Paradis Malahide Resort : Hotels in Gisenyi Rwanda
A beautiful rustic inspired resort situated in Gisenyi Rwanda and with stunning views of Lake Kivu. Paradis Malahide resort is a calm and peaceful mid-range accommodation facility with beautiful refreshing views making it one of the best places to stay while on your Rwanda safari. The resort features beautiful cottages, lush gardens, and a small beach situated just by the lakeside. Lake Kivu is one of Rwanda’s most popular rift valley lakes situated at an elevation of 1,500m which is the highest point of the East African rift valley. The beauty of the lake is best encountered in person and is a perfect destination for visitors to Rwanda looking to relax and unwind while enjoying the stunning views by the lakeside.
Lake Kivu
Paradis Malahide resort can be accessed from Kigali the capital city of Rwanda as well as from one of Rwanda’s famous national parks – Volcanoes National Park, home to the mountain gorillas. The resort is 157 kilometers from Kigali and is a 45 minute drive from Volcanoes National Park. Most visitors combine their visit to Paradis Malahide resort with the gorilla trekking adventure so they track the mountain gorillas then after transfer to Lake Kivu to relax and unwind.
Facilities and Services
Restaurant – The resort has a restaurant at the main area but it’s probably best to have the breakfast by the lakeside where the staff will set up for you nicely. You get to enjoy the breakfast while overlooking the lake as you listen to the beautiful songs sung by the fishermen every morning as they encourage the rowers in the dugout canoes after an entire night of fihing, such a beautiful experience! The restaurant serves a delicious breakfast accompanied by coffee or Rwandan tea, lunch and dinner. If you are a lover of fish be sure to order for the grilled tilapia fish while here.
Reception and Lounge Area – Paradis Malahide resort features a reception area and a lounge area under the same roof. The lounge area is beautifully decorated with volcanic rocks for the floor area and beautiful Ankara sofas made out of old canoes offering an authentic rustic feel. Guests who prefer to eat in enclosed areas can also have their meals served here. The reception area has a receptionist available and throughout your stay you can stop by in case you have any inquiries.
Bar – The resort has a well-stocked bar available at the property where you order drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The bar has an assortment of beers, wines and spirits.
Other services at the resort include Wi-Fi, laundry services and free ample parking space for vehicles.
Accommodation at Paradis Malahide Resort
Paradis Malahide has beautiful comfortable rooms that are cottage style with stunning views of Lake Kivu and the lush gardens. The rooms are 10 in total and these include double rooms, single rooms and twin rooms. If requested the resort can arrange to have triple rooms for guests who would like to share. The rooms are really basic but with a rustic feel as the floors and bathroom have been built with volcanic rocks and locally sourced materials.
Each room at Pardis Malahide resort consists of;
A strong locally sourced wooden bed with comfortable fresh clean linen.
En-suite bathroom with a shower that has hot running water, soap, a sink, a flushing toilet and bathroom slippers.
Mosquito net.
Two bamboo style chairs in the room.
A wooden wardrobe with a mirror.
Top things to while staying at Paradise Malahide resort
There are a number of activities that can make your stay at Paradise Malahide resort even more memorable. Top things to do while here include;
Boat ride on Lake Kivu – This is probably the best way to explore the beautiful and calm Lake Kivu. The boat ride is on a motorized dugout boat that involves exploring the lake as you pass by the small islands and also come across the local fishermen as they go about their day. The boat ride offers picturesque views of the rolling hills and surrounding lush vegetation on the lake shores. The guided boat ride is a perfect way to spend an afternoon while staying at Paradis Malahide.
Gorilla Trekking at Volcanoes National Park – You can also go on the mountain gorilla trekking adventure while staying at Paradis Malahide resort. The resort is a 45 minutes’ drive from Volcanoes National Park so you wake up as early as 4:30 am, have an early breakfast and then with your packed lunch start the journey to the Kinigi park headquarters with your driver guide. The drive to Volcanoes national park is scenic and gives you a glimpse into Gisenyi town, on arrival at the park headquarters where you meet your guide for a briefing session before setting out in to the jungle in search of the mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a worthwhile adventure that brings you closer to the gorillas in the deep jungles of Rwanda. Once you locate the gorillas you are allowed to spend one hour with them during which you can watch them and take photos.
Other activities to do while here include bird watching, swimming (although we rarely recommend swimming as there are chances of contracting bilharzia from the lake waters) and community visits.
Recommended Tours
4 Day Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
