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The shore of Lake Kivu
Experience · Kigali

Lake Kivu weekend, from your secluded retreat in Kigali

A weekend on Lake Kivu, Rwanda's largest lake, planned by the concierge between nights at your villa in Kigali.

4 private villassleeps 4-8from $200/nightairport pickup at any hour
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At a glance

The trip

Lake Kivu covers 2,700 km² along Rwanda's western border, and it is the country's largest lake. Rubavu, the town once called Gisenyi, sits on its northern shore; Karongi is halfway along and Rusizi in the south. Rubavu is about an hour's drive from Volcanoes National Park, so a lake weekend pairs naturally with a gorilla trek.

The concierge plans the weekend from Kigali: a private driver or a self-drive car, the stay by the lake and the timing around your other plans, each confirmed before you confirm. Many guests keep the villa as their base, with the kitchen stocked for their return.

Good to know

Low-key celebrations are welcome at every villa, as long as the neighbourhood is not disturbed. Rates are in US dollars; you can pay in USD, in Rwandan francs, by mobile money or in crypto. Tell the concierge your dates, the number of guests and the occasion, and the villa is ready when you arrive.

Arranged by your concierge

On request, the concierge arranges a private driver, a self-drive car and groceries stocked before you arrive, with the fee confirmed before anything is booked. Nothing is booked until you say yes.

  • Lake Kivu is Rwanda's largest lake, with a surface of 2,700 km².
  • Rubavu (formerly Gisenyi) sits on the northern edge of the lake, Karongi halfway along it and Rusizi in the south.
  • Rubavu is about an hour's drive from Volcanoes National Park.
The infinity pool, reflecting the villa and the sky. Urugwiro, Kacyiru.
Urugwiro · pool
The living and dining area under a double-height ceiling. Urugwiro, Kacyiru.
Urugwiro · living room

Your base in Kigali

Ikaze: a standalone villa in Niboye, Kicukiro, made for couples, 10 to 15 minutes from the airport. A house manager is on site, housekeeping is daily and a professional security company watches the house day and night.

Then there is Urugwiro, a gated villa in Kacyiru with a duplex principal suite and a second lounge for a quieter corner. A house manager is on the property, housekeeping is daily and a security guard is on duty around the clock.

The living room, with a large painting, soft sofas and warm cove lighting. Amahoro, Kibagabaga.

Amahoro

From $700 / night
Kibagabaga · Kigali · whole villa
Plan your stay
The villa above its lit stone terraces and garden stair at dusk. Urugwiro, Kacyiru.

Urugwiro

From $700 / night
Kacyiru · Kigali · whole villa
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Cypress trees and the villa façade against a sunset sky. Irebero, Rebero.

Irebero

From $399 / night
Rebero · Kigali · whole villa
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The living lounge in warm light, with a deep sectional sofa and a wall-mounted TV. Ikaze, Kicukiro.

Ikaze

From $200 / night
Kicukiro · Kigali · whole villa
Plan your stay
“All in all the staff was extremely accommodating to our needs and has daily house cleaning.”
Darnell · Ikaze · October 2026
“It felt like a perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and privacy.”
Vania O. · Urugwiro · September 2026

From first message to arrival

  1. Tell us your plans

    Your dates and your group, on a villa page or in one WhatsApp message.

  2. Nkeng confirms

    Availability and a quote for your dates, usually within a few hours.

  3. Confirm and travel

    Terms in writing. No deposit, and payment can be made on arrival.

Questions (FAQ)

How is a Lake Kivu weekend planned?

The concierge plans it from the villa: a private driver, the bookings and the timing, all confirmed with the fee before you confirm.

Is a Lake Kivu weekend part of the villa price?

On request only, with the fee confirmed in writing before anything is booked.

How long is the drive from Kigali International Airport?

By private car: Amahoro, Urugwiro and Irebero are about 20 minutes away, Ikaze about 15 by car. The concierge arranges the pickup at any hour.

How do we pay for the stay?

In US dollars or Rwandan francs, by MTN MoMo or Airtel Money, or in crypto such as USDT or Bitcoin. The concierge sends the payment details once your dates are confirmed.

Where the facts come from

visitrwanda.com

Tell Nkeng your dates

One message is enough: your dates, your group and what matters most. We reply with availability and a quote, usually within a few hours.

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from $200/nightCheck dates