Options for all budgets. This handpicked guide showcases the top accommodations dotting the heart of Africa. From eco-lodges nestled amidst verdant hills to boutique hotels echoing Kigali's urban pulse, each spot offers a unique blend of comfort and authenticity. Dive in and find the perfect base for your Rwandan adventure!
I have listed options in all the wonderful locations a trip to Rwanda should involve, and there are options covering the range from Budget to Luxe.
Things to bare in mind:
While Rwanda's tourism infrastructure is still developing so its undiscovered charm makes it an exquisite destination. The nation offers a refreshing escape from the bustling crowds, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its richest asset: untouched nature. Even Kigali, with its garden city ambiance, only hints at the natural splendor that lives in the countryside. As you venture beyond the city, the beauty of rural Rwanda truly comes alive. With most Rwandans opting to walk, cycle, or take the bus, roads outside Kigali remain refreshingly devoid of many cars and motorbikes, preserving the serene environment.
So while Rwanda is developing, so are hotel options. Outside of Kigali there are limited accommodations and like many places in Africa, with limited competition, prices tend to be higher than they would otherwise be in other developing nations, for example in Asia.
HOT TIPS for a great time:
- Food arrives slowly everywhere in Rwanda... so I suggest always ordering (whether at your hotel or a restaurant) about 45 minutes- 1 hour before you'd like to eat it.
- If you're on a tight budget or want to spend your budget on experiences rather than stays, consider camping or mixing and matching camping days with more comfortable or luxury accommodations. You can hire camping equipment from many car rental places in Kigali and most of the National Parks. Spend some time enjoying the unique natural backdrops Rwanda has to offer then take a break in a few of the below hotels, lodges or homestays, for some relaxing comfort time.
$$ -This boutique stay is beautifully designed with stunning decor and walls bedecked with huge beautiful contemporary portraits by Rwandan artists.
The lodge features a stunning view from the main lounge balcony and a purpose built observation deck surrounded by jungle plants! Some rooms also have a kitchen and private balcony with a jacuzi bath. -At night you can see the whole city glittering below!
Coffee/tea is on tap and they serve truely incredible food -a set menu for dinner which was honestly the most delicious meal we ate in Rwanda!
You can choose to be served food at any balcony/deck location as well as your room. My partner and I ate a romantic dinner by candle light on the observation deck... we were the only two to sit out there and they brought the food down to us complete with flowers for the table -magical :)
I highly recommend this place!
$$$ -You've probably heard of Hotel des Mille Collines... the Hollywood Movie "Hotel Rwanda" is based on it. In 1994, during the Rwandan genocide, the manager at the time, saved the lives of over 1000 Rwandans by harbouring them inside.
Although a relatively old hotel, it has good facilities, including a pool, fitness centre and tennis court and it's situated in a great location, close to the Genocide Museum, and Kandt house Museum.
This hotel still holds reverence for Rwandans and because of it's history, many people visiting Rwanda like to stay here or go for a drink or meal at the restaurant.
$$ -Cozy Stays is just that. The rooms are super stylish and calming and the staff are lovely. They can arrange walking tours, bike hire and car hire for you. It features a pretty garden and a kitchen guests can use, as well as serving a delicious continental or American breakfast.
$ -This place is modern, comfortable and very peaceful. They serve a delicious breakfast and the accommodation also has a kitchen that guests can use. Hosts are just as lovely as the views! A great budget stay in Kigali.
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For Nyungwe National Park
There are very few options in and around Nyungwe and they range from crazy expensive and absolutely not worth the price, to mid range but also not fantastic. My personal suggestion is to save your pennies and stay somewhere on the cheaper side of the scale, or even camp, and then stay somewhere plusher (if that's your thing) around one of the other parks, where the quality of accommodation options is much higher.
Another option is to stay in the park itself and rent a tent from the main reception- it's not a terribly comfortable nights sleep, but it's a special experience. You get a gorgeous view overlooking the jungle and the jungle sounds surround you all night. You're also closer to the start of the chimp treks which start before dawn if you want to do one (highly recommend). If you do choose to camp, you can get tasty food from the National Park reception cafe.
However, if you'd rather get a good nights sleep in a proper bed, the below options are the best of the bunch:
$$ -I stayed at Kitabi Eco Center in one of their unique rooms made in the traditional style of the old tribal Kings hut. It's set on the outskirts of Nyungwe National Park (the best place to see Chimpanzees in Rwanda). Staying in one of these rooms is a unique experience and the view is amazing but be aware the food and service takes forever, so I didn't feel the overall price was justified. Having said that, I also think it's the best value in the area, most places are asking for over £100 for very basic rooms. The view here really is phenomenal and the breakfast was also very tasty.
$$$ -Set on top of a hill with amazing panoramic views, this hotel is situated within the Nyungwe Forest National Park. It's a great location for visiting the park and they can arrange pre-dawn breakfasts and help arrange Covid tests (yes still needed in 2023) for those doing early morning chimp treks! Rooms are clean and comfortable but please be aware that the accommodation here is very basic, despite the price. It's biggest asset is the location. There is also an onsite restaurant and bar which is helpful.
$$$ -Umutuzo lodge looks out over beautiful lake Kivu views, and offers a peaceful retreat with a garden, shared lounge, terrace and bar in Buhoro. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.
All units are equipped with a fridge, minibar, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. Guest rooms include a private bathroom.
A continental, Full English/Irish or vegetarian breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. At the hotel you will find a restaurant serving African, Belgian and Chinese cuisine. Vegetarian and vegan options can also be requested.
The area is very picturesque and popular for hiking and cycling. Bike hire and car hire are available at this hotel.
$$ -Inzu Eco Lodge is beautiful, again the photos don't do it justice. The tented rooms are clean and comfortable and have their own terrace and seating area, but it's really the view, gardens and restaurant/lounge area you come for here... gorgeously designed, so many lush green plants -even the shower had plants growing up from the stones! And the food they serve is really delicious. Do bare in mind though, this is an eco lodge, so the toilet is a composting toilet (but please don't let that put you off!). They can also arrange all kinds of tours for you such as banana bear making or lake tours.
$$ -Here you'll have a lovely stay with a great breakfast and very friendly staff. The photos do not do this place justice. The gardens extend all the way down to the tranquil edges of Kibuye lake and the reception/breakfast area have such a gorgeous view overlooking it! Very peaceful and beautiful. The rooms themselves aren't anything special but they're decent enough for the price and the showers are hot. This place can also arrange great tours for you- I highly recommend doing the night fishing, it's completely authentic- you are literally out with the fishermen helping them with their first catch of the night... it's magical seeing the sun set and sitting quietly on the moonlit water!
$$$$$ -This dreamy 5* resort is set right next to Volcanos National Park and is the best location to stay in the area.
Offering exquisite food, each room is a self contained treehouse set in beautiful gardens, all with stunning volcano views. , the hotel features a beautiful outdoor pool surrounded by nature. The hotel features a beautiful outdoor pool surrounded by nature and a fitness centre complete with hot tub and sauna.
If you can afford it... it's a must!
$$$ -This charming property set in Ruhengeri a short drive to Volcano National park and a great spot to stay in. It serves delicious food and the owner Alberto is very warm and hospitable... he also participates in managing a local school for street kids!
$$ -Set very close to Volcano National Park Headquarters - around a 15minute walk, this property has exceptional Volcano views and serves the perfect location to rest the night before a Gorilla or volcano trek!
There is also a lovely outdoor firepit which makes evenings under the stars, volcanos in the background, rather memorable.
The owner is warm and friendly and can cook delicious home made meals taking on board dietary requirements if you ask.
$$ -Stylishly designed self contained bungalow rooms surrounded by nature and a gorgeous tranquil garden. This lodge has a gorgeous atmosphere and can arrange local activities and safari's for Akegara National Park. They serve delicious food largely made from home grown organic produce. It's value for money and my top pick for a visit to this part of Rwanda.
$$$ -Within walking distance (1km) of the South Entrance of Akegara National Park. Akegara Transit Lodge is a great space to take a safari from which can be arranged by the Lodge itself. The rooms offer a relaxing space surrounded by greenery, with good service and tasty food, and they can also prepare breakfast or lunch packs for anyone going into the park.
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A couple of other options:
A relaxing stop via Muhazi lake, on the way to or from Akegara National Park:
$$$$ -Umva Muhazi consists of stylish self contained chalets surrounded by nature. The property serves an amazing communal dinner consisting of several courses, severed along a long dinner table where you can meet and chat to other guests and then retire fireside outside afterwards. The vibe they create here is perfect.
The property itself overlooks Lake Muhazi, with it's own private beach area and they have hammocks overlooking the lake and a tennis court on site. There are also options of biking, kayaking, paddle boarding.
All in all, a very peaceful setting and the perfect relaxing stop on the way to or from Akegara or as a short break a little drive from Kigali. Recommend 2 days+ to relax here.
$$ -Overlooking the lake with a lovely lake side restaurant that serves food, this is a great place to relax. Staff are helpful and polite and there is a lovely outdoor firepit for the evenings.
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Hi, I'm Alice! I have a fondness for seeking out unique, once in a lifetime, once in a destination experiences. I've personally explored 32 countries to date. My favourite destinations so far have been Flores in Indonesia, Varanasi in India, Nyungwe in Rwanda and Chiapas State in Mexico -because they were all a little off the beaten path and totally magical!
I'm an experienced solo traveller and a small group travel leader! I love trying new things, connecting with locals, hiking through nature & seeing different cultures unique and quirky traditions! I work as a freelance Travel Coordinator for the global adventure travel company WeRoad ( https://www.weroad.co.uk/ ) leading small group adventure tours to worldwide destinations several times a year. If small group travel with fab vibes is your jam, you're welcome to use my discount code: INCOORLEAKEALI for 10% OFF ANY of their tours. If you prefer doing your own thing and customising your own bespoke trip, read on... because you're in safe hands with these guides!
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