Umutuzo Lodge Kivu Lake

Amazing room, fast wifi, friendly owner and staff...great chef serving 3 meals a day. A peaceful, beautiful place, ideal place to stay just to relax or take advantage of the various activities they offer on foot or on the water.

Nothing really to dislike. Suggestion - some soft cushions for the outdoor balcony chairs.

It has a breathtaking and amazing view!

Nothing. Ifs perfect!

Like everywhere else in Rwanda, the people we met were the best part of our trip. At Umutuzo were solicitous and very kind, especially with children. People singing religious songs before and after work was a very especial thing to witness.

The access road is in poor condition. Although I understand this is not something that Umutuzo can do much about, it is something to keep in mind. In early 2024 they were doing roadworks so it seems like it is only ongoing to get better.

Everything about this place made our stay amazing! The staff, the views, the excursions, the property….EVERYTHING! If you’re looking for a peaceful place with surreal scenery and wonderfully professional and friendly people then this is the place. The owner is so hospitable and has a wonderful dog! :) My favourite excursion was when he took us to the island across from the property where we met the happiest people on earth! Surrounded by smiling faces and laughter! What a trip! Thank you so much for having us at your place! It was truly magical and I can’t wait to come back! Tasha and Osi

the reception was extremely friendly and professional, the food was excellent, the rooms were great, the trips that you can do from the location are well thought off and also helps the local community

nothing really

Place with a lot of potential that is not used yet. Still in construction (views are blocked by other lodges in the make), a lot of noice etc. Road is inaccesible. Owner is not professional or friendly at all, so I would never recommend this place because you do not feel welcome. I do want to say that Eric (receptionist/local manager) and the cheff were really friendly. It is sad that they had to apologise for behaviour of their boss.

The road to the lodge was in a horrible state. Big rocks, height differences, holes, etc. In no shape for any car that is not a 4x4 car. Unfortunately, this was not communicated with us. When we finally made it to the lodge (after a long road of scratching the bottom of the car and lots of stress), I told the manager about this problem. I said it should be communicated with the guests that the road is in a really bad condition, so they know and can choose whether or not they want to take the risk. Furthermore, I asked what would be a solution to get the car up to the main road again, as I knew it would be impossible to drive it up. We discussed this with the local manager, but as he could not take any big decisions, he said it was better we contacted the owner of the property. So we did. Philippe, the owner, was really rude. I am an experiences traveller and never ever anyone has spoken to me like this. He basically laughed with the situation, did not take any responsibility and did not suggested any solution. He was just insulting me at the phone. I can say he was zero professional and zero customer friendly. Then I ended the conversation, because I did not want to be insulted more and his reaction was sending me more inappropriate messages on Whatsapp! I was amazed by how far he would go. I did not feel welcome at all, so my friend and I left first thing in the morning (ofcourse we had car trouble going uphill and we had to pay persons to help us). In two words, HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE.

This is truly a beautiful place to stay, and I couldn't recommend it more. The lodges are brand-new, spacious, and very well-equipped, and the views are amazing. The staff are all so friendly and they really go above and beyond to make sure you have everything you need. It's a great place to relax but they also offer a ton of activities in the area. Wish we had stayed longer!

The road to get there is pretty bad, but is apparently being paved soon.

This is a stay that I have never experienced before, exceptional is an understatement. We couldn’t have picked a better place for our honeymoon, and I am genuinely convinced that this tops all other lodges. If you want to experience Rwanda up close and personal, and also realistic, this is the place. You will surely feel at home and private. One tip, if you plan to reach the lodge by self-driving a car, a SUV is a must. Otherwise, there are options for airport pick up even from Kigali for a fee. There are various activities offered by the lodge which are worthwhile and a full-board dining is most definitely recommended. Overall, we are coming back 10/10.

Fabulous location on Lake Kivu. Tastefully decorated lodge.