IGIHE

Category: Tourism

  • Singita Kwitonda Lodge to launch its operations

    Situated along the Kwitonda trail, Singita will add about 12 hotel rooms and it will employ close to 70 people, according to Luke Bailles, the founder of Singita.

    “Singita Kwitonda will offer 8 suites and a villa with magnificent views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes,” he explained.

    He added that they have locally sourced labor and construction materials during the construction.

    Bailles said the opening of the new property will put gorilla trekking within easy reach and in combination with other destination tours within Rwanda for tourists to take advantage of.

    It will also offer tourists a classic safari option to Singita’s private concessions on the Serengeti plains in neighboring Tanzania.

    {{Conservation efforts
    }}

    Bailles said they are working in close partnership with the Rwanda Development Board and local communities, in taking a measured, long-term approach to conservation on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park, in line with the company’s established 100-year vision to build sustainable revenue streams to fund the preservation of African wilderness for future generations.

    “We have been treading lightly on the land during the entire construction process. Sustainability is at the core of the construction project. We will initially establish a nursery and plant over 60,000 tree saplings in and around the new lodge. Ultimately, Singita hopes to be able to support the Rwandan government in finding ways to increase gorilla habitat while remaining sensitive in assisting neighbouring communities to thrive economically and socially,” he explained.

    “It’s been our dream to become involved in Rwanda tourism,” he said, adding that the move to invest in Rwanda’s high-end market was inspired by the country’s sustainable tourism strategy.

    Named in tribute to Kwitonda, a great silverback gorilla that died close to six years ago and whose legend lives on in Rwanda for being known for his humility and gentleness, the Singita Kwitonda Lodge joins the 13 award winning lodges and camps across South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe run by Singita.

    Singita is a conservation brand that has been preserving African wilderness for the past 25 years, offering guests an exceptional safari experience with 14 luxury, award-winning lodges and camps across five regions. In partnership with non-profit Funds & Trusts who implement strategic conservation projects in each region, Singita’s 100-year purpose is to preserve and protect pristine land and wildlife populations, and help create economic independence within local communities surrounding the reserves.

    Luke Bailles, founder and chairman of Singita Lodges

  • A trip to Nyungwe: Falsehoods demystified

    Those who say Nyungwe National Park is not secure nowadays base it on armed
    attacks carried out in the areas surrounding the forest since July last year and which
    were neutralized by the Rwandan army.

    In July last year, assailants attacked Nyabimata Sector of Nyaruguru District, looted belongings of the population but they were repeled by the Rwanda Defence Force.

    In December, last year again, other assailants killed two people and injured eight in Kitabi Sector of Nyamagabe District after setting a passenger car on fire. The RDF
    later confirmed to have killed three of the gunmen responsible for the attack after others fled back to Burundi.

    On March 18, this year, other gunmen killed one person in Karambi Sector of
    Nyamasheke District before the RDF intervened and stopped the attack.

    {{Visitors hail the safety in Nyungwe }}

    On Saturday at 3:30am IGIHE’s team of journalists arrived at One &Only Nyungwe House Hotel, a five star eco lodge located in Bushekeri Sector of Nyamasheke District that is a three minute drive from the forest.

    Some visitors who had spent the previous night in the hotel had already woken up ready to go and explore the beauty of the park.

    Victor Dizon, a tourist from the Philippines and his wife were back to the hotel from the park where they had enjoyed looking at primates of colobus species.

    Dizon told IGIHE that it had not been long since he arrived in Rwanda but he found the country more secure than all the other 15 African countries he has visited.

    “All I can say is that Rwanda is the safest of all the African countries I have been to. When we were in Kigali, we would leave our bags inside the cars, of course having closed the doors, but you can’t do that in South Africa or Kenya. Your Government (of Rwanda) has done a very good job to secure the nation,” Dizon said.

    Dizon emphasized that he met some security agents which- instead of worrying him- assured him of his safety inside the park.

    “We visited different parts of the park. I know we are near the border with Burundi. I saw soldiers here which didn’t scare me but assured me that I am safe,” he added.

    Victot Dizon and his wife smiling after exploring the beauty of Nyungwe National Park. They hail security in Rwanda
    Residents of Kitabi Sector near Nyungwe Forest say it is safe
    The aerial view of Nyungwe Forest

  • Kigali Radisson Blu Hotel win 4 global awards as best hotel in Rwanda

    Kigali Radisson Blu Hotel and Convention Centre were recognized as Best Conference Venue Hotel, Best MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) Hotel, Best Convention Hotel and Best Business Hotel in Rwanda.

    The Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards are organized annually by Haute Grandeur Global Awards and the winner of the awards is determined by evaluating quality feedback from guests, rather than quantity of votes by a panel of judges or general public.

    The General Manager of Kigali Radisson Blu and Convention Centre, Denis Dernault expressed his joy over the winning of the Haute Grandeur Hotel awards which recognize the best and unforgettable moments visitors have once at the complex.

    He said: “We are extremely proud and privileged to have received four Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards. They are rewarding recognition of Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali’s philosophy of creating memorable moments.”

    The Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards came to Kigali Radisson Blu and Convention Centre adding to awards the Hotel received as Africa’s Leading Hotel, Rwanda’s Leading Conference Hotel and Rwanda’s Leading Hotel by the World Travel Awards 2018 while it has also been recognized as, Best Architectural Design and Best Hotel Development at the Africa Property Investment Awards, 2018 in September this year.

    Radisson Blu Hotel and Convention Centre is located in Kigali at Kimihurura. It has 291 rooms with the Royal Suite for the VIPs on the 700 m2 area.

    Its part with the image of the royal palace in Nyanza receives 2600 people.
    Kigali Radisson Blu and Convention Centre which opened in 2016 is able to host a 5000-people meeting all at once with adequate space reserved trade, entertainment and other ceremonies.

    Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali adds “Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Award 2018” to list of accolades
    The General Manager of Kigali Radisson Blu and Convention Centre, Denis Dernault

  • RDB unveils new tourism experience, Paramotoring

    Paramotoring, is a form of ultralight aviation where the pilot wears a motor on his back providing him with enough thrust to take off using an adapted paraglider or paramotor wing. It can be launched in still air, and on level ground, without assistance.

    The newly introduced tourism product will contribute to the growth of the tourism industry in Rwanda and be a fresh way for visitors to discover Rwanda.

    Demonstrating paramotoring to local media, yesterday, at the Huye aerodrome, members of the Rwanda Flying Club, Alain Julot and Sebastien Houben, said that paramotoring is the best way to enjoy the country’s panoramic view and idyllic scenes.

    “The Paramotor we used has the ability to carry one person, but there are other paramotors that can carry two people, where the pilot carries the other person. For a first-time, a person can fly as high as to 15-20 metres but for an experienced pilot, he can reach higher. In Rwanda, the climate makes it easier to practice paramotoring and we are preparing classes for those who are interested to learn how it’s done.” Alain Julot told IGIHE

    Sibomana Jean Aimé, an employee at Rwanda Development Board, told the press that paramotoring will offer memorable and exceptional experience to visitors.

    His remarks were echoed by the Chief Tourism Office at Rwanda Development Board, Belise Kariza who said in a statement issued by RDB “Rwanda is the best destination for adventurers seeking memorable, sustainable tourism experiences in Africa. We are happy to be soon introducing paramotoring, our new tourism experience. We will be the only country in East Africa offering such an experience. Visitors will now be able to experience the vibrancy and beauty of our country in a fresh way.”

    The new adventure tourism experience will be officially launched in the next six months. Visitors will be able to enjoy paramotoring in the historic Huye town, the picturesque lakeside towns of Rubavu and Karongi and at one of the best preserved montane rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe National Park.

    Members of the Rwanda Flying Club, Alain Julot and Sebastien Houben demonstrating paramotoring to local media at the Huye aerodrome.
    Sibomana Jean Aimé, an employee at Rwanda Development Board, said paramotoring will offer memorable and exceptional experience to visitors.

  • One&Only to open hotels in Rwanda

    {One&Only is to launch two resorts in Rwanda, One&Only Nyungwe House and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest.}

    The two properties will sit under the new brand of One&Only Nature Resorts, as the hotel operator seeks to expand its reach beyond its traditional beach resort roots.

    Along with the One&Only Nature Resorts brand will be One&Only Urban Resorts and One&Only Private Homes, as well as One&Only Beach Resorts.

    The company had its foundations in the African continent where its founder Sol Kerzner is from, but it only has one property there at the moment, One&Only Cape Town.

    The addition of the two properties in Rwanda gives it a strong foothold in a growing destination where few other international luxury brands have yet ventured.

    One&Only Nyungwe House will open first in Gisakura, a working tea plantation on the edge of the Nyungwe National Park.

    The park is home to the Nyungwe forest, thought to be one of the oldest in Africa, with a diverse environment that is home to more than 13 species of primates, representing 20% of all the apes in Africa; 275 species of birds; and 75 different species of mammals.

    The hotel will have 22 rooms and two, two-room Forest suites; no firm date was given for its opening, but the company said Q4 2017 was likely.

    The other property, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, is located near the village of Kingi, on the foothills of the Virunga Volcano range and is set for a 2018 opening.

    Guests will have views of of the Volcanoes national park and the rare chance of trekking to see the Mountain Gorillas Rwanda is famous for.

    It is one of only three countries in the world where these critically endangered creatures live; experts estimate there are only 780 mountain gorillas in existence, a third of which are in Rwanda, with numbers increasing there by 14% in the past 12 years.

    In addition to the gorilla trek, guests will also be able to visit Dian Fossey’s Karisoke Camp.

    “Rwanda is such an incredible destination with truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” said One&Only chief executive officer Philippe Zuber. “We look forward to immersing our guests in the country and culture and providing that ultimate connection with nature in the ultimate locations. Building on the legacy and success of One&Only, it is an exciting time for the brand.”

    He hinted he would be able to share “additional locations for our resorts”, soon.

    Also under the One&Only Nature Resorts will sit Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley in Australia.

    It was the first hotel in the world to achieve carbon-neutral certification by CarbonZero, and all One&Only Nature Resorts will aim for this distinction.

    [One&Only to open hotels in Rwanda->https://www.ttgmedia.com/luxury/luxury/oneonly-to-open-hotels-in-rwanda-9931]

    Source:TTG

  • Dar, UAE sign tourism pact

    {The governments of Tanzania and the United Arabs Emirates (UAE) have signed a bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for co-operation in tourism.}

    The two governments also agreed to conclude negations and sign agreements on promotion and protection of investments and avoidance of double taxation on income.

    The event took place in Abu Dhabi during the first Tanzania and UAE joint commission meeting between Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister, Dr Augustine Mahiga and UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Ms Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimy.

    According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, the joint commission meeting involved participants from various sectors from both countries, where they agreed to cooperate in various issues including science and technology, economy, energy, agriculture, infrastructure and transportation.

    The two-day joint commission meeting that took place on 19th and 20th this month also agreed to complete and sign agreements on cooperation in the education, health, marine security and defence, marine transportation, labour and employment and fire and rescue sectors. Dr Mahiga, in his closing speech, called on the private sector in both countries to explore business and investment opportunities in different sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, energy and tourism.

    ‘’The meeting underscores our resolve to build a strategic partnership that does not only contribute towards deepening the bilateral ties based on shared values and visions, but also enables the two countries to advance efforts aimed at realising peace, security and stability in our two regions and beyond,’’ Dr Mahiga said.

    The minister termed the first joint commission meeting as ‘ historic’ as it would contribute to further solidifying bilateral relations and co-operation between the two countries.

    Since the two countries established their diplomatic relations in 1974, they have maintained robust and evolving ties. Tanzania opened its embassy in Abu Dhabi in 2002, while the UAE reciprocated by opening its embassy in Dar es Salaam in 2007.

  • Nyandungu for modern eco-tourism park

    {The government of Rwanda has started a project of transforming Nyandungu marshland in Ndera and Nyarugunga sectors from Kicukiro and Gasabo districts an eco-tourism park where people can meet for leisure, carry out various entertainment performances and get an insight of Rwanda’s history. }

    The project is part of government efforts to preserve the environment, improve diversity of the ecosystem; reduce floods, giving marshland preservation models and creating environment and tourism-related jobs.

    The project will cost Rwf 2,413,699,149.

    The Director General of Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), Colette Ruhamya has told IGIHE that the project is being assessed and will go into force next year.

    “Establishing an eco-tourism park in Nyandungu marshland is part of its preservation and protecting it from further devastation. It must be rehabilitated and rejuvenate areas where vegetation was destroyed. Other areas of the marshland will see modern buildings attracting visitors for leisure. The project is under assessment and on completion it will provide a back-yard park for tourists coming to Kigali,” she said.

    “It is true that the project will contribute to country’s economic growth and restore the ecosystem including trees and birds which disappeared from the marshland.There is a team in place to follow up and improve this project,” she added.

    The Director General of Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), Colette Ruhamya

  • Kuryama gorilla family returns to Rwanda

    {The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund protects about half of the mountain gorilla population in Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains, with our courageous teams of trackers and wardens. But the gorillas know no borders, and sometimes a group crosses over the border into the Congolese side of the mountains, where Rwandan trackers cannot go. That means our direct protection as well as our daily data collection for that group will stop, as we wait for the group to come back.}

    This was the case with Kuryama’s group, which has spent two recent periods in Congo. This included eight months between 2014 and 2015, and again from October 2015 until September of this year. Then, finally, on Sept. 30, the group was spotted on the top of Mt. Bisoke. But its composition had changed, with four original gorillas missing, having probably transferred to other groups in Congo. And those who were left included seven males and only one female.

    Before they went to Congo, the group had already faced a number of challenges. Former leader, Kuryama, was wounded in a fight and then died in 2012, and then his successor, Kirahure, died after being wounded in 2015. The group’s leadership was then left, by default, to 22-year-old silverback Vuba, who led them over the border into Congo in October of last year.

    Now that the group has returned, we have resumed our daily monitoring. With its unbalanced ratio of males to females, this group should provide a lot of insight into gorilla behavior in unusual situations. Vuba has a calm temperament, like that of his father Titus, who also once led a group composed of all males and one female.

    Silverback Vuba now leads the group

    Vuba seems to be respected by the other males in the group but they aren’t intimidated by him either, says Fossey Fund research manager Winnie Eckardt, Ph.D. Two of them are already silverbacks, two are younger blackbacks, and one is a juvenile. The female – Mahirwe – has an infant estimated to be about 7 months old, so she will not be available for reproduction again for about another three years. We don’t know who fathered this infant, but our ongoing genetic studies of paternity among the gorillas will eventually give us that answer. For now, says gorilla program manager Veronica Vecellio, “We hope that the group will stay on the Rwandan side of the Virungas, so we don’t miss any other important phases of each individual’s development!”

    Younger males Rwema and Tetero

    [Kuryama gorilla family returns to Rwanda
    ->https://gorillafund.org/kuryamas-group-returns-rwandas-virunga-mountains/]

  • Tea House B&B Kigali: An island of comfort in Kigali’s hospitality services

    {As Rwanda systematically migrates towards attaining sustainable development in the hospitality sector, investors have come out to up their game by offering five-star services, putting customer satisfaction on a high-table position. There are a number of areas in Rwanda’s hospitality sector where investors can anchor their money, all with good latitude of potential returns. }

    Tea House Bed & Breakfast in Kigali, a Rwandan enterprise offering accommodation services, is one entity that has come on the hospitality scene with luxurious and passionately provided accommodation, with the associated red-carpet services leaving a great sense of satisfaction to the customers. This {{unique jewel}}, as reviewed by a guest, has 8 rooms, 6 are self-contained while two have a spacious and private balcony allowing the visitor to drink in different Kigali beautiful sceneries.

    Five of the rooms are on the ground floor while three are on the first floor. These ones can also be rented as private apartments complete with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a living room and two private balconies.

    In proximity with Tea House B&B Kigali are needed services like banks, Foreign exchange offices, restaurants, pubs and supermarkets.

    Tea House B&B Kigali is perfect for tourists, couples, interns, consultants, business travelers, families and big groups.

    {{With a free, fast and reliable Wi-Fi, }} Tea House B&B Kigali offers friendly accommodation and restaurant services offering a variety of cuisines ranging from local to internationally acclaimed dishes and highly appreciated delicious and amazing breakfast. The choice is in the customers’ hands and taste-buds.

    The rooms are very clean, warm, ostentatiously flaunted with exotic decors, flat-screen TVs, with satellite channels, as well as DVD players. Each room has ample personal space to relax, rewind and regain vitality; a huge terrace and balconies swept with Kigali breezes give you just that. There are additional bonuses such as hairdryers, an affordable laundry service, daily room cleaning, car rental, taxi facility and a free private and convenient parking crowns the customer’s zone of comfort.
    Tea House B&B Kigali has a gift shop from which guests can choose handcrafts items for their loved ones or personal mementos.

    From Kigali International Airport to Tea House B&B, it is a one and few minutes’ drive. A warm welcome from Tea House B&B staff begins from the airport pick up, at any time, a free service offered to their so cared and loved guests.

    The staff, other than being fascinatingly trained to offer top-notch services, have other soft skills that are as endearing, speaking different languages; Swahili, Italian, French, and English.

    Tea House B&B offers either short or long term accommodations from one month and more. For long term accommodation Tea House B&B Kigali offers to their guest a {{fully furnished kitchen}} to use at any time.

    A top accommodation and good service delivery, Tea House B&B Kigali has been welcoming guests through an online platform where guests book in advance for accommodation. The Sales and Marketing office replies to these bookings and others customers inquiries in a record time, a swift reply as their swift internet Wi-Fi. This allowed them to get 98% of booking confirmation from their customers booking requests.

    According to Uwimana M. Florence, the Sales and Marketing Manager at Tea House B&B Kigali, a lot of guests arriving to their B&B are so impressed by this {{wonderfully styled, cozy, clean, quiet and relaxing place}} and told that is “{{an unique jewel in the heart of Kigali}}”

    Others have called it a “{{center of professionals in Kigali’s hospitality services}}”, while others described it as an “{{island of comfort}}”. All guests, however, agree that it is a combination of architectural supremacy and hospitality eloquence. Adults and children leisure are both catered for in equal measure. Child games and toys are in no short supply, keeping children occupied and happy, and allowing adults to deliberate, relax, discuss or close deals. It is that pretty. It is that friendly.

    The interior designs do feature several Made in Rwanda {{decors}} and {{artifacts}} mainly from local cooperatives like Avsi Urubohero, Gatagara pottery, Kibungo Imigongo and young Rwandan artists as Uburanga art Center, among others.

    So from the impeccably prepared meals, the endearing staff, the almost musical interior designs, dexterously tended gardens that speak and breathe beauty and comfort, Tea House B&B Kigali is an epitome of what an ideal relaxing Kigali place should be. And the welcoming tells it all.

    Other services that guests can enjoy include Scanning, Printing and photocopying, coffee break, business lunch or dinner, meeting/Banquet, catering Facilities, luggage storage, Currency Exchange, Kids-friendly Buffet, Special Diet Meals (upon request), restaurant with lunching and dining menu and breakfast in the room among others.

    {{Tea House B&B is offering best prices and discount (from USD 20 to USD 55):

    • From one month stay -50%

    • From 2 weeks stay -25%

    • From one week -15%

    • One night for free after the 4th night, booked directly on our website or via WhatApp, (from November 2016 to February 2017 excluded December )

    Guests interested in Tea House B&B Kigali can access more details on the website
    https://bnbteahousekigali.com/prices/ or

    Join our facebook account: Bnb Tea House

    Or book by phone or whatsApp: +250782181209
    }}

  • Tourism Regulatory Authority give eight Nairobi hotels five-star rating

    {At least eight hotels in Nairobi County have been ranked five-star by the Tourism Regulatory Authority.
    }

    According to results published in a gazette notice on November 18, town hotels in Nairobi which were rated five-star were Villa Rosa Kempinski, Hemingways Nairobi, Sankara Nairobi, Fairmont The Norfolk and The Sarova Stanley.

    Other hotels in Nairobi that got the five-star rating were Radisson Blu Hotel, Dusit D2 and Tribe Hotel. Of the more than 80 hotels classified by the agency, only 30 establishments were awarded star ratings.

    Hotels that got the four-star rating were Crowne Plaza, Ole Sereni, House of Waine, Weston Hotel and Southern Sun Mayfair Nairobi. Others rated four-star were Sarova Panafric, Fairview, Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club and The Boma.

    In the three-star category was The Clarion Hotel, Ngong Hills Hotel, The Heron Portico, Panari Hotel, Marble Arch Hotel and Mountain Breeze Hotel.

    Establishments ranked two-star were Central Park, Fahari Gardens, Eton, Boma Inn, Jacaranda Nairobi, West Breeze and After 40 hotels.

    In other regions, Amboseli Sopa Lodge and Kibos Safari Camp in Kajiado County were rated three-star along with Maanzoni Lodge in Machakos County.

    Westwood Hotel in Nyeri County was rated two-star and so were Ibis Hotel Nanyuki in Laikipia County, Ibis Hotel Nyeri, Maxoil Hotel in Laikipia. Ibis 2000 Hotel Karatina in Nyeri County got a one-star rating.

    Carnivore restaurant in Nairobi was rated four-star while Bollywood Bites in Mombasa was ranked three-star.

    EXERCISE CONDUCTED FAIRLY

    The results were for the remaining six counties of Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni and Kajiado whose hotel classification was completed last month.

    On Sunday, the agency’s director-general Kipkorir Lagat said the exercise was conducted fairly and the assessors had been certified by the East African Community secretariat.

    Sarova Stanley general manager Paolo Marro was delighted with the results, saying the establishment was ranked a five-star due to its quality services. “The five-star rating is a confirmation of our commitment to offering our guests the true African experience,” he said.

    In the previous results of hotel classification which was conducted in 41 counties across the country by the agency, only seven establishments had been rated five-star.

    The agency had rated hotels from the regions of Nyanza, Western, North and South Rift, Central and Upper Eastern and at the Coast.

    Those ranked five star establishments were Leopard Beach Resort and Swahili Beach Resort from Kwale County and Medina Palms, Watamu, in Kilifi County. Others were Mara Serena Safari Lodge and Olare Mara Kempinski from Narok County, Segera Retreat Lodge in Laikipia County and Lake Elmentaita Serena Camp in Nakuru County.

    Mombasa County tourism hub did not feature in the list of five-star winners as its popular hotels were ranked four-star.

    In Kisumu County, the top rating was a three-star with establishments such as Kisumu Hotel, Sovereign Hotel, The Vic Hotel and Imperial Hotel rated three-star.

    Of the 228 establishments which were inspected by TRA certified assessors in the 41 counties, seven were rated five-star, 31 as four-star while 42 were ranked three-star.

    The Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel in Nairobi was rated five-star.