The Best Boutique Hotels in Rwanda

Stay in your very own apartment, complete with a communal pool, in the tree-shaded suburbs of Kigali. Each of the modern flats has its own kitchenette and a terrace overlooking tranquil gardens where you can chill out on poolside loungers. Pili Pili is best-known for its restaurant, which showcases views over the glittering city skyline, paired with a BBQ-heavy menu. Staff will bring a substantial complimentary breakfast to your apartment each morning including huge omelettes and colourful fruit platters.

After magical gorilla treks through the jungle, retreat to your own forested haven near Volcanoes National Park. Stay in one of 21 secluded lodges scattered around gardens filled with roses and eucalyptus trees, each with its own terrace and mountain views. Expect roaring fireplaces, African rugs, floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor showers. Within the grounds, you’ll also find an oasis-like infinity pool and spa. Dine at the resort’s restaurant for Rwandan cuisine with a European twist, featuring produce grown in the resort’s garden.

The Heaven brand began life as an open-air restaurant and hospitality training facility for young Rwandans. Today, the American founders employ over 100 locals to work in its famous restaurant and hotel, which is planted in the capital’s up-market Kiyovu suburb. Their four-star boutique hotel is eco-friendly, solar-powered and kitted out with sustainably sourced teak furniture and local artwork. When you’re not exploring the city, have a swim in the saltwater pool, enjoy some yoga on the deck or simply relax in the gardens.

Also owned by Heaven and set in the same complex, The Retreat offers a more lavish, five-star experience. Designed by Italian architects, swanky villas feature saltwater, solar-heated plunge pools and outdoor showers, four-poster beds and peaked ceilings. Each suite or villa sits in a private garden with its own patio but guests also have access to a hand-carved stone pool terrace finished with a bubbling hot tub. Don’t miss a work-out in the cutting-edge fitness centre and massage at the Heaven spa.

Cormoran Lodge lies on the shores of Kivu, one of the majestic African Great Lakes. There are just seven rooms in this intimate hotel, set in wooden stilt cabins that overlook Kivu’s sparkling emerald waters. Opt for a room in the VIP cabin for views of smoking Nyiragongo volcano in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo. Afternoons at Cormoran Lodge are made for gentle kayaking trips followed by waterside dining on the panoramic terrace. There’s even a games room with billiards and darts for evening entertainment.

Circular bungalows built from volcanic rock and local wood blend into the pristine landscape at Paradis Malahide. Most are set in flower-filled gardens on the shores of Lake Kivu, while two lie further up the hillside. This boutique hotel is the perfect place to soak up views of the lake and surrounding green hills, have a massage or indulge in a traditional Rwandan feast at the waterfront restaurant. Ask staff about arranging boat rides, kayaking trips and even dining on a nearby private island, Akeza.

Discover a slice of Italy at La Locanda, an eco-wellness hotel just outside of Musanze, which is a gateway for mountain gorilla treks. Thanks to the Italian owner, half-board stays include authentic pizza and pasta dinners, as well as a hearty breakfast. The rural hotel accommodates just 18 people across seven rooms with private balconies, each individually furnished with antiques. Soothe worn-out hiking muscles with a massage at the spa and sit back on the porch for some afternoon tea.

Escape to this chic boutique hotel, located minutes from Volcanoes National Park, for wildlife treks and a dose of nature. There are just eight deluxe rooms on offer, including the three-bed Volcano Manor and a two-bed family suite. After hikes, canoeing sessions and cycling trips, cool-off in the hotel pool and as evening sets in, gather around the lounge to share stories with your fellow guests accompanied by volcano views. All meals are included in your stay, including three-course lunches and dinners.

Take a dip in Rwanda’s highest rooftop pool at this contemporary hotel in Kigali, which provides sweeping views of the city. The glassy skyscraper is crowned with tented peaks designed to resemble the country’s undulating mountains. Ubumwe Grande lies in the central business district and draws a trendy crowd to its rooftop bar and Fiesta Restaurant, where you can sip skyline sundowners. Other guest perks include a sleek gym and free tea and biscuits on arrival.

Despite being partially destroyed during the 90s genocide, this family-run hotel stands strong, offering a pocket of peace in the frenetic capital. Although the building lies just a five-minute drive from the airport (guests can enjoy a free shuttle service) you’d never know it. Suburban-style brick buildings sit among quiet gardens and there’s a playground for kids. Hotel Chez Lando is most famous for its restaurant and locals flock here for Rwandan specialities, BBQ feasts and evening music.