UMVA Muhazi

Lake Muhazi, Rwamagana, Rwanda
Simple Luxuries: Lakefront Adventure and Locavore Dining

Adventurous outings, farm-to-fork dining, and memorable communal experiences combine with sustainable tourism practices on a virgin lakeside teeming with birds and plant life, in a little-known landscape in Rwanda. If that’s not motivation enough to explore this newly minted, waterfront eco-lodge, add to the list the moxie of its young, entrepreneurial founders who constructed and launched their project despite the pandemic, using all-local materials and labor.

UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels

Named for a Kinyarwanda word meaning 'listen, feel, taste' that is used frequently in conversation by Rwandans to capture someone’s attention, this thoughtful, new small luxury hotel in Rwanda indeed demands that travelers take notice. A youthful, contemporary version of the luxurious, waterfront hotel, the property is made up of a series of freestanding, design-forward structures. It’s one part boutique hotel; one part eco-lodge and conference center, and one part locavore dining destination.

Created by young entrepreneurs to attract similarly young, active travelers with a taste for adventure, a passion for nature and design, and a love of good food around shared tables, UMVA began when an initial trip to the lake found the lodge’s owners looking for a place to stay. Knowing they’d return, their initial idea was to build a private lake house. But their vision soon expanded, ultimately creating over 600 local jobs, almost half of which were filled by women, to complete the eco lodge using almost entirely locally-sourced materials.

Built of beautifully textured waves of local rammed earth joined by glass, steel and native woods, the modern cabanas sit perched over the water and feature walls of windows, bold geometric rooflines, and two-story volumes designed for maximum comfort in a minimal footprint. Each one is sleek and stylish—ultra influencer-styled and design mag-worthy—with lofted beds, solar power, lakeview decks, elemental furnishings and textiles by local artisans. The property also features an open-air lounge, outdoor yoga studio, and a dedicated creative studio space designed for conferences or workshops.

Fueled by the philosophy that food brings people together, UMVA’s signature experience is its compulsory, garden-to-fork communal dining service. A multi-course, multi-sensory dinner created by the property’s Master Chef, each evening’s meal is crafted from locally-sourced ingredients, some grown on site, that offer a culinary exploration of Rwanda’s varied ecosystems.


AROUND

This small luxury hotel in Rwanda is located on Lake Muhazi. Located about an hour and half from Kigali, Rwanda’s largest city, Lake Muhazi is a largely unexplored area of the country, a short drive from Akagera National Park and Umusambi Bird Village in the Great Rift Valley. An off-the-beaten track destination, Rwanda lies just south of the equator, and the landlocked country is known as “the land of a thousand hills". 

Home to astounding biodiversity and perhaps best known for its magnificent gorillas, Rwanda boasts four national parks with epic scenery, the territories of iconic species such as chimpanzees, golden monkeys, brightly colored birds, glorious butterflies, orchids, and rich plant life. Adventurers to Lake Muhazi will be rewarded by abundant plant and animal life, including 50 species of nesting birds around its shores, and some 2,000 local plant species. 

The lodge offers multiple on-site adventure experiences ranging from relaxing yoga to thrilling mountain bike rides. Tour kayaking and SUPs are available for getting out on the lake’s smooth waters, and there’s a clay tennis court and planned outings into local Rwamagana communities.


LOCATION

Lake Muhazi, Kabare, Rwamagana, Rwanda. Nearest airport: Kigali (90 mins).


BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to May for green landscapes and clear skies. June through August are the hottest months.

 
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UMVA Muhazi
Lake Muhazi, Rwamagana, Rwanda
UMVA Muhazi
Lake Muhazi, Rwamagana, Rwanda
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UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
UMVA Muhazi - Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Rwanda | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels | small luxury hotels, boutique hotels
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UMVA Muhazi
Lake Muhazi, Rwamagana, Rwanda
A Portal to Adventure

Adventurous outings, farm-to-fork dining, and memorable communal experiences combine with sustainable tourism practices on a virgin lakeside teeming with birds and plant life.

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2 guests
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Inquire to book entire property
Pod 0 Br 1 Ba Sleeps 2 Min 1 nights
from $149 /nt
The Pod has a front-facing view of the lake, with one king bed that can be split. It has a private terrace and bathroom that's optimized for wellness.
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Internet Available in common areas
Bedrooms 0
Bed Type 1 king or 2 twins
Bathrooms 1
Accommodates 2
Kid-Friendly Not kid-friendly
Pet Friendly No pets allowed
Min. Stay 1 nights
Check-In 4:00PM
Check-Out 11:00AM
Tax 18.00 % for total rate
Sec. Deposit 100.00%
Sec. Deposit Due Deposit amount required with booking via BH. BH pays the owner the deposit with the rental fee payment on payout date
Sec. Deposit Returned Refund of deposit by owner within 7 days after stay
Cancellation Policy Moderate
The guest will receive a refund if the booking is canceled at least 30 days before the start of the stay. If the guest cancels 14-30 days before the start of the stay, they will receive a 50% refund. If they cancel within 14 days of the start of the stay, no refund will be given. All refunds are subject to a credit card fee of up to 3.5%.
Covid-19 Policy
Only in the event the cancellation is a direct result of the pandemic (government orders the stoppage of vacation rentals or the authorities decide to restrict travel from the country of origin or to the country where the property is located), guests will be given the opportunity to receive full credit for their reservation if they rebook within one year. If the guest is unable to take the credit, the guest will receive a full refund if the booking is canceled at least 14 days before the arrival date. If the guest cancels 1 -14 days before the start of the stay they will receive a 50% refund. If they cancel within 24 hours of the stay, no refund will be given.

UMVA offers a multi-course community dinner every night at 7PM. We do not offer alternatives. If you show up late, only your main course will be offered. UMVA does not offer room service, but does offer a self-service bar.

Request to book
Birdhouse 0 Br 1 Ba Sleeps 2 Min 1 nights
from $149 /nt
There are four birdhouses in total, each with a lofted bedroom and bathroom, perfect for couples or solo travelers. Recommended for travelers who can climb stairs and don't mind heights.
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Bedrooms 0
Bed Type 1 king
Bathrooms 1
Accommodates 2
Kid-Friendly Not kid-friendly
Pet Friendly No pets allowed
Min. Stay 1 nights
Check-In 4:00PM
Check-Out 11:00AM
Tax 18.00 % for total rate
Sec. Deposit $0
Sec. Deposit Due No security deposit required
Sec. Deposit Returned Refund of deposit by owner at checkout
Cancellation Policy Moderate
The guest will receive a refund if the booking is canceled at least 30 days before the start of the stay. If the guest cancels 14-30 days before the start of the stay, they will receive a 50% refund. If they cancel within 14 days of the start of the stay, no refund will be given. All refunds are subject to a credit card fee of up to 3.5%.
Covid-19 Policy
Only in the event the cancellation is a direct result of the pandemic (government orders the stoppage of vacation rentals or the authorities decide to restrict travel from the country of origin or to the country where the property is located), guests will be given the opportunity to receive full credit for their reservation if they rebook within one year. If the guest is unable to take the credit, the guest will receive a full refund if the booking is canceled at least 14 days before the arrival date. If the guest cancels 1 -14 days before the start of the stay they will receive a 50% refund. If they cancel within 24 hours of the stay, no refund will be given.

UMVA offers a multi-course community dinner every night at 7PM. We do not offer alternatives. If you show up late, only your main course will be offered. UMVA does not offer room service, but does offer a self-service bar.

Request to book
Bungalow 1 Br 1 Ba Sleeps 4 Min 1 nights
from $249 /nt
The Bungalow has one bedroom, a living room with dining table, one bathroom, with two patio decks.
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Internet Yes
Bedrooms 1
Bed Type 1 king, 1 king sofa bed
Bathrooms 1
Accommodates 4
Kid-Friendly Not kid-friendly
Pet Friendly No pets allowed
Min. Stay 1 nights
Check-In 4:00PM
Check-Out 11:00AM
Tax 18.00 % for total rate
Sec. Deposit Due No security deposit required
Sec. Deposit Returned Refund of deposit by owner at checkout
Cancellation Policy Moderate
The guest will receive a refund if the booking is canceled at least 30 days before the start of the stay. If the guest cancels 14-30 days before the start of the stay, they will receive a 50% refund. If they cancel within 14 days of the start of the stay, no refund will be given. All refunds are subject to a credit card fee of up to 3.5%.
Covid-19 Policy
Only in the event the cancellation is a direct result of the pandemic (government orders the stoppage of vacation rentals or the authorities decide to restrict travel from the country of origin or to the country where the property is located), guests will be given the opportunity to receive full credit for their reservation if they rebook within one year. If the guest is unable to take the credit, the guest will receive a full refund if the booking is canceled at least 14 days before the arrival date. If the guest cancels 1 -14 days before the start of the stay they will receive a 50% refund. If they cancel within 24 hours of the stay, no refund will be given.

UMVA offers a multi-course community dinner every night at 7PM. We do not offer alternatives. If you show up late, only your main course will be offered. UMVA does not offer room service, but does offer a self-service bar.

Request to book

3 Accommodation(s)

Pod
0 BR | 1 BA | SLEEPS 2
From $149 / nt - 1 nt min.
Available
from $149 /nt
Birdhouse
0 BR | 1 BA | SLEEPS 2
From $149 / nt - 1 nt min.
Available
from $149 /nt
Bungalow
1 BR | 1 BA | SLEEPS 4
From $249 / nt - 1 nt min.
Available
from $249 /nt
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