lodge is a true gem with unbeatable views over Lake Kivu — phillipe & the team were amazing, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, making feel right at home. The food was exceptional: fresh and beautifully presented dishes that tasted as good as they looked. Top shout out to the chef It was the perfect setting for working remotely with great WiFi Rooms were spotless and peaceful, with large windows framing the lake and hills. Falling asleep to the sound of the nature was pure relaxation. If you’re after natural beauty, fantastic service, and great food, this place delivers on every level.

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.

Firstly, of the last 10 km offroad, only last 2 kms is really bad..but still manageable..can be done via 2wd also, but not in rainy or muddy season. Now coming to the property, its really a hidden paradise..the moment you enter you are mesmerised by the views of the lake and serenity around..rooms are large, spacious and self sufficient with fridge, kettle, tea etc. The owner Philipe, is really a gentleman and a great story teller..u can talk to him for hours without getting bored..all the staff is really nice and the chef cooks amazing meals...there are many activities also that can be donesuch as kayaking, boat tripa to nearby islands etc, or jst swim in the lake in case u dnt want to do anything.. If given a chance, would love to stay here more frequently.

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!