Beyond remittances, some members of the diaspora have chosen to invest in impactful projects back home. One such individual is Mukarugwiza Drocelle, who lives in Rwanda and Germany.
Mukarugwiza invested in the Nyanza District, specifically in Busasamana Sector, in an area known as Gihisi.
Among her initiatives in Gihisi is Gira Impuhwe Primary School, as well as Chez Drocella Eglantine Lodge, which welcomes tourists and visitors exploring Nyanza.
The guest house boasts a beautiful garden, comfortable guest rooms, conference facilities, and more.
It is located approximately 100 kilometers from Kigali and 36 kilometers from Huye.
Chez Drocella Eglantine Lodge blends comfort with cultural richness.
Surrounded by lush gardens, the lodge offers cozy rooms, peaceful verandas, meeting spaces, and the soothing sounds of nature. Guests are welcomed with fresh air, the fragrance of blooming flowers, and the melodic chirping of birds in the morning.
Meals are freshly prepared using ingredients sourced from local farms. For those curious about rural life, guests can tour nearby cattle farms, enjoy fresh milk, or engage with local traditions in Nyanza.
In an interview with IGIHE, Mukarugwiza reflected on her journey. She and her husband began their work in Gihisi in 1990, long before it became a travel destination.
“At the time, we were caring for children living with HIV/AIDS—many had been abandoned and left without support,” she recalled. “After the Genocide against the Tutsi, our mission turned to helping survivors, especially widows, girls, and orphaned children.”
She explained that the area has now been transformed into a guest house, but they continue to use the income to support genocide survivors and ensure children at the school have access to essential learning materials.
Mukarugwiza invited Rwandans from Nyanza and friends in the diaspora, as well as visitors from across Rwanda, come and experience the breathtaking views of Mwima and Mushirarungu hills.
Dubbed The Sanctuary, the space goes beyond traditional spa services, featuring a salt-water lap pool, steam room, ice bath, meditation pods, and treatment rooms.
The lodge says the design prioritises stillness and restoration, with natural materials, quiet soundscapes, and minimal distractions from the surrounding environment.
The new facility will be open to guests staying at both Bisate and the nearby Bisate Reserve.
Wilderness, the company behind the lodge, says the launch reflects a broader shift in how it approaches guest experiences. Alexandra Margull, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, said wellness would no longer be treated as an add-on but “a natural extension of place.”
The opening at Bisate comes alongside a similar rollout at Wilderness Mombo in Botswana, part of what the brand describes as a more integrated wellness offering across its camps.
Located near some of the last remaining habitat of the endangered mountain gorilla, Wilderness Bisate is known for its conservation-focused model and ultra-private guest experience. The new wellness space adds another layer to what is already one of Rwanda’s most exclusive tourism destinations.
This landmark move reflects a growing spirit of diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two nations. Rwandans can now explore this tropical paradise with ease, while citizens of Antigua and Barbuda are also free to visit Rwanda under the same arrangement.
This development may pave the way for broader collaboration, including the possibility of RwandAir launching direct flights to the Caribbean as early as next year.
Should negotiations succeed, Rwanda’s national airline could play a key logistical role in connecting the two regions, particularly ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which Antigua and Barbuda is set to host.
Though Rwanda is often viewed as small in size when compared to its East African neighbors like Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, it shares many demographic similarities with nations outside of Africa. One such country is Antigua and Barbuda, a vibrant Caribbean nation that spans just 442 square kilometers, making it the 14th smallest country in the world.
With a population of just over 105,000 people, it also ranks among the least densely populated countries globally.
The country consists of two main islands, Antigua and Barbuda, along with around 50 smaller islets scattered across the Caribbean Sea. Its capital, St. John’s, lies on Antigua, the larger island, while Barbuda covers about 160 square kilometers. The capital city itself occupies a compact 10.5 square kilometers.
Most of the population, around 87%, is of African descent, a direct result of the transatlantic slave trade. Other ethnic groups include people of European, Indian, and South American origin.
Christianity is the predominant religion, with nearly 97% of the population identifying as Christian. A small segment, around 3.6%, practices Rastafarianism, while others follow diverse traditional and spiritual beliefs.
English is the official language, but the local Antiguan Creole adds a vibrant, informal touch to everyday communication. Phrases like “Wah gwan?” (How are you?) and “Tank yuh” (Thank you) offer visitors a warm taste of local culture.
Antigua and Barbuda’s economy relies heavily on tourism, which accounts for nearly 60% of its GDP. The country’s tourism tagline, “One Beach Per Day,” comes from its remarkable offering of 365 beaches—enough for every single day of the year. Visitors flock to these sun-drenched shores for their beauty, serenity, and the welcoming spirit of the people.
Among the nation’s cultural treasures is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Antigua Naval Dockyard, home to preserved 18th-century British naval structures that speak to the island’s colonial past.
Beyond history, the islands offer vibrant coastal towns, marine parks, and lush scenery that highlight the richness of the Caribbean landscape.
The local cuisine draws from its Afro-Caribbean heritage. Signature dishes like Ducana and Saltfish (sweet potato dumplings with salted cod), Fungi and Saltfish (a polenta-like dish served with fish), and hearty Pepperpot stew give a delicious insight into island life.
The best time to visit Antigua and Barbuda is between December and April, during the dry season. Temperatures range from 22°C to 25°C, offering perfect weather for outdoor activities. This period also aligns with Christian festivities such as Holy Week, which are celebrated vibrantly across the islands.
When it comes to safety, visitors can expect a peaceful experience. While tourism is the backbone of the economy, Antigua and Barbuda also benefits from financial services, construction, and a small manufacturing base. Agriculture contributes only a modest 3% to GDP, which means the nation imports a significant portion of its food.
For investors, Antigua and Barbuda presents numerous opportunities, particularly in tourism and hospitality, construction, renewable energy, and financial services. As ties with Rwanda strengthen, and direct connectivity becomes a possibility, new partnerships and ventures could emerge across both sides of the Atlantic.
The rope course, which spans 280 meters and includes 21 segments, is suspended up to 15 meters above ground. It allows visitors to experience the forest from the perspective of wildlife by imitating the movements of species like colobus monkeys, civets, and forest cats.
The course is located at Gisakura, one of the main reception areas of the park, and is designed to be both educational and thrilling.
Designed as a suspended obstacle course, it challenges participants to move carefully across swaying elements.
Completing the course gives participants a strong sense of accomplishment and helps build personal confidence.
Tourists are equipped with professional safety harnesses, which keep them securely connected to an overhead line throughout the course.
“Even if you slip or get tired, there’s no risk of falling. The system is built for maximum safety and comfort,” says David Nduwe, a tour guide at the park.
Each visitor is accompanied by a trained guide who provides safety instructions and explains the ecological significance of each section. For example, segments simulate how primates move through trees or how forest predators navigate the terrain, offering an interactive and immersive learning experience.
“This is a teaching journey above all. It’s physically engaging, emotionally rewarding, and everyone finishes with a greater appreciation for nature,” says Nduwe.
Other adventure features you can explore in Nyungwe besides the rope course include the Canopy Walkway, an exhilarating suspension bridge offering treetop views; the expanded Zipline, spanning up to 1.9 kilometers and now one of East Africa’s longest for a thrilling flight; and extensive hiking trails that lead to waterfalls and offer opportunities for chimpanzee and other primate tracking, as well as incredible bird watching.
The rope course and other attractions are part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to leverage natural heritage for sustainable tourism growth. In the past year, Nyungwe National Park welcomed over 26,000 visitors, a 20% increase from 2023, generating more than $2 million in revenue.
Nationwide, Rwanda’s tourism sector earned over $647 million in 2024, a 4.3% rise compared to the previous year. That figure stood at just $7 million in 2005. The country now targets $1 billion in annual tourism revenue by 2030, according to Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Jean-Guy Afrika.
Located in Rwanda’s southwest, Nyungwe is one of Africa’s most biodiverse rainforests. It is home to 98 mammal species, including 13 species of primates, representing 12% of all primates in Africa. The park also shelters over 1,000 species of flowering plants, 240 species of trees, and 320 species of birds, some of which are endemic.
This richness led to Nyungwe’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, further reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of Rwanda’s conservation and eco-tourism strategy.
Chana said that the country received five million visitors in the 2024/2025 season, and to reach its new target, the government will boost service quality and intensify both domestic and international promotion of Tanzania’s attractions.
She credited the recent growth in tourism to strategic campaigns such as the Royal Tour documentary and the Amazing Tanzania initiative, which have spotlighted the nation’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.
Echoing the focus on conservation tourism, Director General of Tanzania Trade Development Authority Latifa Khamis said the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a standout destination, where the harmony between wildlife and human communities continues to draw global interest.
Launched in 2023, Bird Paradise is located within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a world-leading wildlife and nature destination. The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is home to four other iconic wildlife parks – Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari and the newly opened Rainforest Wild Asia, alongside other nature-themed indoor attractions and green public spaces.
The aviary was unveiled in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Rwanda High Commission in Singapore, and the Mandai Wildlife Group during the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Asia Pacific, held from June 30 to July 3, 2025.
Covering 1.55 hectares and home to over 800 birds, the aviary is designed to mirror the lush, mountainous terrain of Nyungwe. It features a canopy walkway and forested landscapes modelled on Rwanda’s southwestern rainforest, offering visitors a sensory immersion into one of Africa’s most biodiverse ecosystems.
“We are very proud to partner with Mandai Wildlife Group to showcase Rwanda as a leading eco-tourism destination and inspire conservation the world over. This partnership reflects our commitment to strengthening international ties, promoting sustainable tourism, and sharing the story of Rwanda’s natural treasures with a global audience,” said Irene Murerwa, Chief Tourism Officer, Rwanda Development Board.
The aviary hosts a range of African bird species, including turacos, hornbills, and starlings. While the birds span the continent, the design cues are unmistakably Rwandan, with the walkway and forest structure offering perspectives similar to those found in Nyungwe itself, a rainforest known for its chimpanzees, rare primates, and over 300 species of birds.
Mandai Wildlife Group, which manages the reserve, sees the partnership as part of a broader effort to foster global environmental awareness.
“The Mandai Wildlife Reserve serves as a window into the wild, fostering meaningful connections between people and wildlife to inspire a stronger commitment to protecting nature,” said Dr Cheng Wen-Haur, Deputy CEO of Life Sciences & Operations and Chief Life Sciences Officer, Mandai Wildlife Group.
“With the steadfast support of visionary partners like the Rwanda Development Board and Rwanda High Commission, we are empowered to share compelling conservation stories that resonate across borders. Together, we show how international collaboration can nurture a shared love for nature and a united commitment to its protection.”
The initiative also feeds into Rwanda’s wider strategy to boost eco-tourism. By spotlighting Nyungwe in one of Asia’s premier nature destinations, Rwanda hopes to attract travellers seeking immersive, sustainable experiences.
The event at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve brought together conservation experts, travel industry leaders, and media to experience a taste of Rwanda’s natural heritage and build new connections that will further position Rwanda as the ‘Heart of Africa’ and a top destination for luxury eco-tourism.
Nyungwe, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often described as Rwanda’s ecological crown jewel. Now, its spirit lives on in Singapore, inviting thousands of visitors each year to discover the natural beauty and conservation efforts behind the “Heart of Africa.”
For many years, the Nyungwe Forest, now Nyungwe National Park, remained an underutilised natural asset, vulnerable to poaching and deforestation. However, over the past 25 years, under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, Rwanda has transformed its approach, prioritising conservation and sustainable tourism across its unique landscapes.
As part of this vision, several forest areas, including Nyungwe, were converted into protected national parks. To unlock their tourism potential, Rwanda partnered with African Parks, an international conservation organisation, leading to the development of three major attractions inside Nyungwe.
The park now features a 1,935-meter zipline that offers panoramic views of the forest canopy, along with a 280-meter rope course designed for adventurous treetop exploration. At the heart of these developments is Munazi Lodge, the park’s first and only hotel built deep within the forest.
The lodge was constructed in response to the challenges faced by visitors who previously had to seek accommodation outside the park boundaries. Construction began in early 2024 and was completed in early 2025, with furnishing finalised in May and the hotel opening to guests in June.
The name Munazi comes from the Umunazi tree, known for its wide-spreading branches that resemble a natural umbrella when viewed from below.
Room rates at Munazi Lodge vary by room type and season. The premium suite costs $220 per night during the low season and $270 in the peak season for international guests, while Rwandan residents pay $180 in low season and $220 during peak times. Standard rooms are priced at $185 per night in the low season and $230 in the peak season for international visitors.
All rooms offer a unique sensory experience, immersing guests in the natural sounds of Nyungwe’s 1,019 km² ecosystem, from birdsong to rustling leaves and distant animal calls.
The eco-lodge is entirely timber-built, from floors to walls, and all interior furnishings were locally crafted in Rwanda. With 20 beds, the lodge accommodates up to 20 guests per night.
Children aged 6 to 12 are charged $100 per night, while those under 6 stay for free. Guests over 12 pay the full adult rate.
The lodge was built at a cost exceeding $612,000, excluding interior fittings, and currently employs 25 staff members, with plans to expand the team to 60 in the near future.
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The zipline, which allows tourists to glide through the air above Nyungwe National Park’s forest canopy, began construction in 2024 and was completed in May 2025 at a cost exceeding $342,000.
In just one month since it opened, the attraction had already drawn over 800 users, over 90% of whom were Rwandan visitors.
Stretching 1,935 meters, the zipline is divided into three segments: the first takes about 20 seconds to complete, the second 43 seconds, and the final segment around 58 seconds. Because there are short walking intervals between each section, a fast-moving visitor can complete the full course in about five minutes.
Ticket prices vary: international tourists pay $100, East African residents pay $80, and Rwandan nationals pay 20,000 Rwandan Francs.
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The rope course, though shorter at 280 meters, offers an equally thrilling experience for adventurous visitors. Designed as a suspended obstacle course, it challenges participants to move carefully across swaying elements.
Completing the course gives participants a strong sense of accomplishment and helps build personal confidence.
Access costs $35 for international visitors, $20 for East African residents, and 10,000 Rwandan Francs for Rwandan nationals.
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The Canopy Walk, one of Nyungwe’s most iconic experiences, costs $125 for international visitors, $100 for East African residents, and 23,000 Rwandan Francs for Rwandans.
For those who wish to experience all three attractions, Zipline, Rope Course, and Canopy Walk, a combined package is available for $150 for international tourists, $110 for East African residents, and 40,000 Rwandan Francs for Rwandans.
Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), who officiated the inauguration of the facilities, expressed confidence that they would boost tourist traffic and help the country achieve its goal of generating $1 billion in annual tourism revenue by 2030.
“Rwanda has chosen to pursue high-value, low-volume tourism,” Afrika said.
Tourism remains a cornerstone of Rwanda’s economy, currently generating about 1.9 trillion Rwandan Francs (approximately $1.5 billion) annually. Afrika noted that government policy has driven remarkable growth in tourism revenue—from $7 million in 2006 to $660 million today—with a clear trajectory toward surpassing the $1 billion mark by the end of the decade.
Western Province Executive Secretary Florence Uwambajemariya welcomed the developments, saying they align with the second phase of Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
“These are infrastructures that directly support six of the NST2 priorities,” she said. “They contribute to climate resilience, create local jobs—since guides are Rwandan—and support the rural economy, as food served at the lodge is sourced locally.”
Tourism revenue from Nyungwe is growing rapidly. In 2021, the park brought in about $300,000; by 2024, this had risen to $2.3 million, and projections estimate it will reach $3.4 million in 2025.
All the facilities, including the zipline, rope course, and Munazi Lodge, were constructed between 2024 and 2025 at a total cost of over Frw 1 billion.
To solve this, the park has introduced new aerial experiences that allow visitors to enjoy the scenery from above, places that are otherwise unreachable by foot, deep within the dense forest. While the famous Canopy Walk has long been a favorite, a new activity—ziplining—is redefining how tourists interact with Nyungwe’s natural wonders.
Ziplining is a thrilling experience where visitors glide above the forest suspended on secure cables, offering panoramic views and a new perspective of the park. Though new to Nyungwe, ziplining has existed globally for centuries, traced back to 250 BC in China or India, where merchants used ropes strung between mountains to move goods efficiently. Today, that same principle powers adventure, science, and tourism.
In Nyungwe, the zipline features three routes named after local wildlife, like the chimpanzee. The longest route stretches 1,020 meters, and the entire journey totals 1,850 meters. The experience begins in Gisakura, where trained guides welcome visitors and ease their nerves, especially for first-timers. They explain the safety procedures, provide harnesses, and ensure tourists are securely fastened before launch. The guides lead the way, preparing the landing area in advance, which is equipped with brakes to reduce speed and ensure a safe finish.
Though rare, a rider may stop mid-air. In such cases, guides are trained to reach the person using hand trolleys and safely escort them to the end.
According to one foreign technician involved in building the zipline, “Many fear falling, but it’s virtually impossible. These cables can hold several tons. It’s completely safe.” He praised Rwanda’s commitment to quality, calling Nyungwe’s zipline one of the best in Africa, thanks to its length, views, and strategic location.
This expert, who has helped build ziplines in over 10 countries, including South Africa, Ghana, and the DRC, said Nyungwe stands out. “Visitors will immediately notice the difference. The air is fresh, and the scenery is unique,” he said, revealing that construction costs exceeded $1 million.
He expressed confidence in the Rwandan team trained to manage and maintain the facility, saying, “They know what to do. They’re skilled technicians who can solve any issue.”
The zipline is expected to boost tourism to Nyungwe National Park, with projections of up to 9,000 visitors in the next five years.
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Just a short walk from the zipline is the Canopy Walk, a 170-meter-long suspended bridge that rises 70 meters above ground. Before crossing, guides explain safety and techniques, then lead the group, sharing insights about the surrounding flora such as the symbolic Igishigishigi tree.
From the bridge, you can spot birds feeding on nearby trees and take breathtaking photos. Guides help with ideal angles and safe photo spots. The bridge supports up to eight people and can carry up to four tons.
The round trip from the bridge back to the visitor center takes around 40 minutes on foot, with the path offering encounters with native plants, animals, and trees, each explained in detail by the guides.
In 2021, Nyungwe’s economic value was estimated at $4.8 billion. In 2024, Rwanda’s tourism revenue reached $647 million, up 4.3% from the previous year. The number of visitors to Nyungwe alone rose by 20% compared to 2023.
This shows how Nyungwe continues to attract local and international tourists, with discounted prices encouraging Rwandans to explore their own natural heritage.
Above all, Nyungwe is a powerful reminder of the deep bond between people and biodiversity.
The numbers reflect a sustained growth trend from 67,222 visitors in 2023 and 48,813 in 2022, according to park manager Ildephonse Kambogo.
Opened to the public in July 2022 after six years of restoration work, Nyandungu Eco-Park is now one of the capital’s most treasured urban nature escapes.
Spanning 121 hectares, including 70 hectares of wetlands and 50 hectares of forest, the park boasts over 62 indigenous plant species and is home to nearly 200 bird species that have returned following wetland rehabilitation.
“The majority of our visitors, about 70 per cent, are Rwandans,” Kambogo told The New Times. “Foreign residents in Rwanda make up 20 per cent, while international tourists account for the remaining 10 per cent.”
The park is set for a 43-hectare expansion, further strengthening its role in biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Already, it offers visitors a unique blend of recreation and education through features such as a medicinal garden, Pope’s Garden, five catchment ponds, three recreational ponds, 10km of walkways and cycling lanes, an information centre, and a restaurant.
Nyandungu’s transformation from a degraded wetland into a thriving eco-tourism park was made possible through a Frw 4.5 billion investment under the leadership of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA).
The initiative, funded by the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA) with support from the UK Government, Italy’s Ministry for Ecological Transition, and the UN Environment Programme, aimed to showcase the potential of wetlands in urban flood mitigation, pollution control, and biodiversity recovery.
The restoration effort not only revitalised the wetland ecosystem, including the reintroduction of 17,000 trees from 55 indigenous species, but also created around 4,000 jobs.
Unlike most hotels in Rwanda, Château le Marara is modelled after a European-style château, a type of grand architecture traditionally associated with royalty and nobility. These buildings, common across Europe between the 8th and 16th centuries, were fortified residences for kings and the elite, serving both as homes and places of governance, celebrations, and decision-making.
Examples of such historic châteaux include Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, Château de Chenonceau in France, and Himeji Castle in Japan. While rare on the African continent, Rwanda now proudly hosts its own version—open not just for viewing, but also for overnight stays.
Upon entry, guests are welcomed into a display suite known as “Fou de Toi,” named after the hit song by Element EleéeH, Ross Kana, and Bruce Melodie. The music video for the song, which has garnered over 24 million views on YouTube, prominently features the hotel during its construction phase, helping catapult Château le Marara into public awareness.
“The song played a huge role in promoting Château le Marara while it was still under construction. Many people learned about the hotel through that video,” says Mucyo Solange, a manager at the hotel.
“This room is used to showcase what the other rooms look like. It’s representative of the entire hotel’s style, which is consistent throughout.”
From the walls and beds to the carpets, sofas, and curtains, every detail at Château le Marara reflects royal grandeur.
“Everything is inspired by the traditional château aesthetic. In France and other parts of Europe, châteaux were homes to kings and nobles. Similarly, in Rwanda, our own kings also lived in beautiful, distinguished settings. That’s the inspiration behind our beds, chairs, and decor—it’s a tribute to royal living,” Mucyo explains.
The dominant colour throughout the hotel is red, a deliberate design choice.
“Red is traditionally associated with royalty. Even at weddings, someone in a red gown always stands out,” she adds.
Each room in the hotel has a distinct name, some inspired by the hills of Karongi, others by themes of Rwandan royalty and love.
In total, the hotel features 21 rooms, plus a VIP suite. The ground floor has two rooms, the first floor six, the second floor seven, and the third floor, which is built within the rooftop space typical of many European châteaux, contains six rooms.
Among these is the VIP suite, which includes a private lounge area.
“It’s like the other rooms but has exclusive features, such as a private sitting area and an additional room on the lower level,” Mucyo notes.
The hotel also offers discounts for long stays.
“We offer flexibility. For guests staying multiple nights, especially those coming with family or for a honeymoon, we adjust the rates based on their agreement with management,” the manager explains.
Another standout is the “Le President” suite, described by Mucyo as the most luxurious room in the hotel.
“It’s our best suite. The furniture, space, balcony view, and dressing area set it apart from the rest.”
Interest in the hotel has grown steadily, with many Rwandans reaching out for more information and making visits.
“Rwandans are curious and excited to see the place. They write to us, ask questions, and come to experience it themselves,” Mucyo shares.
Having a château-style hotel in Rwanda is a point of pride for her.
“It’s a great honour. First, it adds to Rwanda’s beauty and tourism appeal. But more than that, investing in your own country and building something appreciated both locally and internationally is deeply fulfilling.”
The hotel also works closely with the local community. Mucyo emphasises their commitment to sourcing from nearby residents:
“We buy locally, especially basic food items and supplies. Of course, there are some things we need to source from Kigali or even from abroad, but we make it a priority to work with the local community. We purchase goods from them and also create job opportunities.”
At $200 a night, Château le Marara offers more than just accommodation. It delivers a royal experience rooted in heritage, refined design, and the warmth of Rwandan hospitality.
{{Video: Igisubizo Isaac
Photos: Kwizera Remy Moses}}
