The Retreat By Heaven

Overview

Urban calm, Rwandan soul

Tucked into a tranquil hillside neighborhood in Kigali, The Retreat by Heaven is a boutique eco-sanctuary that blends contemporary elegance with authentic Rwandan warmth. Designed and built by local craftspeople using natural, sustainable materials, this intimate hideaway features 11 luxury suites and 8 private pool villas – each with handcrafted furnishings, indoor and outdoor rain showers, and serene garden patios.

At the heart of the property are thoughtfully designed shared spaces: a saltwater infinity pool, open-air yoga deck and fitness center, spa pavilion, and two acclaimed restaurants – Fusion, offering globally inspired farm-to-table cuisine, and Heaven, known for its elevated Rwandan flavors and community-driven mission.

Experiences extend beyond the lodge walls with curated cultural immersions – walking and bike tours, local cooking classes, market visits, and guided explorations of Kigali’s creative and historical landmarks. It’s an ideal base to reset before or after gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s wild north.

Highlights

11 suites and 8 private pool villas
Two restaurants: Fusion and Heaven
Locally crafted design and eco-conscious ethos
Saltwater pool, spa, yoga deck, and fitness center
Kigali tours, cooking classes, and cultural experiences
Ideal pre- or post-safari stop, 25 minutes from the airport

When to go

Year Round

Experiences

Experiences off the beaten track.
Crafted for the bold + discerning.

Wellness Travel

Reconnect body, mind, and spirit in Africa’s wild sanctuaries with yoga under ancient trees, sunset spa rituals, and nature-infused stillness.

Gorilla Safaris

Step into the misty forests of East Africa for intimate moments with mountain gorillas, a rare encounter with power, grace and connection.

Luxury Safari Honeymoons

A honeymoon in Africa is a journey of shared wonder, where untamed beauty and thoughtful romance create something truly unforgettable.

Curated Packages

Signature journeys across Rwanda

Our expert team crafts journeys that transcend luxury. Each itinerary is shaped by the spirit of the land and the wisdom of its people — opening doors to experiences few can imagine, and even fewer will ever access.

All Year Round

16 DAYS

Ultimate East Africa Safari

Soar above the plains on Tanzania on a hot air balloon, walk wild trails on foot, and encounter Rwanda’s mountain gorillas face-to-face.

From

$36 932

per person

All Year Round

7 DAYS

Luxury Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda

This thrilling gorilla trekking safari takes you deep into the mountainous slopes of Rwanda to witness gorillas and other primates like never before.

From

$12 200

per person

Jan, Feb, Jun – Sept

5 DAYS

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Track Silverback mountain gorillas and encounter the rare golden monkey troop of the Volcanoes National Park on this Rwanda adventure.

From

$10 507

per person

Jan, Feb, Jun – Sept

13 DAYS

Gorilla Trekking, Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti

A luxury bucket list safari showcasing 4 iconic wildlife destinations in East Africa visiting Tanzania, Serengeti and Rwanda.

From

$28 533

per person

Take a seat beside the campfire, where untold stories rise with the smoke, legends live in the land, and luxury is part of the wild.

What our
Travelers say

South africa honeymoon

"Thank you for the best honeymoon we could’ve imagined! We spent 5 nights on safari at luxury lodges, followed by 3 nights in Cape Town, and ended our journey on a stunning private nature reserve. Everything ran seamlessly, and the team stayed in touch with us throughout. Words can’t describe how incredible the experience was."

Ilicia Manzi, New York, USA

south africa safari

"As a travel journalist who’s stayed at hundreds of hotels and worked with countless guides, I can confidently say Ker & Downey® Africa stands out. From handpicking exceptional properties to being available before 8am on a Saturday, their attention to detail and high-touch service made my South African journey seamless. I wouldn’t plan another trip to Africa without them."

Katie Jackson, New York, USA

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Accommodation