Explore luxurious life in East Africa on the Land of a thousand Hills (Rwanda). Years ago, Rwanda was primarily known for only mountain gorilla trekking for visitors. As per today, the country consists of several Eco-luxury travels for visitors. These include exclusive wildlife and conservation, world class luxury lodging, Luxurious life in the capital (Kigali city).

1. Exclusive wildlife and conservation in Rwanda.

Today the country is quoted as the “Land of a thousand Hills” due to its diverse conservation areas surrounding the country. Rwanda offers an extremely diverse wildlife experience across its different volcanic, rainforest, and Savannah environments. This allocates that Rwanda is one of Africa’s countries with rich and abundant wildlife for travelers in East Africa. Rwanda protects its rich wildlife across four major national parks which features savannah, dense mountain rainforests, water bodies and volcanic slopes which range from Big Five habitats to home ranges for endangered apes. National parks include Akagera, Volcanoes, Nyungwe Forest and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks.

• Akagera National Park. This is located in eastern region of Rwanda hugging borders with Tanzania. The park is a premier destination of wild habitats (Big Five) due to its wide woodland and grassland savannas sheltering Rwanda’s wild animals. The big five include Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Leopards and Rhinos. The park is a home to over 12000 large mammals (Zebras, Giraffes, Antelopes, Bush babies, Warthogs among others. The above animals support both day and night game drives in the park.
• Volcanoes National Park. It is located in the Virunga Mountains in northwestern region of Rwanda. The park is famous for its two endangered primates that is to say gorillas and golden monkeys. It is a home to approximately 300 to 380 mountain gorillas supporting nearly half of the entire Virunga population representing roughly 30% of the worldwide mountain gorilla population. It is also a premier destination for Volcano hiking and visits to Diany Fossey’s tomb. This marks gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and hiking as the major activities for tourists in Rwanda.

          Luxury gorilla permits; Apart from the standard gorilla permit of US$ 1500, 30% discount US$ 1,050 (visiting Akagera or Nyungwe national parks in November- May for 3+ days) and 15% discounts US$ 1,275 for international conference attendees staying pre- or post-event, there are some new packages introduced for luxurious visitors and these include: US$ 15,000 for those book an entire gorilla family for a private group with a dedicated guide,US$ 30,000 for a minimum total of three visitors for 3 consecutive days.

• Nyungwe National Park. The park is a top luxury destination because it combines ultra-exclusive lodging, premium wildlife and adventures. It is located in southwestern region of Rwanda in Rusizi district near the border of Burundi. The park is mainly famous for its rare endangered primates (Chimpanzees) hosted in Nyungwe’s rainforests. The park is a home of over 400 to 500 chimpanzees with two fully habituated communities. The park only offers the tracking experience (1 hour with chimps) to visitors. The park has exclusive lodging and facilities with world-class designs, fine dining and spa treatments.Premium Wildlife and Adventures include private or small-group guided chimpanzee trekking in the rainforests, the famous 70-meter-high canopy walk offering private point of view of the forest.

• Lake Kivu. This lies in western Rwanda with fresh waters featuring emerald-green waters, volcanic mountain backdrops, and premier high-end resorts. It provides peaceful relaxations to travelers after gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The lake features luxury five-star hotels like Mantis Kivu Marina Bay hotel, LUX* Lake Kivu, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Cleo Lake Kivu hotel among others. The lake features exclusive experiences like private Boat Cruises which enable access to Napoleon’s Island or Peace Island, Water Sports like guided kayaking and paddle-boarding, Wellness & Spa: Enjoy lakeside massages and wellness therapies at lake resorts.

2. World class luxury lodging in Rwanda.

If it comes to world class and luxury accommodation for holiday makers, Rwanda is one of the best in East Africa. The country features several luxury accommodations ranging from high-end to ultra in different areas. Key areas include national parks, Kigali capital city. Rates for the following accommodations range from $180 to $4000 per person per night.

• Singita Kwitonda Lodge: Located at the border of Volcanoes national park offering remarkable views of Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes. The lodge features eight ultra suites each one with fully necessary amenities.
• Wilderness Bisate: It is a 5-star luxury Eco-lodge located at the edge of Volcanoes national park. The lodge is designed in the shape of King’s palace with only six thatched forest cottages each one offering all necessary facilities for travelers.
• One & only Nyungwe house: Located in Nyungwe national park bordered by a mountainous rainforest. It features 22 deluxe rooms and suites with an infinity pool, a boma fire pit and a wellness spa.
• Wilderness Magashi camp: It is a luxury 5-star safari camp located in the northeastern corner of Akagera National Park in Rwanda. It features exclusive tented suites, an infinity pool, and a fire pit, offering access to Rwanda’s restored Big Five population.
• One & only gorilla’s nest: It is an ultra-luxury resort set in a green rainforest at the slopes of Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda. It serves as an ultra-luxury base for travelers going for mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda. This safari lodge offers a dedicated One&Only Spa, gym facilities and relaxation spaces.
• Hemingways Retreat Kigali: This is a 5-star boutique hotel located in the capital city (Kigali). The hotel features 20 luxury suites each one with a pool villa for high privacy.
• The Pinnacle Kigali: It is an ultra-5-star hotel located on a 3.2-acre hilltop estate in Rebero Kigali city. The hotel features only nine styled suites, a salty water infinity pool and the Ishami rooftop restaurant.
• Lake Kivu Serena hotel: This 5-star resort is located on the shores of Lake Kivu in Gisenyi with 66 lake facing rooms offering scenic views of the Virunga volcanoes.
• Mantis Kivu Marina Bay hotel: The hotel offers breathtaking views over Lake Kivu from its hilltop location. Guests can enjoy exciting water activities, tea and coffee tastings at some of the best plantations in Africa. The hotel is a hot spot for travelers in the nearby Nyungwe National Park.
• Cleo Lake Kivu hotel: Located on the scenic shores of Lake Kivu in Kibuye, Rwanda. The hotel features an infinity pool, full servicing spa, fitness center, guest activities like boat rides where visitors get a chance to explore local highlands. It features 14 luxury suites designed with volcanic stones with lake-view balconies.
• Kigali Serena hotel: This luxury 5-star hotel is located in the heart of Rwanda’s capital (Kigali) just five minutes from the Central Business District and about 20 minutes from Kigali International Airport. It is a central heart for luxury travelers in Rwanda.
• Raddison Blu hotel: This is a premier 5-star luxury and conference hotel located in the heart of Kigali, Rwanda. It is commonly celebrated for its direct connection to the memorial Kigali Convention Center. It is located just 5 kilometers from both the city center and Kigali International Airport. It serves as a central hub for business delegates and luxury travelers.

3. Luxurious Kigali city.

It is the capital city of Rwanda. It is one of the top beautiful, nice looking and smartest cities in Africa due to its modern digital infrastructures and clean urban planning. The city offers top-quality care, comfort, and unique experiences to the guests. The city features exclusive neighborhoods like Nyarutarama (known as the “golf district,” featuring deluxe villas), Kiyovu (high-end/upscale community favored by luxury seekers), Kimihurura (a colorful area hosting high-end apartments, fine dining, and scenic hilltop views). The city is a home of several world class luxury accommodations featuring all luxury amenities. These include 5-star hotels like the Pinnacle Kigali, Raddison Blu hotel, Hemingways Retreat Kigali, Kigali Serena hotel among others which offer top quality care and comfort to visitors. The city is also full of luxury eateries/restaurants such as Kozo Kigali, Le Petit Chalet, Inzora rooftop café commonly known for African coffee.