Aberdeen House Hotel
RIS Kivu Breeze Hotel
Located in the scenic town of Kibuye, on the shores of beautiful Lake Kivu in western Rwanda, Stone House offers travelers a peaceful setting for experiencing one of the country’s most picturesque destinations. Surrounded by rolling hills, lush vegetation, and the sparkling waters of Lake Kivu, the property provides a relaxing escape for visitors looking to slow down and enjoy Rwanda beyond its famous gorilla trekking destinations.
Kibuye, also known as Karongi, is renowned for its beautiful lakeside scenery, tranquil atmosphere, and opportunities for outdoor adventure. A stay at Stone House can therefore be incorporated into a Rwanda itinerary as a relaxing stop between wildlife and cultural experiences.
A Scenic Retreat Overlooking Lake Kivu
One of the most appealing aspects of Stone House is its location in the Kibuye area, where the dramatic hills of western Rwanda meet the expansive waters of Lake Kivu.
Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes and is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, small islands, fishing communities, and green hills. The scenery creates an ideal environment for travelers seeking relaxation and nature experiences.
Visitors can spend their time enjoying the peaceful surroundings, watching the changing colors of the lake, or simply taking a break from busy travel schedules.
Discover the Beauty of Kibuye
Kibuye is one of Rwanda’s most attractive lakeside destinations. Unlike the country’s more famous wildlife destinations, the area is characterized by tranquility, scenic drives, local communities, and water-based experiences.
The town provides an excellent opportunity to see another side of Rwanda. Visitors can walk around the lakeside, interact with local communities, explore nearby viewpoints, or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding countryside.
For travelers spending several days in Rwanda, Kibuye offers a welcome change of pace after gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing, or exploring Kigali.
Comfortable Accommodation in a Peaceful Setting
Stone House provides a relaxed accommodation experience for travelers who want to enjoy Kibuye’s natural beauty while having a comfortable place to rest.
The property’s character complements the surrounding environment, creating a setting that feels connected to the landscape. Rather than simply using Kibuye as a transit point, guests can settle in and enjoy the slower pace of life around Lake Kivu.
The peaceful atmosphere makes it particularly appealing to couples, solo travelers, families, and visitors looking for a quiet retreat.
Enjoy Lake Kivu Activities
A visit to Kibuye would not be complete without experiencing Lake Kivu. The lake provides numerous opportunities for travelers to enjoy the water and surrounding scenery.
One of the most popular activities is taking a boat trip on Lake Kivu. Boat excursions can provide beautiful views of the surrounding hills and islands while allowing visitors to experience the lake from a different perspective.
Travelers can also enjoy kayaking and other water-based activities, depending on local availability and weather conditions. For those who prefer a slower experience, simply sitting beside the lake and enjoying the scenery can be equally rewarding.
Boat Trips and Island Exploration
Lake Kivu contains numerous islands, some of which can be explored during boat excursions from Kibuye. These trips provide opportunities to see local landscapes and communities while enjoying panoramic views across the lake.
A boat ride is also a wonderful way to appreciate the scale and beauty of Lake Kivu. The combination of deep blue water, green hills, small islands, and traditional fishing boats creates some of the most memorable scenery in western Rwanda.
For photographers and nature lovers, the lake provides excellent opportunities for capturing Rwanda’s distinctive landscapes.
A Destination for Relaxation
Stone House in Kibuye is particularly appealing to travelers who want to include some downtime in their Rwanda itinerary.
After several days of early mornings, long drives, trekking, or wildlife activities, spending time beside Lake Kivu provides an opportunity to relax and recharge. Guests can enjoy the calm environment, take in the views, read a book, or simply appreciate the fresh air and peaceful surroundings.
Kibuye’s relaxed atmosphere makes it an excellent destination for travelers who do not want every day of their holiday to be filled with activities.
Explore Rwanda’s Scenic Countryside
The journey to Kibuye is itself part of the experience. Rwanda’s famous rolling hills and well-maintained roads create beautiful landscapes along the way.
Traveling through the countryside gives visitors a chance to see rural Rwanda, including agricultural fields, villages, hillsides, and local communities. The scenery changes as travelers approach Lake Kivu, eventually revealing the lake’s expansive waters and surrounding mountains.
For road-trip enthusiasts, the journey to Kibuye can be one of the highlights of a Rwanda holiday.
Ideal for Couples and Romantic Getaways
The peaceful lakeside setting makes Kibuye an appealing destination for couples. The combination of beautiful scenery, quiet surroundings, and relaxing activities creates a natural atmosphere for a romantic escape.
Couples can enjoy boat trips on Lake Kivu, watch the sunset over the water, take scenic walks, or simply spend quality time together away from the busier tourist destinations.
Stone House can therefore be incorporated into a romantic Rwanda itinerary alongside Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, or other destinations.
A Great Stop on a Rwanda Safari
Kibuye can be included in a longer Rwanda itinerary connecting several of the country’s major attractions. Travelers can combine a stay at Stone House with visits to Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Lake Kivu.
For example, visitors can begin their trip in Kigali before traveling north for gorilla trekking, then continue through Rwanda’s scenic countryside toward Kibuye for a relaxing lakeside experience.
Kibuye can also be combined with Nyungwe National Park, making it possible to experience both the rainforest and Lake Kivu during the same journey.
Experience Local Culture
Beyond its scenery, Kibuye provides opportunities to experience everyday life in western Rwanda. Travelers can encounter local fishing communities, farmers, artisans, and residents going about their daily activities.
Visitors interested in responsible and community-based tourism can take time to learn about local traditions, livelihoods, and the relationship between communities and Lake Kivu.
These experiences provide a deeper understanding of Rwanda beyond its national parks and major tourist attractions.
Why Stay at Stone House in Kibuye?
Stone House is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat surrounded by the natural beauty of western Rwanda. Its location in Kibuye provides convenient access to the scenic shores of Lake Kivu, beautiful landscapes, boat excursions, cultural experiences, and a relaxed atmosphere away from the busier cities. The property is particularly suitable for couples and honeymoon travelers, solo travelers, families, nature and photography enthusiasts, and guests seeking a peaceful retreat. It is also ideal for travelers interested in exploring Lake Kivu through boat trips and other water-based activities, visitors combining Kibuye with Nyungwe National Park, and those looking for an alternative to conventional city accommodation. For travelers planning a wider Rwanda safari, Stone House offers a relaxing stop where they can unwind and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Lake Kivu.
Experience the Serenity of Lake Kivu
A stay at Stone House in Kibuye offers travelers the opportunity to discover one of Rwanda’s most beautiful and relaxing destinations. While Rwanda is internationally famous for its mountain gorillas, the country has much more to offer, and Lake Kivu is one of its most rewarding hidden gems.
From peaceful lakeside views and boat excursions to scenic countryside, local culture, and opportunities to simply unwind, Kibuye provides a refreshing contrast to the more active experiences found elsewhere in Rwanda.
For travelers looking to combine nature, relaxation, culture, and beautiful scenery, Stone House provides a welcoming base for discovering the charm of Kibuye and the magnificent shores of Lake Kivu.

