The perfect day at Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel
From coffee tasting to floating under the stars with singing fishermen, discover how a stay at Mantis Kivu Marina Bay allows you to truly slow down, and immerse yourself in local tradition, culture and community. On the shores of Lake Kivu in Rwanda, Mantis Kivu Marina Bay offers more than just beauty – it’s where your perfect day begins.
What makes a day at Mantis Kivu Marina Bay truly unforgettable? It’s not just the stunning views or the comfort of your room, it’s the way our community activities connect you to Rwanda’s culture. Whether learning about coffee on a nearby farm or boating on Lake Kivu with traditional fishermen, each experience reveals something meaningful. And the best part? You can do it all in just one day.
If you are an early riser or simply a lover of coffee, start your day with a journey that takes you deep into Rwanda’s coffee culture. This experience, led by tour operator Beyond the Gorillas Experience, is best enjoyed in the morning hours, giving you enough time to soak it all in.
Starting with a scenic drive from the hotel, this three-hour adventure takes you through lush farms in Buhondo and Karengera. Depending on the season, you might even pick ripe coffee cherries yourself (April to early June is coffee cherry picking season). At the washing station, you will witness the transformation: beans going through water, hand sorting and washing, and drying beds under the open sky. You will be invited to join a guided cupping session where local experts teach you how to notice the subtle notes, acidity and aroma of a perfect brew.Â
But this experience is about more than just taste. You will meet the community who welcome you with traditional dances and share how coffee has transformed their lives. There is even a chance to visit Rubirizi, where the very first coffee plant was introduced to Rwanda over a century ago.
Back at the hotel, the pace slows again. You can read by the pool, take a nap with your windows open to the lake, or stop by the spa for a massage. And as the afternoon fades into dusk, Lake Kivu transforms.
By 5:30 PM, as the sun starts to descend towards the horizon, Lake Kivu comes alive with sights and sounds of traditional fisherman heading out for their nightly catch – and you can join in the fun!Â
The night fishing experience begins just before sunset, when you are introduced to the fishermen who will be your hosts for the evening. After a briefing on what to expect by our friends at Beyond the Gorillas Experience, you will set out on the lake in a wooden canoe.
The next few hours are nothing short of magical. As the sky darkens, dozens of boats dot the lake, each glowing with lantern lights that attract fish. Fishermen sing traditional songs in rhythm as they paddle in unison, creating a beautiful harmony.Â
You will learn about the tools and techniques of lake fishing, and for the truly curious, there’s an early morning option to return at sunrise, just in time to see the fishermen pull in their nets and witness the outcome of the night’s work.Â
If you are searching for a place where every hour brings a new discovery, where you can learn and connect with a different culture, Mantis Kivu Marina Bay is waiting. Let your next adventure be one where you don’t just see Rwanda, but truly feel it.Â
Book your visit today here.
