This November, all eyes will be on Rwanda as Kigali hosts the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Annual Summit. This momentous occasion will bring together international leaders, industry experts, and key stakeholders to discuss and shape the future of travel and tourism on a global scale. With key government representatives meeting with industry leaders to continue to align efforts in the travel and tourism industry, Kigali serves as an ideal backdrop with its forward thinking and progressive sustainability initiatives, whilst encapsulating the values of the WTTC. Attendees can expect inspiring discussions on nature conservation, community development, and tourism’s role in Rwanda’s remarkable transformation. For more information visit: wttc.org/global-summit-2023-rwanda
Discover Rwanda’s latest hidden gem, the Cyinzobe walking trail in Nyungwe National Park
The new Cyinzobe walking trail is a captivating addition to Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park, inviting visitors to traverse the breathtaking natural beauty of this mountainous rainforest region on foot. This newly established hiking trail spreads across three days, winding through lush, verdant landscapes, offering hikers the opportunity to explore Rwanda’s rich biodiversity and encounter a diverse array of flora and fauna, from vibrant bird species to indigenous plant life. Accommodation on the trail includes two exclusive full board campsites with wooden cabins, offering a refuge amongst nature to rest and rejuvenate after a day of hiking. For more information visit: insidenyungwenationalpark.com
RwandAir introduces new daily direct flights from London to Kigali
Commencing 29 October 2023, RwandAir will operate daily non-stop flights between
London Heathrow and the Rwandan capital of Kigali, having previously offered only
four direct flights a week. The new service departs from London at 8:30pm and
arrives in Kigali at 7am the next day, with a total flight time of eight and a half hours.
Travellers can experience RwandAir’s impeccable business or economy class aboard
their Airbus A330 fleet as they travel to the heart of Africa. The announcement follows
the airlines expanding European operations with the recent launch of the daily
non-stop service from Paris to Kigali in June 2023.
For more information visit: rwandair.com
Rwanda’s Lake Kivu to become home to premium houseboat-style hotel, Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga
Setting sail in Q4 of 2023, guests will be welcomed on board the Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga, a luxury houseboat-style hotel cruising along Rwanda’s Lake Kivu. The boat is designed to offer a premium-hotel experience on the water, offering 10 modern cabins, a swimming pool, spa, viewing deck with a hot tub, restaurant and bar. Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s great lakes and is the largest lake in Rwanda, with crystal clear waters that stretch for over 1,000 square miles. Passengers will voyage through one of the most biodiverse ecozones of the world, the Albertine Rift montane forests, enjoying guided hikes and birdwatching sessions along the way. In line with Mantis’ conservation and community pillars, Kivu Queen uBuranga has been created to add value to the environment and communities living along Lake Kivu, providing onboard work for locals and income to small businesses along the river.
New state-of-the-art airport planned for Kigali
Rwanda is set to elevate its air travel infrastructure with ambitious plans for a cutting-edge airport in Kigali set to open in 2026. This project announced by the Rwandan infrastructure board aims to create a world-class aviation hub for travellers. With plans for state-of-the-art facilities and eco-friendly features, the new airport is set to include a 130,000 square kilometre main terminal and accommodate estimates of eight million people annually. The airport expansion demonstrates the increase in demand for travellers to visit the ‘land of a thousand hills’ and experience its exceptional offerings.