rwanda tourism institute

OUR HISTORY

OUR BACKGROUND

The UNIVERSITY OF TOURISM, TECHNOLOGY AND BUSINESS STUDIES (UTB), is a center of excellence for vocational and technical training in the hotel, tourism, business, and information technology that commenced its programs in January 2006 under the name RWANDA TOURISM INSTITUTE (RTI). The institute later changed its name to become a University in the name of “RWANDA TOURISM UNIVERSITY COLLEGE (RTUC)” which also changed later on in 2013 as “The UNIVERSITY OF TOURISM, TECHNOLOGY AND BUSINESS STUDIES (UTB)” accommodate the growing brand and new University academic programs. The University received accreditation from the Ministry of Education to award degree programs in June 2012 after undergoing a successful audit process carried out in March 2012 by the same Ministry, through the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).

The University offers degree programs and short vocational and technical courses in the above-mentioned fields. UTB has two campuses; Kigali as Head Office is located in the NIBOYE sector of Kicukiro district and currently operates in ININDI HOUSE near SONATUBES, and Gisenyi Campus in Gisenyi Sector, Rubavu District at Former S t Fidele Institute.

OUR PROGRAMS

UTB offers academic programs in the areas of Hospitality, Tourism, Business and Information Technology on different levels;

• Bachelor’s programs
• Diploma programs
• Certificate programs
• International Certifications Programs

As far as international certification programs done at UTB, the university is accredited training and testing center for IATA, ICDL, CISCO, CPA and other KASNEB program.

UTB has developed new partnerships to strengthen quality in research, teaching and other academic services. The partnership with African Network for Internationalization of Education (ANIE) and Journal of Research Innovation and Implication in Education (JRIIE) will strengthen research, while our recent collaboration with Han University of Applied Science, Netherlands, and Kyungdong University (KPU) of South Korea will be helpful in boosting the faculty of Business and Information Technology through establishment of a strong IT Academy, exchange programs of academic staff, students and researchers. In June 2016 we joined International Association of Hotel Schools (EUHOFA) during a Utalii College-hosted conference in Kenya. UTB also established a relationship with AviaAssist to run aviation safety related courses and AviaAssist will establish its center of excellence at UTB.

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University of tourism, technology and business studies (utb).

The University of Tourism, Technology, and Bussiness Studies (UTB) is a center of excellence for vocational and technical training in the hotel, tourism, business, and information technology that commenced its programs in January 2006 under the name Rwanda Tourism Institute (RTI). The institute later changed its name to become a University in the names of “Rwanda Tourism University College (RTUC)” which also changed later on in 2013 to “The University Of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies (UTB)” to accommodate the growing brand and new University academic programs.

The University received accreditation from the Ministry of Education to award degree programs in June 2012 after undergoing a successful audit process carried out in March 2012 by the same Ministry, through the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).

The University offers degree programs and short vocational and technical courses in the above-mentioned fields. UTB has two campuses. Kigali Campus as Head Office is located in the NIBOYE sector of Kicukiro District and currently operates in ININDI HOUSE near SONATUBES, while Gisenyi Campus in Gisenyi Sector, Rubavu District at the Former St Fidele Institute.

As far as international certification programs are done at UTB, the university is an accredited training and testing center for IATA, ICDL, CISCO, CPA, and other KASNEB programs.

UTB is committed to spearheading the advancement of education through quality teaching, learning, research, consultancy, and service to the community by preparing graduates to meet the needs of Rwanda, the sub-region, and the global community.

To become a center of excellence in the region for the quality of academic programs and to be a solution provider for the training of professionals in the area of hospitality, tourism, Business  Studies, Information Technology, Arts, and Social Sciences.

CORE VALUES

UTB seeks to foster personal and professional growth in a conducive environment that values cultural diversity and cultivates the awareness of ethical issues, fairness, entrepreneurship, competitiveness, and social responsibility.

Offering guidance to students on the improvement of academic performance. Exposing students to the current labor market psychology in relation to the expectations of employers on entry-level candidates

WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES

UTB is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally.

• International focus– our students come from across the globe
• Residential programs– Is available at Gisenyi Campus
• Laboratories&research center– By creating new knowledge

• Meet in Rwanda
• Gorilla Gram
• Easter Offers
• Practical Information
• Book A Trip
• Partnerships

Destinations

• National Parks

Akagera National Park

Nyungwe National Park

Volcanoes National Park

Gishwati Mukura National Park

• Responsible Tourism

Gorilla Tracking

Primate Tracking

Birdwatching

• Culture & Heritage

Museums & Art Galleries

Festivals & events, rwandan culture and traditions.

• Sports & Adventure

Canopy Walkway

Helicopter Tours & Transfers

Plan a Trip

• Trade Resources

Visit Rwanda Now

Rwanda lies just south of the Equator, in the heart of Africa. In the space of a week, it™s possible to experience an extraordinary range of wildlife and landscapes thanks to the country™s relatively small size and biodiversity.

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Gishwati Mukura

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Photo Credit : Annabel Illingworth

œIn the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat, wrote the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey, œare great, old volcanoes towering almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest – the Virungas.

The Volcanoes National Park fall on one side of the Virunga Massif, home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and much more.

Rwanda is easy to explore by car. The popular circuit between the national parks passes through magnificent scenery, with a new vista and warm smiles greeting travelers around every corner.

Culture & Heritage

Warm and friendly, Rwandans are also respectful, thoughtful and committed to the idea of progress, starting at the grass roots and running all the way to the top.

From the ancient kingdom to the modern day, creativity is something to be celebrated, whether through traditional dance, unique architecture or works of art.

Sport & Adventure

The land of a thousand hills can be explored in any manner of ways – by foot, cycle, kayak and car.

For an aerial view, there’s a canopy walkway across the rainforest, helicopter tours and even tandem flights by paramotor.

Sports & Adventure

Ethnographic Museum

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Enabling ambitious businesses across Rwanda to thrive

View page in Kinyarwanda

We equip ambitious entrepreneurs and managers in Rwanda with the skills and practical tools to grow their businesses, teams and careers.

We offer fully virtual programmes in Kinyarwanda and English to enable you to overcome the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 crisis.

Connect with us

Entrepreneurship Programmes

AMI Rwanda offers sponsored programmes for entrepreneurs in the tourism and hospitality sector as well as the creative industry to support businesses to navigate the unexpected challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

During the programme, the participants learn how to manage reduced revenue and cash flow, supply chain disruptions, remote working, and how to build resilience for their businesses.

The fully covered virtual programmes on offer include:

Set Up for Growth Micro-Enterprise Accelerator Take Your Business Online

Workplace Learning Programmes

Empower your team to succeed in Rwanda’s growing hospitality and tourism sector as you take their performances to the next level with blended programmes on core professional skills such as personal productivity, planning communication and team-work.

Inspiring Managers Thrive at Work

OUR CLIENTS AND PARTNERS

Testimonials and Stories

Inspired Managers Keep Rwanda’s Hospitality and Tourism Industry Flying High

Joella Muhimpundu

Cooking up business dreams in rwanda.

Acumen, for managers at its investee companies

Partnering with an impact investor to equip managers across africa, meet the team.

We’re a group of passionate and dedicated professionals who are committed to providing our clients with the best possible service. We’re always looking for new ways to improve, and we’re always willing to go the extra mile. We’re excited to work with you!

Rhadia Mutoni

Accounts Assistant

Sonia Umutoniwase

Learner Success Manager

Melissa Umutoni

Josiane Tuyishime

Learner Success Associate

Gloria Uwera

Partnerships Associate

Elysee Confiance

Digital Marketing Specialist

Jean Rene Hakizimana

Junior Product Manager

Isabelle Sindayirwanya

Marketing and Sourcing Manager

Malik Shaffy

Country Manager

Senior Programme Manager

Naissa Umutoni Karekezi

Business Development Supervisor

Elvine Binamungu

Programme Director

Learning is a journey, we travel with you.

AMI’s learning mobile phone application, AMI Learn, provides all of our programme participants and communities the learning-on-the-go platform that complements our blended learning experiences.

Watch the journey

AMI Learn is the essential business and management learning tool for Africa’s ambitious businesses, entrepreneurs, and managers. The app is the complete travel companion for African Management Institute’s (AMI) programme participants and learning communities.

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BK partners with AMI to train employees with new strategic skills and graduates over 200 staff

As a financial institution looking to improve the quality and profitability of its assets, the Bank of Kigali (BK) joined hands with the African Management Institute (AMI) to foster a productive and employee-focused workplace. 

AMI Celebrates the Tourism and Hospitality Sector’s Impact in Rwanda

Rwanda’s tourism and hospitality industry has been experiencing significant transformation and growth, providing high potential for employment opportunities to young Rwandans. AMI’s unique approach to entrepreneurship and business management training has been preparing businesses and their workforces for any challenging situation, enabled them to seize growth opportunities, and rethink tourism.

The Development Bank of Rwanda and African Management Institute Enable Rwandan Businesses to be Resilient to Risk

Following the training, 94% of them reported an increase in revenue, 79% reported an increase in profit and 68% reported to have created jobs.

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Kigali Campus - Rwanda

We have been invited by the Government of Rwanda through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to set up TIEA. Preparations are in high gear to get the Tourism Institute of East Africa Rwanda Campus opened in Kigali. For students and trainees who plan to enroll at the Tourism Institute of East Africa in Kigali, Rwanda please, contact the Main Campus in Kampala, Uganda at the address below for more details:

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Rwanda Economic Update: Nature-based Tourism Holds Tremendous Economic Potential

KIGALI, February 21, 2023— The Rwandan economy continued to achieve strong growth in 2022 despite global headwinds and an unprecedented increase in food prices, according to the 20 th edition of the Rwanda Economic Update report released today.

Rwanda’s GDP grew by 8.4 percent in the first three quarters of 2022, after reaching 11 percent in 2021. Growth was spurred by the services sector, especially the revival of tourism, leading to the improvement of employment indicators to levels similar to those at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.

However, rising food prices may have exacerbated poverty and food insecurity, according to the Rwanda Economic Update. The increase in international commodity prices, related to the war in Ukraine combined with the poor harvest in Rwanda, have led to substantial increases in energy, transport, and food prices, with urban inflation rising to 21.7 percent in November 2022. Rising food prices particularly affected the poor, who devote a large share of their spending to food and appear to have faced higher food inflation than richer households did. Measures adopted by the government to mitigate the effects of inflation over the past year include an increase in subsidies (primarily on fuels, fertilizers, seeds, and public transit), increased spending on social protection, and increases in teachers’ salaries, as well as government contributions to school feeding programs.

“While the authorities have taken several measures to mitigate the impact of inflation on households, further steps are required to protect the poor and vulnerable from the impact of rising food prices as well as to strengthen policies to address food insecurity and prevent child stunting,” according to Peace Aimee Niyibizi, World Bank Economist.

Going forward, Rwanda’s economy is projected to expand at a slower pace in 2023-2025. While tourism is likely to continue to recover, external demand is likely to weaken as a result of a major increase in interest rates by the central bank to reduce inflation.

In its special focus on “Making the Most of Nature-Based Tourism in Rwanda”, the report provides a thorough analysis of challenges and opportunities in the nature-based tourism sector in Rwanda.

Nature-based tourism holds tremendous potential for creating employment and spurring economic growth in Rwanda. But to fully use that opportunity, innovative actions would be needed to mobilize more resources, beyond government budget, and enhance private sector participation to protect natural assets and develop appropriate infrastructure said Rolande Pryce, World Bank Country Manager for Rwanda.

Tourism is a major source of Rwanda’s foreign exchange earnings and tends to generate a higher proportion of formal sector jobs than other sectors. Within the tourism sector, nature-based tourism, which accounts for 80 percent of leisure and business visitors in Rwanda, not only helps protect biodiversity and advance Rwanda’s efforts to adapt to climate change, but also plays an important role in job creation: for every $1 million (about Rwf 1,050 million) that nature-based tourism activities inject into the economy, it is estimated that an additional 1,328 new jobs could be created.   

The report notes that nature-based tourism in Rwanda faces significant challenges, including potential limits on the expansion of revenues for one of the primary international attractions (gorilla trekking), degradation of the natural assets, risks presented by infectious diseases, land degradation, and overexploitation of natural resources, and the impact of climate change.

Investment requirements to address challenges hampering the development of nature-based tourism in Rwanda are estimated at $97.5-107.7 million for the period from 2019 through 2030. The Update recommends accelerating efforts to secure private sector participation in financing and operating nature-based tourism facilities by introducing innovative financing methods, as well as strengthening capacity and the management of tourism facilities and services.

Efforts are required to enhance revenue sharing mechanisms and increase incentives for local communities to conserve natural assets and unlock new opportunities for community-led enterprises that generate revenue from tourism and sustainable management of natural resources, including forests. This is essential to address poverty, to mitigate poaching threats and other illegal activities, and to reduce the unsustainable exploitation of the natural assets that are vital for successful nature-based tourism, according to the Update.

DOWNLOAD REPORT Rwanda Economic Update: Making the Most of Nature Based Tourism in Rwanda (English)

EVENT | FEBRUARY 21, 2023 Launch of the 20th edition of the World Bank Rwanda Economic Update

World Bank in Rwanda

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Rwanda’s Tourism Sector On A Full Rebound Post Covid-19

A panel discussion during WTD 2022 celebrations. Officials and players appreciated the recovery process of the tourism and hospitality sector.

Rwanda’s tourism sector is on a path to full recovery more than two years after the Covid-19 pandemic had a major impact on the sector, with more than 80 percent of the players reporting a rebound.

This was revealed on Tuesday during the celebration of World Tourism Day 2022 which was marked on September 27 at Kigali Convention and Exhibition Village (KCEV).

The event, organized by Mastercard Foundation, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Private Sector Tourism Chamber brought together players and stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector who shared their experiences.

According to Ariella Kageruka, Head of Tourism and Conservation at RDB, today more that 80% of the business in the sector which were affected by the pandemic are on a path to recovery- a development that gives a positive forecast for the industry.

“The recovery of the sector has been a deliberate effort, working on new innovations and ensuring that we remain operational in different ways. We are happy that even during the pandemic the MICE sector somehow continued to operate,” Kageruka said.

Ariella Kageruka, head of Tourism and Conservation at RDB    

She pointed out Rwanda’s ability to host meetings and conferences even during the pandemic was key in keeping the sector going while efforts by the government and partners ensured that the sector picked itself up as the pandemic subsided.

“If you recall well, even as the Covid-19 pandemic went on, Rwanda managed to host international conferences, concerts and events related to sports, which is was not a coincidence,”

“Rwanda put an effort in the infrastructure and other facilities that enabled that to happen and the partners and organisers of these activities were convinced by what we were doing to ensure the safety and protection of everyone,” Kageruka said.

With the sector recovering steadily, Kageruka said that there are many activities lined up ahead including hosting The Basketball Africa League (BAL) tournament again as well as the Veterans World Cup and UCI Road World Championships in 2025, all of which present a positive outlook for the sector.

Speaking during the event which was celebrated under the theme “Rethink Tourism,” Frank Gisha Mugisha, Director General of Rwanda Chamber of Tourism said that Rwanda is positioning itself to tap into the available opportunities as things get back to normal.

Frank Gisha Mugisa, head of the tourism chamber.

“Before the Covid-19 outbreak, 2019 had proved to be the best year for the sector, with over 165,000 people working in the industry, but all that was set back. Over 18, 000 jobs were affected, including over 8,000 women and youth who lost their jobs,” Mugisha said.

He pointed out that as the sector recovers, players in the industry have to do things differently, factoring in innovation and diversifying into other untapped areas, especially domestic tourism, to be less vulnerable to future shocks.

Théodore Nzabonimpa, who owns Beyond the Gorillas Experience Ltd, a tourism agency, said that there are many opportunities for people to tap into, including trekking of mountains and hills, cultural sites and many more which can increase domestic tourism.

Ngabo Karegeya, the founder of Ibere rya Bigogwe Tourism company presented the opportunities he identified in his home area, where he entices people to visit Bigogwe area and experience traditional lifestyles based on cattle keeping and visit the rock known as Ibere rya Bigogwe.

Sector on a rebound

RDB figures show that in the first six months of this year it earned $11 million in revenues from parks, while in 2021 and 2020 it earned $6 million and $5.9 million, respectively. In 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, the parks generated $21.9 million.

The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted tourism, with numbers dropping by over 70 percent. The numbers now show optimism for a recovery, with revenues increasing by 25% year-on-year, from $131 million to $164 million.

Kageruka said that there is hope that tourism will recover from the effects of Covid-19 quickly, buoyed by the growth in domestic tourism where more Rwandans are showing more interest in touring the country.

In general, tourism is a sector that has already shown that it has a big impact on Rwanda and Rwandans because in 2019, it earned more than $500 million, up from $300 million in 2014. At the same time, the jobs it provided went from 89 thousand to 164,000.

Supporting the hospitality sector to grow

Speaking at the event, Rica Rwigamba, the Country Head, Mastercard Foundation highlighted how investing in the tourism and hospitality sector cannot only contribute to its growth but also provide thousands of jobs to your people, citing ‘Hanga Ahazaza’ as an example.

“Just five years ago, the Mastercard Foundation announced an investment of $50 million with the aim of increasing employment opportunities for young people while expanding the tourism and hospitality sector in Rwanda,”

“Today, we are happy. We are happy because during the past five years, we have worked with 14 organizations represented here today, and with the great support from the Government of Rwanda through the Rwanda development Board to achieve that goal,” Rwigamba said.

She pointed out that they had a bold target of equipping 30,000 young women and men with the skills they need to transition into jobs in the tourism and hospitality sector.

Despite the challenges along the way, Rwigamba said the programme has been able to create the next generation of young leaders in the tourism sector who are now at the forefront of the recovery process.

Rica Rwigamba, country head, Mastercard Foundation.

Michaella Rugwizangoga, Chief Tourism Officer, RDB

Sports journalist Usher Komugisha spoke about the potential of sports tourism.

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11 Best places to visit in Rwanda

Discover the best places to visit in Rwanda , often referred to as the "Land of a Thousand Hills"! The Republic of Rwanda is a small landlocked country in East Africa , known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but also because of its notorious history regarding the horrific genocide only 20 years ago (1994).

When I visited Rwanda, I really felt the country came back stronger, doing everything in its power to put the natural beauty of Rwanda back on the map. Recognizing their turbulent past, they’ve built a new stronger foundation where every Rwandan citizen strives to be at peace with one another. They also work closely together to keep their country clean. It’s literally the cleanest country I’ve seen in Africa!  

Among tourists, Rwanda is best known for its endangered gorillas in Volcanoes National Park . However, with 4 national parks, 2 UNESCO sites and cultural heritage, there is much more to see in Rwanda than mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. I explored Rwanda with G-STEP Tours . It's a beautiful green destination with breathtaking views and wonderful wildlife (including the Big Five ) that should be on every traveler's bucket list. Rwanda even has its own airline RwandAir , so spread your wings and explore these 11 best places to visit in Rwanda :

Since most people fly to the bustling capital city of Kigali , why not start with Kigali as one of the best places to visit in Rwanda? Kigali is the cleanest city in all of Africa, and something you'll notice as soon as you get out of the airport.

As a responsible traveler , one of the most important things to do in Kigali is visiting the Genocide Memorial to learn everything from Rwanda’s past; a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide.

The memorial is located in the Gisozi neighborhood and includes a museum, mass graves, and a research center. It’s an emotional visit and impossible to not shed a tear when you enter the the children’s room dedicated to the young victims of the genocide. In this room, you can read very personal details like what these children wanted to become when they grow up, favorite books, and things to do. Realizing that this only happened two decades ago and that similar horrific things are still happening in other parts of our planet, is hard to imagine.

Other interesting things to do in Kigali is visiting the Kigali City Tower that offers panoramic views over the city, viewing local artworks at the Inema Art Center or visit the traditional Caplaki Crafts Village where you can learn about the traditional Rwandan culture, buy handcrafted souvenirs or enjoy traditional dance performances. The Kimironko Market is another tip when you like to buy locally made souvenirs.

There are also some really good restaurants and bars to enjoy the nightlife in Kigali's City Center . We for example had dinner in Atelier Du Vin , a delightful place to have a generous taste of wine paired with delicious food and great views over the city.

Where to stay in Kigali?

There are several options of hotels in Kigali. We stayed for example in the Kigali M-hotel , a 4-star business hotel in the Center of Kigali, located on a hill with views over the city, including an outdoor swimming pool. Another great place to stay is the Kigali Serena Hotel with a lovely extensive breakfast-buffet and a huge tropical looking swimming pool.

Four Points Kigali is also an option and apart from these well-known hotel brands, you can also find several budget options and cozy Bed & Breakfasts to stay in Kigali city.

2. Umusambi Village Conservancy

Umusambi Village Conservancy is Rwanda’s first wildlife sanctuary and nature reserve, home to disabled Grey-crowned cranes that are rescued from illegal wildlife trade and captivity. The Grey-Crowned Crane is the national bird of Uganda and has a prominent place on Uganda's flag.

In Umusambi Village in Rwanda, they give these beautiful cranes that are unable to return into the wild a second chance to enjoy nature again in a restored 21-hectare wetland area .

Visitors can enjoy several walking trails, while also learning about Umusambi's conservation efforts and the importance of protecting the natural environment. I only had a short walk, but I would love to visit again to explore more of the wetland.

The sanctuary is run by the non-profit Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA) raising awareness for conservation issues. One of their goals is to engage and educate local communities and improve livelihoods.

You can also make a donation to Umusambi Village and RWCA , to help secure the future of vulnerable wildlife and their environment in Rwanda.

3. Volcanoes National Park

One of the most popular activities in Rwanda is gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The country is home to over half of the world's population of critically endangered mountain gorillas. Although the number of gorillas is slowly rising due to conservation efforts, they are still endangered and need 24/7 protection. That makes it a privilege we are able to go on guided treks to see these incredible primates in their natural habitat.

The trekking can be challenging, but the experience of seeing a gorilla up close is truly unforgettable.

Volcanoes National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is also home to five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains. Enough reasons to be listed as one of the best places to see in Rwanda.

Like to go on a Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda ? Obtain your gorilla permit at 1500 USD in advance as there are limited spots on the daily gorilla treks. Tracking these gorillas usually takes around 4-6 hours of which you spend a maximum of one hour with a habituated Gorilla family. In my case, we tracked the Kwitonda Gorilla family ; a family of 17 mountain gorillas, including a baby gorilla, living on the Gahinga mountain in Volcanoes National Park.

Visiting these endangered great apes means you’re making a difference in protecting and preserving their vulnerable lives.

Gorilla Fact: Did you know there are currently only 1060 gorillas left in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)?

But aren't these Gorilla permits super expensive? Yes, I agree that 1500 USD for a Rwanda trekking permit is high. But have you ever thought about how hard and risky it must be to protect one of our closest relatives on earth for 24 hours a day, 7 days in a week? Without all these rangers and organizations conserving our gorillas, it wouldn't be possible for us to see these mountain gorillas in the wild as they would have been extinct. Buying a gorilla trekking permit is honestly a wonderful way to give back to nature for what nature has given to us.

A way of giving back to the community is hiring a local porter who will help you carry your bag or steady you during the hike.

  RELATED: my Gorilla trekking experience in Uganda

Musanze is a small town nearby Volcanoes National Park. The town is a perfect base for your gorilla trekking safari . If you are up for a cultural experience, you can also visit the nearby Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village.  Here, you will learn more about the traditional way of life of local Rwandans and enjoy their traditional dance performances.

Where to stay in Musanze or Kinigi?

A good affordable place to stay in Musanze, is the Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge ; a boutique hotel in Kinigi. Most of the tourists staying there, are participating in a gorilla trekking experience. They also have a small poolside to relax after your gorilla trek. The nice thing about Tiloreza is that they also reach out to the community to support both environmental and educational efforts.

Another amazing place to stay is at the One&Only Gorilla's Nest .

5. Akagera National Park

Managed by African Parks, Akagera National Park is located just 2,5 - 3 hours from Kigali in the eastern part of Rwanda and is known for its savannah plains, wetlands, and lakes boasting diverse wildlife. It’s one of Central Africa’s largest protected wetlands and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda.

Popular things to do in Akagera are guided game drives or self-drives with stunning mountain views as backdrop, in search of lions, leopards, herds of elephants, zebras, antelopes and towers of giraffes, as well as boat trips to spot hippos, crocodiles, and many colorful birds.

Akagera borders Tanzania , benefitting from the wildlife roaming freely between these two East African countries. The national park is becoming more popular to do a full-day game drive . Despite it’s the only national park in Rwanda where you can find the Big Five , it’s still rare to spot a rhino or lion. Some of the lodges in Akagera also offer walking safaris .

  Akagera Safari Tip:  Planning to do a self-drive in Akagera with your own car? Self-driving in Akagara is possible, but consider hiring a guide at the visitor center to increase your chances of finding certain animals. You can also book a guided night game drive to spot nocturnal animals. Night drives are only operated by the park’s vehicles.

The park has 5 swamp-fringed lakes that get their water supply from the Kagera River, flowing through the Eastern boundary of the national park to Uganda through Tanzania before emptying into Lake Victoria.

Birdwatching lovers should visit Lake Shakani (400 bird species) and Lake Ihema (155 bird species), located in the southern section of Akagera National Park. At Lake Shakani, you can camp near the lake and take part in sports fishing. Lake Ihema is the biggest lake inside the park and popular for its boat safaris or sunset boat cruises.

Keep an eye out on the prehistoric and vulnerable-classified Shoebill stork that loves the papyrus-filled swamp-areas. According to BirdLife International , there are only 3.300 - 5.300 mature individuals left in the wild, and populations are on the decline.

Want to experience Akagera from a bird's-eye view? Another memorable safari activity is a hot-air balloon safari in Akagera National Park.

  RELATED: What to expect on a hot-air balloon safari in Serengeti (Tanzania)

Where to stay in Akagera National Park?

I had a memorable stay in Akagera Game Lodge by Mantis , located inside the Akagera National Park. A beautiful lodge at the lake where you can watch a beautiful sunset and sunrise.

We had a lovely outdoor dinner and after dinner we sat by the fire for a sundowner drink.

Another option in Akagera is the Akagera Transit Lodge , only 1 km from Akagera National Park.

6. Nyungwe Forest

When in Rwanda, you can’t miss out on Nyungwe National Park . Most tourists visit the rainforest for chimpanzee trekking , but it isn’t the only reason why Nyungwe Forest is one of the best places to visit in Rwanda.

Apart from tracking chimpanzees, you are able to spot Rwanda’s national animal, the rare Golden Monkey , and other primate species such as gray-cheeked mangabeys and baboons.

  RELATED: Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

It’s an important conservation area in Africa with a special biodiversity of plant species, mammals, and over 300 species of birds. It’s one of the biggest montane forests remaining in Eastern Africa and visitors can take part in guided treks, canopy walks, and bird-watching tours.

Canopy Tour

The adventurous soul can opt for a canopy walk of 160 meter including a 90-meter-long suspension bridge with fantastic views over the rainforest on a height of 70 meters.

The first canopy walk is divided into 3 sections, where the first bridge is 45 meters long, the second suspension bridge is 90 meters long and the third is 25 meters long. I always love these canopy adventures. Read also about the Malolotja Canopy Tour in Eswatini .

To get to the starting point of the canopy walk, you first have a short 1 to 1,5 hours hike along the Igishigishigi Trail from the Uwinkla Visitor Center. If you’re not a fan of heights, there are various other hiking trails to choose from.

While tackling the suspension bridge, I was also lucky to see a chimpanzee nest high up in the trees and the Great Blue Turaco ; a lovely blue-colored bird with a yellow beak. It’s the largest species of Turaco. I also spotted this incredible bird in the Magombe swamp in Uganda, protected by the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary near Kibale National Park.

It's worth noting that Nyungwe Forest National Park is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve . Definitely one of the must-visits when exploring Rwanda's land of a thousand hills!

7. Lake Kivu

Because of its natural beauty,  Lake Kivu is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in the western part of Rwanda. The lake lies on the border of Rwanda and DRC. Visitors can go on boat trips to the many islands in Rwanda’s largest lake , go fishing or hike one of the trails around the lake to enjoy its emerald-green beauty.

You can even join water sport activities on the crystal clear waters of Lake Kivu, such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking with local fishermen entertaining you along the way. I also highly recommend visiting one of the nearby fishing villages on the shores of Lake Kivu.

The 2700 m2 pristine lake is also a perfect oasis to give yourself a bit of rest and unwind.

Where to stay at Lake Kivu?

Great places to stay at Lake Kivu are the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel , located in the northern part of Lake Kivu in the resort town of Rubavu or Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel in Muhari, a mere 1 km from Kamembe International Airport in the South West of Rwanda, where you can have your breakfast with stunning views over Lake Kivu.

Another great option to stay is Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel . I didn’t sleep there myself, but it was our lunch spot for the day with the best panoramic views of the emerald-green Lake Kivu I’ve seen. It was also the first hotel that served authentic Rwandan cuisine , and it was delicious!

Formerly known as the heart of Rwanda, Nyanza has to be part of your Rwanda itinerary because of the historical Royal Palace and Ruins of Nyanza , which was home to the kings of the Kingdom of Rwanda. The King's Palace Museum is one of Rwanda’s six national museums and tells the history of the monarchy and the traditional culture of Rwanda. One of the main attractions within the museum is a beehive-shaped replica of the King’s Palace in the 15th century.

Another cultural attraction are the sacred long-horned cows, known as Inyambo cattle. The cattle keepers sing to the Inyambo by belting poems - a unique ritual in Rwanda.

At the museum, you can also find King’s Mutara III Rudahigwa’s Palace ; a colonial building blending Rwandan patterns with European-style furniture. The Royal Palace of Rwanda is a must-see tourist attraction in the southern province of Rwanda to get a rich insight into Rwanda’s culture and post way of life.

Very close to the King’s Palace in Nyanza you can find the Ethnographic Museum , previously referred to as Rwanda’s National Museum. It’s a great way to combine these two museum-visits. In the Ethnographic Museum in Huye you can find one of Africa’s finest ethnographic collections that give a rich insight into Rwandan culture. For example items used in hunting, agriculture, pottery, woodwork, weaving, traditional clothing, and more. You can also visit an on side craft center. Together with the Royal Palace Museum, the Ethnographic Museum is one of the six museums that make up the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda .

10. RedRocks Initiative

Red Rocks Rwanda is an intercultural exchange center where the community comes first! They believe in responsible tourism that serves local Rwandans, providing them with opportunities and empowerment by sharing their unique culture. Red Rocks offers several tours, volunteer opportunities, and cultural activities in their cultural centre situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills and amazing views of Volcanoes National Park.

All community activities work on improving the community with focus on benefitting the quality of life of community people, something I really like! And for tourists like us, it means you will get involved in original humanistic traditional communities. The campsite at Red Rocks, even offers you the opportunity to stay for a longer period en become part of community philanthropic travel with a commitment to conservation and responsible tourism in Rwanda .

Examples of Cultural Tours and Eco-Tourism are making banana beer (Kwenga ibitoki), sewing and bracelet lessons, basket weaving, honey harvesting experience of the bees they keep, village biking tours, community homestead walking tour, herbal medicinal plants visit experience, community tree planting, drumming and traditional dance, storytelling with dinner around the campfire and much more.

The Red Rocks site is very colorful with paintings everywhere and has a laidback vibe. It's an wonderful place where cultural tourism leads to community development; something you want to be part of as a responsible traveler!

11. Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is one of the newest national parks in the country and home to gorillas, chimpanzees, and other primates. This 34 km2 national park in the western part of Rwanda is known for its stunning landscapes and hiking trails preserving one of the few remaining montane rainforests in Central Africa.

Gishwati Forest is open for tourists who want to book a guided monkey and chimpanzee tracking tour to spot various primates, including the Golden Monkey, Blue Monkey, L’Hoest and approximately 20 chimpanzees. With over 230 bird species within the rainforest, this 4th national park of Rwanda is a great place to visit for bird and nature lovers.

Although Rwanda is a small country, there are a lot of beautiful places to visit in Rwanda that offer adventurous and unique things to do. It isn't named 'land of a thousand hills' for nothing. I explored Rwanda with G-STEP Tours , a Rwandan-based tour company that offers various safari packages.

To sum it all up, I listed the  11 best places to see in the Republic of Rwanda below:

• Umusambi Village
• Volcanoes National Park
• Akagera National Park
• Nyungwe Forest
• Red Rocks Initiative
• Gishwati-Mukura National Park

On safari in Rwanda

I hope this article made you excited to go on safari in Rwanda , the land of a thousand hills. Still doubting if Rwanda is worth visiting or if it is safe in Rwanda? I also wrote a complete Rwanda Travel Guide , including the best time to visit Rwanda, travel requirements to Rwanda, and other things to know before you travel to Rwanda.

Curious about other places for safari in Africa? Check out my Africa Travel Guide !

Going on safari for the first time? Read about what to expect on a game drive and what to pack for a safari in Africa , including a downloadable safari packing guide .

Helpful article to plan your Rwanda safari?

If this article was helpful to plan your Rwanda itinerary, you could help us in return by sharing this article on your social media channels, leaving a comment, or buying us a coffee .

We give back to nature and wildlife conservation by donating 10% of each Fine Art Wildlife Photo Print sold to support the education of guides and rangers as a long-term goal to change the world and to protect our wildlife from extinction due to wildlife crimes & habitat loss. Curious about my image collection? Check out the Wild Heart Fine Art Print Collection . If you buy one of my images, you can make a difference too!

Slowly But Surely: Tourism’s Renewal In Rwanda

Tourism is slowly reawakening in Rwanda, with a renewed focus on the local market.

It’s a quiet, warm afternoon in June at Rwanda’s iconic, otherwise busy Kigali Convention Center (KCC). The conference venue’s paved parking lot that’s normally teeming with cars, is grey and empty against the backdrop of the green hills. Inside the KCC’s domed facility are 18 venues that can host more than 5,000 delegates at any given time. All of them are painfully silent, just like the five-star Radisson Blu hotel next to it.

This is the first time it has been as quiet since its opening in 2016. The KCC resumed operations on July 1 after the easing of lockdown restrictions, but overall, the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing and exhibitions) industry in Rwanda was to host close to 147 events this year targeting a revenue of $88 million. Most of these have been postponed or canceled. The highly-anticipated 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, for instance, originally scheduled for June 22-27 and that would have brought together more than a thousand business and government leaders from The Commonwealth to Kigali, has been postponed to June next year.   

Five kilometers from the KCC, commercial passenger services at the Kigali International Airport that had been suspended are now slowly resuming, with national airline RwandAir announcing flights to select African routes and Dubai from August 1.

Rwanda recorded its first case of Covid-19 in mid-March and was one of the first few African countries to impose a strict and complete lockdown. As everywhere else, this has spelt bad news for the country’s leisure and business tourism sectors. 

Take Ntende Hotel, a two-star facility owned by a 3,700-member cooperative of rice farmers called Coproriz. The cooperative’s members collected money to build the facility in Gatsibo district in the country’s Eastern Province in 2018. The hotel’s proximity to the Akagera National Park made it a big drawcard and all was well until Covid-19 changed everything. 

James Karangwa, the hotel’s Investment Department Manager, explains that the outbreak resulted in the hotel suspending operations but it continued paying contracted staff and other fixed expenses. An even heavier burden was the repayment of a bank loan. A disheartened Karangwa says: “Having to meet such obligations whilst inoperative has affected us a great deal.”

Karangwa explains that, thankfully, the negative impact on the hotel business was cushioned by the group’s agri-business which was relatively less affected in the pandemic.

“The consequences would have been disastrous if we had not diversified our portfolio by investing in the cultivation of rice, maize and soya.”

The tourism and hospitality operators had been enduring the pain of Covid-19 since January, when the news about the virus first broke globally.

“There were already fears over the virus in January and many travelers cancelled their bookings while those that were here rushed back home to avoid being stuck,” recalls Wilson Habimana, founder of Wilson Tours and Travel Agency Ltd in Kigali. Of the 16 people his company employed before the outbreak, only four remain now.

“We have had a lot of cancellations from clients while others want their money back, hence, we had to do refund both for tours and tickets, which hasn’t been easy, as this pandemic caught the world unawares and it’s like most of the clients have lost the hope of traveling because of fear,” says Buwule Anna Fridah, a tour consultant, to FORBES AFRICA.

“As workers in the tourism industry, we have been affected by this pandemic because the source of our income has been closed,” concurs Ismael Nsengiyumva, a driver-guide, adding that investing in sectors other than tourism is one of the lessons he has learned from the crisis.

The pandemic has especially been a burden for new facilities such as the Epic Hotel & Suites in Nyagatare district, in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. The four-star property opened in 2018; today, most of its workers have been sent home as the pandemic rendered them redundant.

“Since the lockdown, we certainly got affected; as most hotels, we had to lay off a large number of our workers. We came up with a policy to maintain the hotel in a semi-functional state because closing it would cost us a lot more [than] to restart,” says the chairman of its board, Alfred Ndabarasa. However, he expresses the hope of a recovery.

“The reopening of tourism and hospitality activities is helpful and we are gradually bringing our staff to work. Hopefully, by September, a big number would have returned to work if this problem does not persist.”

On June 16, a cabinet resolution that shone a glimmer of hope for the tourism and hospitality industry was released. “Domestic tourism and international tourism for visitors traveling [on] charter flights will resume,” read part of the statement. The government encouraged hotels to participate in domestic tourism promotion and offer conference services while adhering to strict health guidelines. 

Earlier in the month, the government had launched a two-year fund for businesses affected by Covid-19. Dubbed the Economic Recovery Fund (ERF), it is to mobilize $200 million and designed to support enterprises highly impacted by the crisis so they can survive, restart work and safeguard employment.

An initial $100 million was allocated to the hotels sector loan refinancing as the cancellations of events and bookings due to the global lockdown and travel restrictions brought the sector to its knees, leading to a loss of over 90% of revenue.

Nsengiyumva Barakabuye, Chairman of the Rwanda Hospitality Association, commends the collaboration between the association and the government in responding to the crisis.

“We joined hands with the government in combating the pandemic through raising awareness to our members about Covid-19 and the measures to prevent its propagation,” he says.

“We requested for a tax waiver and economic stimulus. So far, so good. Although not all we requested was granted, the PAYE (Pay as You Earn) was waived for four months and a post Covid-19 Recovery Fund was put in place by the government.”

While the slow reopening of the tourism and hospitality sector has brought relief, Barakabuye says it’s yet to pick up. “Tourism activities have just been reopened. Borders are still closed and we are yet to start as members are preparing for the domestic market.”

New opportunities in a crisis

Twentyfive-year-old Nostalgie Patrice studied software engineering in China and the United States. When he graduated in 2018, he wasn’t just nostalgic about his home country, he was also enthusiastic and prepared to use his newfound skills to seek opportunities in it. In March last year, he founded DTravela, a platform that aims to promote tourism and hospitality products digitally.

“I started DTravela after seeing how Rwanda was highly promoted as a tourism destination, and identified a business opportunity in unlocking its accessibility,” says Patrice.

But now, sales has suffered. “Covid-19 has strongly affected us because our clients are not operating. From March to June, we had almost zero sales,” he rues.

Going through this troublesome phase has been an uphill task. And like many others, he pivoted his business. 

He revisited his idea of offering virtual tours, which had been disregarded by the many he had originally pitched it to. “When I took the proposal to different stakeholders prior to the pandemic, they could not understand its significance,” he says.

This time around, it was welcomed and supported. He makes a strong case for virtual tourism, which he considers an unexplored route to attracting tourists.

“We do teasers and that helps raise awareness about a place or product. By showcasing products and profiling people, we are able to attract tourists because research has shown that 80% of them do online searches before visiting,” says Patrice.  

Last year, travel blog, Travel Lemming, voted Rwanda one of the top 30 emerging travel destinations worldwide for 2020 and the first in Africa. In addition to tourism partnerships with European topflight football clubs, 2020 was expected to be a good year for Rwanda’s tourism sector. 

Furthermore, the Global Peace Index 2020 ranked ‘the land of a thousand hills’ as the second most peaceful country in the East African region after Tanzania and 14th in Africa, from 17th last year. It was all the more reason to believe 2020 would have been a landmark year for tourism in the country.

When Covid-19 was first identified in the country, the government suspended tourism and research activities in the three national parks namely Nyungwe, Gishwati-Mukura and the Volcanoes National Park, which are habitats of the renowned mountain gorillas and other primates.

Only Akagera National Park, home to ‘The Big Five’, remained temporarily open to visitors.

In the wake of the reopening of tourism, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has embarked on a promotional campaign for both Rwandan citizens and foreign visitors into these national attractions.

As Belise Kariza, Chief Tourism Officer at RDB, explains: “We’re seeing good trends since tourism reopened.

“We have 69 bookings for Volcanoes National Park in a span of a week which is a very good indication. Out of them, 42 have confirmed bookings.

 “In terms of international tourists, they usually plan between one month-and-plus ahead of time but the good news is that we’ve got a lot of inquiries about the functionality of testing and more queries and hopefully we’re going to see international tourists arriving.”

She points out that the government’s strategy for tourism recovery will focus on domestic tourism while international tourism will be reopened in a phased manner.

Operators in the sector believe the pandemic should be an opportunity to strengthen indigenous tourism given the fact that international travel will take long to normalize. But Habimana of Wilson Tours and Travel Agency observes that traveling isn’t a passion for many Rwandese, especially now.

“Traveling isn’t a basic need and now people are stretched, some have lost their jobs, or had their salaries cut. It’s not easy to develop a package and convince them,” he says.

He believes offering promotional prices alone won’t be effective and recommends that the government also invests in behavior-change campaigns.

Rwanda’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic has been regarded by many as a success after the country made it to the list of 15 countries from where travelers are allowed into the European Union (EU) from July 1.

“Using regional marketing and promotion strategies, countries can co-create programs and opportunities to recover, develop joint messages of solidarity to draw interests from travelers with a diversified product, pricing and packaging offers.” – Toyin Abiodun

Besides Rwanda, only Morocco and Tunisia are included from the continent, as the EU member states consider these countries safe due to their epidemiological situation related to the coronavirus.

While most of the pandemic-induced hardships appear to be in the past, the tourism and hospitality sector is far from getting back on its feet.

In order for it to rebound, experts say that a number of steps must be followed to ensure a balance between reopening whilst ensuring people are safe from the virus.

Toyin Abiodun, the Strategic Advisor at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, tells FORBES AFRICA the steps include dialogues with industry players to draw out short-term tailored practical measures, ensure adequacy of a variety of infrastructure components for travel to and from tourist locations and continuously send out strong messages on the safety and security African destinations offer foreign travelers. She also believes regional coordination would significantly support the sector’s recovery. “Using regional marketing and promotion strategies, countries can co-create programs and opportunities to recover, develop joint messages of solidarity to draw interests from travelers with a diversified product, pricing and packaging offers.”

Toyin adds that this would help reduce the adjustment costs associated with setting up individual protocol systems and ensure integration that enhances cross-country intel-sharing to restore traveler confidence.

Tour consultant Fridah advises that tour companies shouldn’t lose hope but rather keep on promoting their packages and revise their prices so as to be afloat.

“In addition, in cases where a company feels over-staffed, they shouldn’t fire their workers but rather come to an agreement to either pay them commission or half-salary because firing them will not bring in business.”

She explains that social media has been one of the ways she now promotes her business.

“I have been engaging with our audience on our social media handles, posting pictures for them not to lose hope [about] traveling again.”

Surely, the operative word is hope, not just for tourism, but for every industry on the planet now fighting for survival.

– By Steven Muvunyi

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Best Hospitality Management School

Vatel Group and its campuses throughout the world have won the “Best Hospitality Management School” award in the 17th Worldwide Hospitality Awards, competing against 42 prestigious international schools. Read more

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Guillaume VERCHERE General Manager

Radisson Blu Hotel & Cour des Loges Lyon, France

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TalentriCity Paris, France

Alizée DESMAS Events Manager

Hôtel Lutetia Paris, France

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Cowop Paris, France

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A-NSE Aero-Nautic Services La Ciotat, France

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Seymour Hotels Saint Helier, Jersey

Camille VERHAEGHE Business Analyst

M6 Publicité La Garenne Colombes, France

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Raydiant - Experience Platform San Francisco, United States

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An article about Vatel Rwanda

“Vatel made me more open-minded and allowed me to meet people who contributed to making me who I am today.” Aurélie Ponce - Operations manager for the Cheval Blanc Paris Hotel / 2006 Alumnus

VATEL Group, specialized in teaching Hospitality and Tourism Management, is proud to announce the nomination of Karine Sebban-Benzazon as CEO of our Group.

17th Vatel International Convention brings together leaders of top ranking Hospitality and Management School in Kigali

More and more human communities consider ecotourism to be a solution that promotes their way of life, and preserves their culture and biodiversity surrounding them.

Martin Rousset, a Vatel Nimes student, flew to Antananarivo for Vatel Madagascar’s specialization in ecotourism management for his last MBA year.

The tourism sector, one that now attracts millions of young students throughout the world, is in tune with globalizationthat is currently being overturned by inequalities and environmental threats.

Vatel Rwanda started in 2016, we began to prepare the first intake for 2018, headed by Nicole Bamukunde, a Rwandese graduate of Vatel, and who has worked in startups in her country, which is totally renewing itself.

This last week of November, 339 5th year students competed in English for 1st place on the podium.

The Vatel Group of schools turns 40 years this year and our Founder, Mr. Alain Sebban, speaks on Europe1's Saga podcast with Elisabeth Assayag and Emmanuel Duteil about the schools, including Vatel Rwanda.

Rwanda’s Ecotourism Industry Reduces Poverty

A Closer Look at Rwanda

Over the past quarter-century, Rwanda changed its course, moving positively toward economic growth and increased prosperity. According to the World Bank, poverty in Rwanda declined substantially from 2001 to 2017, dropping from 77% to 55% . Since 1994, Rwanda has maintained political stability. Stability allowed the country to develop a cost-free and compulsory primary education system with “one of the highest primary enrollment” rates in sub-Saharan Africa.

The country instituted a universal healthcare program and made great strides in legislative gender equality. In 2019, women made up 61% of Rwanda’s parliament. The percentage of female parliamentary representation is substantially greater than most western democracies. Continued economic and social growth is necessary in order to continue poverty reduction progress.

The Role of Rwanda’s Ecotourism Industry

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people and involves interpretation and education.” Ecotourism can be a tool to unite communities, build environmental awareness and grow underdeveloped economies across the world. Over the past 27 years, Rwanda capitalized on this opportunity and created a growing ecotourism industry .

Tourists flock to Rwanda to wander through hiking trails in the country’s four national parks. Others are drawn specifically to the bamboo forests where visitors can see mountain gorillas , an endangered species, in their natural habitat. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Rwanda is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world. The tourism sector in Rwanda is “more than 80% nature-based,” indicating that ecotourism forms a substantial part of the tourism sector.

Tourism in Rwanda

Rwanda’s tourism sector experienced its highest annual growth in 2019, netting more than $498 million and attracting an estimated 1.63 million tourists. For the past seven years, “tourism has been ranked as the first foreign currency earner in Rwanda,” contributing 14.9% of Rwanda’s GDP in 2018.

Rwanda’s tourism sector has increased jobs and significantly contributes to the overall growth of the country’s economy. Tourism in Rwanda employs more than 3% of the labor force . For the Rwandan government, tourism is a critical tool for alleviating national poverty , explicit in both policy and poverty reduction strategies. Not only does tourism create jobs but the wealth generated from a booming tourism industry can help facilitate a country like Rwanda in its ability to access clean water, reliable energy and sanitation services.

“Africa’s tourism industry continues to flourish and supports more than 21 million jobs, and for the developing countries, tourism is an enormous tool for sustainable development,” says Mukhisa Kituyi, former secretary-general of UNCTAD.

How COVID-19 Impacts Rwanda

Pre-pandemic, Rwanda was experiencing an economic boom. In 2019, the economy grew by more than 10%, on its way to grow further in 2020. Instead, due to COVID-19, Rwanda’s economy shrank, with a projected decrease in GDP of 0.2%. As a result of COVID-19, the World Bank projected that poverty rates would increase by 5.1%, placing an additional 550,000 Rwandans in poverty in 2021. Overall unemployment rose from 13% in February 2020 to 22% in May 2020 and 60% of workers who remained employed saw significant salary decreases.

As the pandemic forced global recessions and travel restrictions, Rwanda’s ecotourism industry took a major hit. Tourism was expected to decrease by more than 70% worldwide in 2020. Rwanda’s finance minister, Uzziel Ndagijimana, confirmed that in March and April 2020, the tourism industry missed out on roughly $10 million in revenue .

The Road to Rwanda’s Recovery

Since reopening in the summer of 2019, Rwanda’s growing ecotourism industry shows signs of recovery. While international tourism rates are down, domestic tourism rates are up in comparison to past years. According to Rwanda’s leading daily newspaper, The New Times, increased domestic tourism is expected to restore a revenue sharing program where the Rwandan government will redistribute the earnings from domestic tourism to communities living in and around the visited national parks. This policy is likely to enhance the growing ecotourism sector and aid communities that have suffered economically throughout the pandemic.

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RWANDA TOURISM WEEK 2022

26th November to 3rd December 2022

KCEV and KCC

26/11/2022 - 03/12/2022, #rtw2022 theme, “adopting innovative approaches to boost intra africa travel as a drive for tourism business recovery”.

This year’s theme focuses on rebuilding Tourism after 2 years of challenging times that severely hit the Tourism sector by setting a vision and long-term goals, that will strengthen the Tourism industry.

We are spotlighting how Tourism can increasingly contribute to economies , inclusively foster sustainability and innovations, and reconnecting Africans to each other and the rest of the world.

Frank Gisha Mugisha Director General- Rwanda Chamber of Tourism

Rwanda Tourism Chamber

WHY #RTW 2022?

The launch of the maiden Rwanda Tourism Week.The event, scheduled to take place from 28th November – 3rd December 2022 at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV) and Kigali Convention Centre (KCC), carries the theme “ Adopting Innovative Approaches to Boost Intra Africa Travel as a drive for Tourism Business Recovery . ”

Why #RTW 2022

The launch of the maiden Rwanda Tourism Week.The event, scheduled to take place from 26th November – 3rd December 2022 at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV) and Kigali Convention Centre (KCC), carries the theme “ Adopting Innovative Approaches Boosting Intra-Africa travel as a drive for tourism Businesses Recovery ” and aims to focuses on rebuilding Tourism after 2 years of challenging times that  severely hit the Tourism sector by setting a  vision and long-term goals, that will  strengthen the Tourism industry

Photo Competition - 15th- 27th November 2022

Photo competition was created to enable storytellers (local and  international photographers) to showcase Rwanda’s diverse tourism  attractions , beautiful scenery through photography.

This is an opportunity for the  talented photographers to  raise  awareness on Rwanda as a destination through various social media  platforms.

Invited local photographers and creative houses will register on RTW  online platforms, take pictures, and post anything related to nature,  travel, tourism attractions, wildlife, heritage, and culture that will  highlight Rwanda’s wonders. It serves as a motivator for people to  travel to Rwanda.

Fam Trips - 24th - 30th November 2022

Rwanda Tourism Week presents the best  opportunity to explore Rwanda and it’s beautiful  attractions though an exclusive fam trip. The first  hand travel experience that will give you the  highlights of the destination.

The invited participants and international tour  operators will sample packaged Rwanda Tourism  products and learn more about Rwanda in  general in a 4-days package.

Restaurant Week -25th November - 3rd December 2022

Restaurant Week is a promotional culinary event that takes place  during the Tourism week. Dinners have the opportunity to enjoy their  experience at the top restaurant for a discounted and set-price.

In 2021, Rwanda Tourism week celebrated the best fine dining  restaurants by inviting restaurants to offer special rates to visitors  during the week of the event. It attracted a number of people who  turned into loyal clients.

Golf for Conservation - is 27th November 2022

Golf for conservation t was conceived to match the community  elites (Business) with the Investment Forum taking place during  the first 2 days of the Rwanda Tourism week.

Apart from the competition and profit driver at the golf course,  Golf is the best sport for networking experience. It would attract  the delegates from the investment forum to  meet the  community elites to have B2B sessions.

Tourism Business Forum 1st - 2nd December 2022

The Rwanda Chamber of Tourism, along with other players in the  Tourism industry, will host the first international business Forum  conference of it’s kind during the Rwanda Tourism Week .

The conference will bring together actors from the tourism  industry, experts and specialists, the leaders of key local and  regional businesses, financial institutions, and organizations in  order to strengthen and speed up the sector’s economic  recovery.

Exhibition - December 1st - 3rd 2022

The exhibition during Rwanda Tourism Week has been a crucial  platform for connecting potential exhibitors across different countries  and categories with prospective customers, resulting in business  connections.

This year’s exhibition will be a three day event that will give invited  exhibitors the opportunity to showcase and spotlight the tourism and  hospitality products along the value chain as well as host traditional  games and other entertaining activities.

The exhibition will attract 200 local, regional and international tourism  and hospitality operators as well as conservation institutions from  around the world.

Fashion Show - 2nd December 2022

On December 2nd, RTW 2022 hosts a live informal fashion show that highlights the innovation of renown local and  regional clothing brands.

The event is organized to empower and inspire women ,  young talented minds working in the creative and fashion  industry to showcase authentic designs and promote the  Rwandan creative industry.

Gala Diner - 3rd December 2022

• 100 Exhibitors • 10+ Countries represented • 50+ buyers from East Africa and the continent • 1,000 trade visitors from the region and the continent • Meeting potential buyers in 3 days • 3,000 attendees with direct influence on purchase

• Conservation agencies • Tourist Activity Providers • Cultural Tourism enterprises • Arts and Crafts suppliers • Travel and Tourism Technology companies

• Transport companies • Tourism sector suppliers • Community based Tourism Enterprises • Car Rentals • Convention Bureau • Professional Conference Organizers • Fashion company • Made in Rwanda tourism products

Stay tuned with our updates

Rwanda: Cabinet Appoints New Chief Tourism Officer

The cabinet meeting that convened on Saturday, June 18 has appointed Michaella Rugwizangoga as the new Chief Tourism Officer in Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

She brings a wide range of expertise related to strategic planning, project management and product development to the tourism development team.

The Council member of the World Economic Forum has previously served as the CEO of Volkswagen Mobility Solutions making her the first African woman CEO within the group.

She is also making a second stint at RDB as Chief Tourism Officer, after she worked in the institution as the technical advisor to the CEO in 2015.

The 35-year-old will replace Belise Kariza who was recently became the Country Director of Africa Wildlife Foundation.

Africa Biomanufacturing Institute

The cabinet also approved the establishment of the Africa Biomanufacturing institute in Rwanda.

The scientific education institution comes at the time when Rwanda is about to start the construction of the mRNA vaccine factory.

Vaccines expected to be manufactured in Rwandan facilities will be dedicated to domestic use and export to other member states of the African Union at a not-for-profit price.

The vaccine manufacturing facility will be set up in the Special Economic Zone in Gasabo District with the groundbreaking expected next week.

In other decisions of the cabinet meeting, the United Arab Emirates' embassy also got an additional staff member, Ines Umutoni, who will be the second counsellor at the Rwandan embassy in Abu Dhabi.

Read the original article on New Times .

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Griffin Richards

Grabbing a slice of africa’s emerging tourism industry.

Rwanda’s emergence onto the world stage is evident from the growing success in the tourism sector. Recently, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) reported that the country received $200 million in tourism revenue and brought in a total of 666,000 tourists in 2010 alone. [ 1 ] . This is indeed a promising sign for the small, landlocked country that regards its tourism industry as one of its most important economic assets. The opportunity to trek the iconic mountain gorillas, located in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda’s Northern Province, has undoubtedly been the major catalyst in the country’s dramatic increase in tourism revenue since the park reopened in 1999 (with only 417 visitors that year). The international attention surrounding the gorillas, coupled with rising awareness of Rwanda’s inspirational post-genocide development, has given the country a reputation as an alluring tourist destination. Furthermore, in a study conducted by The Africa Group [TAG] and Africa investor [Ai], it was concluded that Africa, as a whole, is missing out on approximately $200 billion a year in tourism revenue ($254 Bn as opposed to the actual $54 Bn earned in 2010). [ 2 ]  The key for Rwanda going forward, it seems, is to figure out how to best position itself to gain a substantial slice of a potential 254 billion dollar pie.

Read TAG's article in Ai Magazine

www.africainvestor.com

The question is: How big is Rwanda’s sweet tooth?

The Challenges:

Tourism in Rwanda, like many other African countries, is not without its challenges. In Rwanda, human resource development and skills training are not proportionate to the relatively high price for accommodations, dining and park permits. This has created a value-for-money discrepancy that hinders the quality of hospitality that the private sector is currently able to offer. Business owners suffer from a lack of qualified applicants and rely heavily on training employees in-house or on bringing in staff from neighboring countries. A more critical issue might be found in the country’s greatest tourism asset: the mountain gorillas. There are a total of fifty-six permits available each day to visit the gorillas, representing 20,440 permits a year; conservation concerns and environmental restrictions keep the number of daily permits from increasing significantly. In 2008, there were almost 20,000 visitors to Volcanoes National Park, gorilla trekkers accounting for roughly 85% of those (17,000). [ 3 ]  As the allure of the mountain gorillas continues to swell, the demand for permits will eventually exceed the supply available, which is now the case during peak trekking seasons. Increasing the already high price for a permit ($500 per person) is an option but will only be advantageous to a certain point, after which clients will simply choose to trek elsewhere—trekking is also available in the Ugandan and the DRC sections of the park. Revenue from gorillas will reach a point of saturation, where the exponential rise in profit, which has marked the last decade, will ultimately mature. [ 4 ]

Still another issue of concern is the ‘cherry-picking’ of Rwanda’s mountain gorilla asset by neighboring countries. Tour operators from these countries, whose tourism markets are well-established and bring in millions of visitors every year, take clients into Rwanda for the shortest amount of time as is necessary to trek the gorillas and return to their country’s ‘safari’ experience. This trend points to a crucial problem in Rwandan tourism, namely, the lack of complimentary experiences available to entice tourists to prolong their visits. The average length of stay for high-end visitors in Rwanda is just over three nights with an average spending rate of $500 a day. [ 5 ]  This statistic is especially astounding considering the heavy amount of travel time necessary to get to Rwanda in the first place—which is a problem in itself. Simply increasing the average length of stay for high-end visitors from three to, say, six nights, would make an immediate and decisive impact on Rwanda’s tourism industry.

The key is creating experiences worth staying for…

The Potential:

Rwanda’s over-reliance on the gorilla market is not without genuine reason. The country’s other tourist attractions, including two other national parks, twenty-three lakes, and a number of cultural and community-based initiatives, have largely remained underdeveloped and underutilized. However, this trend is set to change in the near future as the Government has recently recognized six high-potential tourism locations, dubbed Destination Management Areas [DMAs], that are to be sustainably developed, maintained and marketed by both public and private entities. [ 6 ] The potential of these DMAs, as attractive and profitable tour destinations, is far greater than their current earnings might suggest. Let’s take a look at the country’s two other national parks, Akagera and Nyungwe—destinations offering two very unique and authentic Rwandan experiences.

One of the oldest national parks in Africa, Akagera was gazetted in 1934. Rwanda’s only true savannah terrain, Akagera was well known for its rich wildlife, unique vegetation, and massive wetland systems. The permanent water supply from the wetlands allowed animals to stay near the park year round instead of making long, annual migrations in search of fresh water and grass. This attribute made Akagera an ideal park for viewing (and hunting) big game. In the 1970’s and 80’s Akagera dominated Rwanda’s tourism market, accounting for an average of over seventy-three percent of total park visits between 1974 and 1989. [ 7 ] Conversely, the years leading up to and following the genocide of 1994 saw the near destruction of the park due to high instability, encroachment and poaching. The park’s original size of 2500 sq. km was reduced almost two-thirds to roughly 1000 sq. km, and much of the rich wildlife that made Akagera such a popular destination was lost. [ 8 ] Recently, however, the RDB signed a renewable, twenty-year joint partnership with African Parks Network, an accomplished South African based non-profit managing nearly 2,500,000 sq. km of protected area in five different African countries. The public-private partnership created Akagera Management Board, a body mandated to manage, oversee, and facilitate the restoration of the park to its former glory. Initial strategies include: improving law enforcement, constructing a state-of-the-art electrical fence, reintroducing key wildlife (making Akagera once again a Big Five reserve), educating and empowering local community members, and building a luxury game lodge or tented camps within the park. [ 9 ]

Nyungwe Forest became a national park in 2005 (although it became a forest reserve in 1933) and is one of Rwanda’s most exceptional destinations. The park is located along the Albertine Rift, a series of mountain ranges regarded as one of Africa’s most important conservation hotspots due to its plethora of biodiversity and endemic species. [ 10 ]  Nyungwe covers almost 1000 sq. km and reaches elevations of up to 3000 meters. This mountainous, high-altitude rainforest is extremely rich in biodiversity, claiming over 280 avian, eighty-six mammal, and thirteen primate species. [ 11 ]  Nyungwe Forest is also said to be the location of the ‘truest’ and most remote source of the Nile River. [ 12 ]  Recent development of the park has led to a network of hiking trails, guided chimpanzee and colobus monkey treks, and a brand new canopy walk that stretches ninety meters long and as high as fifty meters above the ground. In addition, a new five-star lodge is now operating just outside the park, which is swiftly becoming the staple of Rwandan luxury and hospitality.

The ‘gorilla-only’ knock on Rwanda as a destination doesn’t feel so ominous after looking at these two diamonds in the rough. Are we beginning to salivate?

The Solution:

The key to gaining a profitable and sustainable competitive advantage is in the successful positioning of Rwanda as a distinctively unique package, an amalgamation of three (and potentially more) of the most diverse and extraordinary experiences available anywhere in Africa. Adhering to Aristotle’s famous saying, the whole, in this case, is truly more than the sum of its parts. Thus, the true value of the iconic mountain gorillas lay not in its potential to bring in exponential returns, but in its goodwill—that is, in its intangible worth as Rwanda’s key, and most recognizable, attraction. The future success of Rwandan tourism is contingent upon both the public and the private sectors’ ability to bring the country’s most promising tourism assets to an elite and competitive level, while effectively branding them as such. If accomplished, East African competitors will no longer be able to ‘poach’ on the gorillas, because visitors will know Rwanda as a destination in and of itself— a clean, safe and stable country worthy of a full-length adventure.

Ultimately, potential must yield to product, talk must yield to action, and dreams must become reality. Rwanda’s hunger will then be satisfied—with a fat piece of pie.

Griffin Richards is the new Hospitality Coordinator at Bridge2Rwanda. He spent the last year running Discover Rwanda, a tour company based in the Northern Province.

Photo of leopard by Bryan Havemann

Havemann, Bryan. “Interview with Project Manager– Akagera National Park.” Telephone interview. 16 Feb. 2011.

Mugisha, Ivan R. “Rwanda Named Top Tourist Destination.” New Times. 10 Feb. 2011. Web. 11 Feb. 2011. <http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=14534&article=38292>.

Mushinzimana, Serge, Yvette Ingabire, and Joel Rudasingwa. Rwanda Visitor Satisfaction Survey. Rep. Comp. OTF Group. May 28, 2010. Print.

Nielsen, Hannah, and Anna Spenceley. The Success of Tourism in Rwanda – Gorillas and More*. Rep. World Bank and SNV. Apr. 2010. Web. 17 Feb. 2011.

Nyungwe National Park – Nyungwe Forest – Antioch University New England. Web. 17 Feb. 2011. <http://www.nyungwe.org/>.

“Quest for the Source of the Nile : Image of the Day.” NASA Earth Observatory : Home. Web. 17 Feb. 2011. <http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=7236>.

Republic of Rwanda. Ministry of Trade and Industry. Rwanda Tourism Policy. Kigali, 2009. Web. 10 Feb. 2011.

Republic of Rwanda. Project of the Republic of Rwanda/ United Nations World Tourism Organization. Sustainable Tourism Development Master Plan for Rwanda–Final Report. May 2009. Print.

Republic of Rwanda. Rwanda Development Board. Tourism and Conservation. Highlights on National Parks Visitation in Rwanda-2009. Kigali, 2009. Web. 09 Feb. 2011.

Republic of Rwanda. Rwanda Development Board. Tourism and Wildlife Conservation. Highlights of Tourist Arrivals in Rwanda-2009. Kigali, 2009. Web. 10 Feb. 2011.

Republic of Rwanda. Rwanda Office of Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN). Rwanda Office of Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN) Strategic Plan 2009-2013. By AH Consulting. January 2009. Web. 10 Feb. 2011.

Rwanda Tourism. Web. 17 Feb. 2011. <http://www.rwandatourism.com>.

Thomson, Matthew, and Hubert Danso. “Beached Prospects.” Africa Investor. 01 Jan. 2011. Web. 10 Feb. 2011. <http://www.africainvestor.com/article_mag.asp?id=8161&magazineid=46>.

Wildlife Conservation Society. “Albertine Rift Programme.” Home. Web. 15 Feb. 2011. <http://www.albertinerift.org/>.

• [1] Mugisha, Ivan R. “Rwanda Named Top Tourist Destination.” New Times . 10 Feb. 2011. Web. 11 Feb. 2011. ↩
• [2] Thomson, Matthew, and Hubert Danso. “Beached Prospects.” Africa Investor . 01 Jan. 2011. Web. 10 Feb. 2011. ↩
• [3] Nielsen, Hannah, and Anna Spenceley. The Success of Tourism in Rwanda – Gorillas and More* . Rep. World Bank and SNV. Apr. 2010. Web. 17 Feb. 2011. ↩
• [4] The following list of problems facing the tourism industry is by no means exhaustive. Rather, they are the problems I feel present the most formidable obstacles to ‘getting a slice of the pie’. ↩
• [5] Ibid. ↩
• [6] Republic of Rwanda. Project of the Republic of Rwanda/ United Nations World Tourism Organization. Sustainable Tourism Development Master Plan for Rwanda–Final Report . May 2009. Print. ↩
• [7] Republic of Rwanda. Rwanda Development Board. Tourism and Conservation. Highlights on National Parks Visitation in Rwanda-2009 . Kigali, 2009. Web. 09 Feb. 2011. There were 228,099 park visits from ’74-’89 and 167,559 were to Akagera. ↩
• [8] Nielsen and Spenceley. ↩
• [9] Information courtesy of Sarah Hall, Marketing and Tourism Development Manager for Akagera Management Company. ↩
• [10] Wildlife Conservation Society. “Albertine Rift Programme.” Home . Web. 15 Feb. 2011. ↩
• [11] Nyungwe National Park – Nyungwe Forest – Antioch University New England . Web. 17 Feb. 2011. ↩
• [12] “Quest for the Source of the Nile : Image of the Day.” NASA Earth Observatory : Home . Web. 17 Feb. 2011. ↩

back to full list

MIT’s D-Lab The Rwanda Experience

Greg Bakunzi A Refugee Finds Success

Rice MBA Course in Rwanda The 360 Project

Carl Schramm Social Entrepreneurship

Business, Faith & the Second Half Business & Faith

Emelienne Nyiramana Water Fetcher to Entrepreneur

Deroy Murdock Rwanda's Fine Cup of Tea

President Paul Kagame A New Rwanda

Johns Hopkins University Innovation for Humanity

Griffin Richards An Emerging Tourism Industry

Fuel from the Fields MIT's D-Lab

The Babson Fellows Entrepreneurship Center

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PM Visits Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture

A ddis Ababa, April 6/2024 (ENA) Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has visited the Institute for Conservation Agriculture in Rwanda today, according to the Office of the Prime Minister.

The premier and First Lady Zinash Tayachew are in Kigali, Rwanda, on an official visit.

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Statistical report

Statistical Year Book 2023

The Annual Statistical Yearbook, 2023 is published to provides readers with the now available and disaggregated (where applicable) data of Rwanda in various sectors including Health; Education; Environment; Agriculture; Water and Energy (production and consumption); Transportation and Communication; Travel and Tourism; Income, Expenditure and Wealth; Banking, Insurance and Finance; Business and Trade; Law Enforcement, Courts and Order.