Serenity
Serenity
Experience the beauty of Chez Drocella Eglantine Lodge before you arrive.
Chez Drocella Eglantine Lodge offers more than just a place to stay; it provides an authentic experience. Its African-inspired design, art, and decor create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making it one of Rwanda’s finest lodges for comfort and cultural charm.
Chez Drocella Eglantine Lodge is a distinguished retreat in the south of Rwanda, nestled within the natural landscape surrounding Nyanza. Situated opposite Lake Nyamagana and embraced by mature trees, the lodge offers open views of Mount Gacu and the gentle hills of the region. Just a few minutes from the town centre, guests are welcomed to thoughtfully appointed rooms defined by African-inspired art and carefully selected traditional textiles.
The historic King’s Palace is located nearby and stands as an important testament to Rwanda’s heritage. Within the lodge itself, guests experience local culture through carefully curated evenings of music, dance and storytelling around the campfire, or explore the hiking and cycling paths just beyond the doorstep.
A stay at Chez Drocella blends nature, culture, and comfort — with unforgettable views, meaningful nearby experiences, and warm evenings under the stars.
Nestled among majestic, mature trees, the lodge unfolds a unique atmosphere of tranquility and natural openness.
Views of Mount Gacu and the surrounding hills offer impressive scenery. Picturesque walking and nature trails begin just steps away.
The historic King’s Palace is only a few minutes away and can easily be combined with your stay. Visit royalnyanza.com.
At our lodge, guests experience special moments with music, dance, and storytelling around the bonfire.
Guests have the opportunity to visit local families in the surrounding countryside, step onto their farms, and experience daily life up close.
Discover traditional customs, observe time-honored farming practices, and take part in the preparation of local dishes — an authentic cultural encounter that offers rare and meaningful insight into rural life in Rwanda.
Guests are warmly invited to visit the nearby kindergarten and primary school and experience everyday learning in Rwanda in a respectful and meaningful way.
Through songs, poems, interactive games, and open exchange, visitors gain insight into the Rwandan approach to education — one shaped by community, creativity, and mutual respect.
Explore culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes — all within easy reach of the lodge.
One of Africa’s finest ethnographic collections, the Ethnographic Museum offers a fascinating insight into Rwanda’s history, culture, and traditions.
Spread across seven thoughtfully curated galleries, visitors discover historical artefacts, art, and everyday objects that bring Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage vividly to life.
An inspiring and enriching cultural excursion, easily combined with a stay at our lodge.
Two of the region’s most beautiful hiking routes — the Royal Trail and the Big View Trail — pass directly alongside our grounds, making it easy to step into the landscape and history of Nyanza.
Royal Trail (10 km)
A cultural circular route leading to the most significant sites of Rwanda’s royal heritage — connecting historic palaces, the traditional Inyambo cattle, and authentic life in Nyanza.
Big View Trail (8 km)
A panoramic route with impressive views over Lake Nyamagana and the surrounding hills, including a sweeping 360° viewpoint at its highest point.
Other routes, such as the Gatagara Trail and the Richard Kandt Trail, further invite visitors to discover nature, history, and meaningful encounters with local life.
Nyungwe National Park lies in southwest Rwanda and is a vast area of mountain rainforest, home to chimpanzees and a wide variety of monkeys.
Highlights include the Canopy Walkway (near the Igishigishigi Trail) and trails leading to the Kamiranzovu Marsh with its birdlife, orchids, and waterfalls.
Discover Rwanda’s coffee culture on a visit to a local coffee roastery — from the lush green hills of the plantations to freshly roasted beans.
Experience each step that transforms carefully grown cherries into some of Africa’s finest coffee — authentic, personal, and engaging all your senses.
Located near our lodge, the Gatagara pottery workshop is known for handcrafted ceramics made from the region’s high-quality clay — shaped by hand and rooted in tradition.
A visit offers an authentic insight into this beautiful craft and the people who continue to keep it alive.
Lake Kivu near Kibuye enchants visitors with crystal-clear freshwater, gentle rolling hills, and an atmosphere of remarkable tranquility.
Boat rides, shoreline walks, and sweeping views make this destination ideal for a relaxing day trip — a place to unwind, breathe deeply, and enjoy the moment.
