Travel reviews by Ms M from Illinois

"This hotel was recommended to me by Expert Africa as I had a day and one night in Kigali before leaving for Ruhengeri. Serena is a very nice, high-end hotel with great service. However, there may be lower priced hotels that Expert Africa could suggest for a single night's stay."

"The service and staff were excellent, and while the rooms (bandas/cottages) were nice, they didn't start the fireplace for me when requested (and it was a cool night), and the en suite bathroom floor needed a bit of work (wood planks in front of sink were broken) and the coffee/tea maker provided in the room did not work. As I was staying only one night, I mentioned this to the lodge staff upon checkout.

The meal service is buffet style with plenty of choices and all very good."

"A friend and I stayed at Virunga Lodge in 2008 and were the only guests there at the time (off season), which was also before the major renovations that were made in 2010 (e.g. the en suite bathrooms were "rustic" in that they had no running water or flushing toilets in 2008 but they do now, and all on solar power). The dining area, which was also not there in 2008, is a great addition and makes socializing with other guests at dinner a nice treat. Because I found it such a wonderful place on my first visit, I chose to stay here again for second trip to see the incredible Mountain Gorillas, and I was not disappointed! Well done to the owners and staff at Virunga Lodge!"