Guest reviews Cormoran Lodge, Lake Kivu

by Taylor G Oregon

A treehouse in paradise

Driving up to Cormoran Lodge, we were immediately enamored by the stunning surroundings -- beautiful wooden cabins on stilts on a hillside covered with a variety of trees and flowers surrounding a calm bay of Lake Kivu. Their location and facilities are ideal for rest and adventure. We stayed in Cabin 1, and it more than exceeded our expectations (we are big cabin fans!) -- comfortable beds, a great shower, and the best part - big sliding doors with views of the lake, complete with a deck with chairs to enjoy the morning sun. The staff was so friendly: Emile, the manager, and Donatien, who works at the restaurant, made our stay so enjoyable. We stayed there for two nights and swam in the lake three times (we couldn't get enough -- perfect temperature, calm water, no critters to worry about!). We also took a boat ride to several islands, including Napoleon Island -- hike to the top with great views and an amazing opportunity to see bats up close. This was our first time staying in Kibuye and we can't wait to return to Cormoran Lodge with our family and friends.

by africanaddict Kigali, Rwanda

Three wonderful nights/days at Cormoran Lodge

We just finished 3 wonderful nights/days at Cormoran Lodge. What a gift to nourish and restore our spirits, souls and bodies. It was pure bliss. All of the staff were helpful and friendly - Remy (on-site manage), Donnetien (server), the guards who washed our car every morning, the chef and kitchen staff, and even the young man who worked on the dock. It's the first time we've stayed at a place where ordering ahead is actually encouraged, and it really worked. At breakfast, we ordered lunch, and at lunch we ordered our dinner. When we arrived at the appointed time, our food was delivered hot and fresh within 5 minutes of sitting down. I really enjoyed the salad nicoise in particular - I had that twice! Other food was good and tasty. Mostly beef, chicken and fish options. My husband esp liked the sliced chicken with peanut sauce - he ordered that plate twice. We stayed in cabin #1 - quiet, off on its own, and close to the water. Everything was an absolute delight! Way to go Cormoran Lodge staff. You've done a great job! We look forward to our return.

by dd_muc Munich, Germany

Restaurant: Good views and nice atmosphere

The Cormoran lodge offers solid food in a very nice atmosphere. The lovely all wooden restaurant has a nice view and good service. While waiting kids can check out the hillside hotel complex with its narrow paths, lots of plants and the small "beach". Walking uphill from Kibuye to the restaurant is also worthwhile.

by Cheryl M

MAGNIFICENT VIEWS

Perched on the side of a hill, the bungalow accommodation offers comfort and a peaceful retreat. A well appointed bathroom with a good shower is not always a given in Rwanda, Hairdryer, small bar fridge, tea & coffee making facilities, also a bonus. Rustic locally made furniture adds to the charm and atmosphere of the place. A small buffet breakfast is included with eggs cooked to your liking. Basic but adequate. The menu provided reasonable choice with a selection of light meals and snacks for lunch with specials like a chicken coconut curry and the local version of a Tbone steak which were quite good. We appreciated the special effort the chef made to mark our wedding anniversary and the waiter who patiently took our photo in various spots. Reeption also organised a boat trip on the lake for us , 60,000rwf for 2 hours. There were just the two of us so our tour of the lake was very personalised and great. Canoeing is also offered as an activity from here. The garden is beautiful and there is a small "beach" and deck chairs on the lake edge where you can also relax. We even came out to a clean car as we were leaving. Something unexpected. We had a 2 night stay which you need after the 4 hour drive from Kigali on badly pot holed roads. By the way the TV in the room does not work. We found Canal+ advertisements for programs, in French only but no programs or anything to watch! The technician was supposedly coming to fix it! Why have a TV at all?

by Redutd7 Manchester

No better place to enjoy an African tea.

We visited Cormoran Lodge while returning from our Lake Kivu boat trip to Napoleon Island prior to returning to our hotel on the other side of the peninsular. After mooring up at the jetty it was so nice to walk through the gardens to the restaurant balcony before having an African tea and enjoying the fantastic views across the Lake Kivu. There seems to be mixed reviews over the service but our party had no issues at all. If possible take a boat trip and admire the beauty of the lodge and gardens from the lake.