UMVA Muhazi — Hotel in Muhazi

We stayed at Umva on Lake Muhazi for one night, as short break to get out of the city.

Prior to arrival we received welcoming emails, with clear instructions and online check mechanism that streamlined the whole process. After a short easy drive from Kigali, we were welcomed in and directed straight to our rooms before being provided an excellent welcome drink and briefing. The team they have put together are very relaxed and pleasant and managed their blended roles well, both with checking, room support and meal service.

The rooms are aesthetically design to keep in tone with the design and minimal intrusion on the locations. The buildings are designed with rammed earth walls and simple brick work which creates a very pleasing atmosphere through the lodge. We stayed in the birdhouse, which is tall build with seating space, bathroom on entrance and a mezzanine above where you sleep.

There are a range of activities you can undertake at Umva, including kayaking, paddle boards, tennis and there are plans for massage as well if i remember correctly. The equipment is in good condition and one of the team is one hand to provide support and guidance (as well as cold beer should you require it).

The main lodge building hosts a dinning area with a dramatic live edge table, small kitchen area for drinks and ice and an open deck with seating, hammocks and fire place to the side. The bar works on a honesty system, guests can serve themselves and share their bill at the end of the stay. Dinning is done via a set meal with all guests eating together as a shares experience. This created a great atmosphere and experience, where you are encouraged to meet different people and continue conversations after dinner by the fire.

The food is well prepared, fresh starters, well cooked and seasoned meat (beef cooked medium as asked, rather than well cooked), the vegetarian option looked good as well. They also can make ice cream in house, which i always a bonus! Breakfast is more served from the normal hours, but also well cooked, with options for eggs, porridge etc.

This is a unique experience for Rwanda, its proximity to Kigali is great. The atmosphere created by the joined dinning is enjoyable. Great for trips out of the city for the weekend, even work...

UMVA Muhazi is a birdwatcher's paradise and a perfect weekend retreat.

The rammed earth architecture is stunning, and complemented by modern, high-tech amenities in the rooms and communal spaces. At night the lighting fixtures bathe the pods, birdhouses, and communal spaces in warm yellow light, setting off the rammed earth walls beautifully. In the indoor communal space you'll appreciate art by Chris Schwagga, the live edge furniture by Tugirimana Woodworks, and carefully sourced and prepared meals by UMVA's chef (order the tilapia!). The staff are wonderful and attentive to your every need.

In the day-to-day things, great attention to detail: there's a drinking water tap and a constant supply of ice at the self-serve bar (not a single-use plastic water bottle in sight!); the hammocks are perfectly placed on the balcony for reading (or a post-SUP nap in my case); each room has very comfortable mattresses and high quality linens; and the water heat and pressure in the rooms is sublime.

Most of all, I appreciated the complementary activities. I can't think of any other place in Rwanda where you don't have to rent a kayak or a SUP by the hour. At UMVA, you can float for as long as you want admiring the finesse of a Grosbeak Weaver nest while keeping an eye out for the cobalt flash of a Malachite Kingfisher. You might even be visited by a couple of friendly otters who latch onto your kayak on the way back to UMVA.

I came with a group of friends and plan to return ASAP, but would also consider this location a perfect setting for a wellness retreat of any kind or a solitary spot for someone needing to catch up on some reading...

Umva Muhazi is one of the well planned leisure and accommodation properties in Rwanda. It's a peaceful and beautiful drive from Kigali that takes up to a good two hours. Unlike several other lake side properties, there's only a two kilometer off road drive, which is well maintained.

Staff of all levels are well informed of the property facilities and they do not hesitate to provide you with a constructive feedback. The quality of construction and facilities have to be highlighted as each unit has it's own privacy and serenity.

The concept of the community dinner was the main event of the night and from where I speak, was well organized for the night of my stay. I was able to socialize personally as well as professionally with the other guests.

The six course meal consisted of Amuse-bouche, Soup, a cheese topped vegetable entrée, a local fruit sorbet, the main juicy filet mignon and a dessert. Foreign and Local Liquor and Beer are available at the restaurant. The meat was cooked to medium rare as per my requirements. The quality of meat used is in the steak is good when compared to other meat available in Rwanda.

The management and staff were very accepting of my recommendations when I conversed with them after the dinner. The concept of the property is fresh and the experience was...