The project is being developed by the Ejo Heza Rubyiruko Gishwati-Mukura Cooperative, which currently offers guided tourism services, camping accommodation and nature tours in the area.
The tourism center will be built along the Kivu Belt road linking Rubavu and Rusizi, near the Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Construction is expected to cost about Rwf70 million and will cover one hectare of land.
The site is located in Nyagahinika Cell, Nyaruku Village, Kigeyo Sector in Rutsiro District, and is expected to be completed within seven months.
The cooperative also operates a cultural tourism trail stretching about 70 kilometers from Kinihira through Bitenga Base Camp to Ndaba Rock in Karongi District.
Speaking to IGIHE, the president of the cooperative, Kalisa Obed, said the center will include a shop selling locally made products and agricultural goods from the region, including coffee, tea, milk and honey.
He explained that the project is expected to initially create jobs for at least 125 people with different skills.
“This will be a relaxing place for visitors and will also help people learn more about the environment. We plan to plant indigenous trees and educate visitors about Rwanda’s culture and history. Construction activities will begin in June, and by the end of 2026 the project should be nearing completion,” he said.
Kalisa added that the activities offered at the site will focus on traditional Rwandan culture, including traditional games, cattle herding practices, milking cows, storytelling, playing traditional musical instruments, weaving mats, grinding grains and other cultural experiences.
The site will also feature a traditional Rwandan house that will help visitors understand the lifestyle and history of ancient Rwandan communities.
The Vice Mayor of Rutsiro District in charge of Economic Development, Uwizeyimana Emmanuel, recently told IGIHE that the tourism center would significantly support local tourism and business activities.
He noted that visitors will be able to buy local products such as coffee, fresh milk, cheese, traditional foods and handicrafts, while also enjoying camping accommodation through tents.
The Ejo Heza Rubyiruko Gishwati-Mukura Cooperative has 57 members and currently receives between 250 and 300 visitors annually. Rwandan visitors pay around Rwf30,000, while foreign tourists pay between $50 and $100.
In 2020, UNESCO added Gishwati-Mukura National Park to the World Heritage list.
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