Rwanda Tourism Developments
The growth in the tourism sector has over the years largely been linked to tourists visiting the Mountain Gorillas in the Virunga National Park. However, all this is changing as the government through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) started marketing Rwanda as a unique tourist destination that can be visited all-year round. Considerable efforts have been made in the Hospitality industry and new developments in the Lake Kivu region are becoming increasingly important for Rwanda.
Kigali City: In 2017, the World Travel Awards voted the Radisson Blu Hotel and Kigali Convention Centre, as Africa’s Leading Conference Facility.
Akagera National Park: Already present the following accommodation facilities: Ruzizi Tented Lodge***, Karenge Bush Camp*** both created by African Parks and more recently Magashi Camp***** created and managed by Wilderness Safaris.
See here the Magashi video.
- Mantis completed in 2020 the renovation of the Akagera Game Lodge. The Lodge has been renamed as "Mantis Akagera Game Lodge".
- Mantis has also opened in 2018 a new Luxury hotel outside the park near the northern entrance of Akagera National Park (Nyagatare): Mantis Epic Hotel & Suites.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park: In 2019 Rwanda Development board made an agreement with Wilderness Safaris to develop the activities in the Park. Gishwati Lodge is a project of Wilderness Safaris and it will be organized as a rustic adventure camp with 6 forest cottages.
Lake Kivu: Already present on Lake Kivu are Serena Lake Kivu**** (Rubavu), Cormoran Lodge*** (Karongi), Paradise Kivu*** a new resort which is an extension of Paradise Malahide** (Rubavu).
- Mantis opened in January 2020 Kivu Marina Bay Hotel**** (Ruzizi). This luxury hotel on Lake Kivu is close to Nyungwe National Park. It's located just 1km from Kamembe Airport in Ruzizi (Cyangugu).
- Mantis has also a new project for 2021 and will organize cruises on Lake Kivu with the Kivu Queen Uburanga, which will be the first floating luxury hotel in Rwanda.
- Congo Nile Trail: This is an itinerary created by Rwanda Development Board starting in Rubavu and ending in Rusizi, the journey takes about five days by bicycle and ten days on foot, although it is possible to do single stages. A fantastic immersion into local life and scenery, the Congo Nile Trail is a 227km itinerary which runs roughly parallel to the eastern shore of Lake Kivu.
- Relevant for Lake Kivu region is Kayaking in Karongi (Kibuye) and Rubavu (Gisenyi). Exploring the coastline of Lake Kivu by kayak is an excellent way to discover the exceptional scenery. Cycling activities exist in Rubavu (Gisenyi) and Karongi (Kibuye).
Nyungwe National Park: Canopy walkaway and the opening of the Luxury Nyungwe House***** by One and Only. In Ruzizi (Cyangugu) region, we note the opening of Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel**** which is certainly an asset for Nyungwe NP.
See here the One&Only video about Nyungwe House
Volcanoes National Park: A wide choice of luxury lodges are available outside the Park: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge****, Virunga Lodge**** and more recently Bishop’s House****, Amakoro Songa Lodge****, One and Only Gorillas’ Nest**** and Bisate Lodge***** (Wilderness Safaris).
See here the Wilderness video about Bisate Lodge.
New Toursim Activity in Volcanoes National Park: In 2021 Volcanoes National Park will realize a new milestone in Gorilla conservation with the opening of the new "Ellen Degeneres campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund". "The Ellen Fund" is supporting "The Dian Fossey Fund" to create a campus that will support : the longterm health and care of the Dian Fossey Fund, gorilla science, responsible tourism, and the needs of the local population. This campus will enhance the gorilla conservation efforts and the work started by Dian Fossey in 1967.
The campus is the new home for the Karisoke Research Centre and aims to inspire tourists, scientists, government partners, students and community members toward a lifetime of gorilla conservation.