Award-winning global luxury hospitality operator The Lux Collective has officially entered Rwanda with the launch of LUX Lake Kivu* and SALT of Akagera—the first two properties in the Group’s ambitious five-resort Rwanda Tourism Circuit.

Located across two of Rwanda’s most celebrated destinations, the new luxury hotels introduce the internationally renowned LUX* and SALT brands to the country, combining premium hospitality with regenerative tourism, immersive nature experiences and authentic cultural connections.

The openings also mark an important step in Rwanda’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s leading luxury travel destinations.

LUX* Lake Kivu Brings Contemporary Luxury to Rwanda’s Lakeside

Perched on the shores of Lake Kivu in Karongi, western Rwanda, LUX Lake Kivu* offers a boutique lakeside escape overlooking one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Designed around the principles of slow travel, the intimate 14-key resort combines modern luxury, wellness and curated local experiences in a setting surrounded by rolling hills and panoramic lake views.

The resort features spacious suites and a private villa designed to help guests disconnect from everyday routines and reconnect with nature. Recognised as one of Rwanda’s premier birdwatching destinations, Lake Kivu also serves as the backdrop for a range of signature experiences that showcase the country’s landscapes, wildlife and culture.

Guests can embark on the Napoleon Trek, a guided sunrise or sunset hike up Napoleon Island, where thousands of fruit bats take flight in a spectacular natural display. The Island Run offers a private boat excursion to nearby islands, including Blue Monkey Island, home to vervet monkeys, and Swimming Cows Island.

For wildlife enthusiasts, The Gorilla Morning takes guests on a full-day excursion to Volcanoes National Park for unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experiences. Coffee lovers can explore Rwanda’s globally recognised coffee heritage through From Cherry to Cup, a journey that follows the bean from plantation to tasting while connecting with local farming communities.

Dining is equally destination-inspired, with international cuisine at Cleo, lakeside experiences at Riva, and handcrafted coffee and light bites at Maison LUX Café & Bar*. Wellness offerings, including sunrise yoga sessions and treatments at the LUX ME Spa*, complete the resort’s holistic approach to luxury hospitality.

Ideally located within easy reach of Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Rwanda’s western tourism corridor, LUX* Lake Kivu offers travellers both a peaceful retreat and a convenient base for exploring some of the country’s most iconic attractions.

SALT of Akagera Introduces Rwanda’s First Luxury SALT Safari Lodge

In eastern Rwanda, overlooking Lake Ihema inside Akagera National Park, SALT of Akagera introduces a new chapter in luxury safari travel. The 60-key eco-luxury lodge is the world’s first SALT safari property and offers guests an immersive safari experience centred on sustainability, authenticity and meaningful local connections.

Located within Rwanda’s only Big Five national park, the property sits among diverse ecosystems of wetlands, lakes, woodlands and savannahs that support an extraordinary variety of wildlife. Inspired by its surroundings, the lodge features natural materials, earthy colour palettes and locally crafted interiors that reflect Rwanda’s landscapes and culture.

Guests can enjoy expertly guided game drives, wildlife encounters, wellness experiences and locally inspired dining rooted in seasonal ingredients. The culinary philosophy embraces zero-waste practices and farm-to-table cooking, showcasing produce from nearby farms alongside Rwanda’s renowned coffee, honey, freshwater fish and fertile volcanic soils.

Among the signature experiences is Root to Table, which explores Rwanda’s agricultural traditions from farm to plate. Boma Nights brings guests together beneath the stars for open-fire dining featuring regional flavours, while Beyond the Gate offers exclusive insights into Akagera National Park’s remarkable conservation story as Central Africa’s largest protected wetland.

By placing conservation and community engagement at the centre of every stay, SALT of Akagera delivers a safari experience that goes beyond wildlife viewing, inviting travellers to build a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s people and landscapes.

Sustainability and Community at the Heart of Every Stay

Across both resorts, The Lux Collective has integrated Rwanda’s rich heritage into the guest experience through partnerships with local artisans, community-led initiatives and responsible sourcing practices.

Guided by the Group’s ESG commitments and its Circle of Care framework, both properties support sustainable development through local procurement, conservation awareness and community empowerment. At SALT of Akagera, programmes including SALT Shakers and Skill Swap encourage guests to engage directly with local communities, artisans and conservation initiatives, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and shared learning.

The Lux Collective Chief Executive Officer Olivier Chavy said, “The launch of LUX Lake Kivu and SALT of Akagera marks a significant milestone in our vision for Rwanda and expansion across Africa. Together with our partners, we are creating Rwanda’s first world-class luxury tourism circuit, connecting distinct destination experiences while celebrating the country’s unique identity and generating lasting value for communities. These openings reflect our commitment to regenerative tourism and to elevating Rwanda on the global luxury travel map.”*

The launch of LUX* Lake Kivu and SALT of Akagera marks the beginning of a larger vision for Rwanda’s luxury tourism landscape. The Lux Collective plans to add three more properties by 2028 across Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park and Akagera National Park, completing its landmark Rwanda Tourism Circuit.

By combining luxury hospitality, conservation, wellness and authentic destination experiences, the growing portfolio aims to strengthen Rwanda’s position as one of Africa’s most compelling destinations for sustainable luxury travel while supporting local communities and long-term environmental stewardship.

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