Our Stay at the Paradis Malahide

From Volcanoes National Park we traveled to a town called Gisenyi. It’s been given another name in this post-genocide era, but most people still refer to it by Gisenyi. Gisenyi sits at the northern end of Lake Kivu. We’d been to the southern end earlier in the year. It must be said that the southern end is much more beautiful and less development than this area but Gisenyi still has its attributes. We stayed at a little place called the Paradis Malahide about 6 km south of the town itself. It’s a quirky little place nestled among the volcanic rocks that line the lake’s shore. Although our accommodations weren’t the greatest given that we were housed in the “apartments” and could hear all of the stirrings of the guests above us, the free standing rondavels offered more privacy and seclusion from the noise of other guests. There is a small, well-maintained beach with lounge chairs under palm umbrellas. The bird life is extraordinary as the place is well frequented by kingfishers, ibises, waxbills, cormorants, etc. The kids had a great time chasing waves and birds. We parents were able to relax and soak up some rays. Evenings are chilly and the staff lights a fire in a huge fire pit in the lounge where visitors gather to have a drink and converse before dinner. Dinner costs extra but breakfast is part of the room package. Breakfast is served out in the “gardens” which have a view unto the lake. It consists of rounds of toast with butter and homemade pineapple spread, eggs cooked to your specifications, true French style crepes, fruit, tea and coffee all served in wooden and clay vessels. It is hands-down the best breakfast we’ve ever had in Rwanda. We felt like kings as the staff just kept shuttling dishes from the kitchen to our table non-stop. Having breakfast served to us in such a setting was indeed akin to paradise. Upon our departure, the owner, Odette, exquisitely dressed in African garb, handed us two packages to take with us. One contained enough crepes for all of us to nibble on in the car and the other was a container of the home-made pineapple spread we had oooh and aahhed over. So you can imagine that we highly recommend the Paradis Malahide. Just ask for the rondavel if you stay there. Above: Bird's eye view of breakfast before the arrival of eggs and crepes. Bates Clan having lunch in the gardens of Paradise.