Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel is the perfect Rwandan retreat perched over the expansive Lake Kivu. Enjoy privacy and relaxation at this prestigious hotel but also note that boundless adventure awaits. After a day of travelling, cruising or hiking, return to this tropical retreat for a unique dining experience. Indulge in refreshing swims in the private swimming pool or rejuvenate your mind, body and soul with relaxing spa treatments. With customized itineraries for families and couples alike, you can experience a “murugo heza” at Cleo.

The Cleo Villa will make you feel at home with the addition of a not-so-ordinary Lake Kivu view. The Villa boasts large interiors and expansive multi-level spaces with a private swimming pool, lounge and barbecue dining terrace that comes with a personalized open bar and it connects you with the Islands beyond.

The King Suites offer unique décor that combines classic elegance and timeless serenity. These rooms boast a balcony perfectly situated to overlook the lake and features custom colours and fabrics to accentuate the natural surrounds. Gazing over the endlessly fascinating landscape, this becomes a reality the second your turn the key into this suite .

The richly adorned four master bedrooms boast a spectacular private bathroom, while the large living and dining room provides space to unwind and entertain, surrounding the atmospheric open private kitchen. Sip aperitifs on the open-private bar, savour fresh grills on the barbecue terrace and share stories of the day around the cosy fire pit. Reaching out towards the lake, chance a refreshing dip in your private pool at any time of day.

Experience Rwanda Like Never Before

Swimming Cows – The Swimming Cows Experience allows guests to enjoy an unforgettable encounter with these fascinating primates. Not only will you spot majestic cows, but you can view a couple of unique bird sightings and blue monkeys.

Lake Kivu Tours - Be enchanted by Kibuye’s bustling landscape, mesmerizing Lake and timeless Rwanda traditions.

Tea and Coffee Plantation Tours - Escape to a bygone era in the Historical Nyamasheke Neighborhood, also known as the “Lungs of Rwanda” because of its endless and evergreen Nyungwe Forest, contaminated with coffee & tea plantations as you witness the few surviving traditional African vintage house architecture.

About Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is one of the two smallest African Great Lakes, but is the third deepest and sits at the highest altitude. Lake Kivu is located in an area with one of the highest population densities and population growth rates in the AGL region. Lake Kivu is home to around 28 fish species, half of which are cichlids found only in Lake Kivu. Lake Kivu is the largest local source of fish in Rwanda, providing more than 20,000 tons of fish per year and subsidizing fish imports for animal protein. The fishery supports 500,000 people in Rwanda and the DRC. Extraction of the large volumes of methane in Lake Kivu is expected to generate up to 25MW of electric energy but this extraction needs to be done in a safe manner as leaks could harm human health, biodiversity and the climate. There is a high potential for eco-tourism on the islands and around the lake. Rapidly increasing fishing pressure, deforestation, agricultural intensification and urbanization and climate change are the major threats to the lake.