Imagine travelling to Karongi not only to enjoy the scenery of Lake Kivu but also to play golf on an 18-hole course. Or visiting Gicumbi for a holiday retreat away from the noise and busy life of the city.
For those accustomed to visiting Rubavu for its lake views and fresh air, the coming years could bring more leisure options, ranging from water sports to modern hotels and entertainment facilities. These are not merely ideas. They form part of eight major projects planned across Rwanda to expand tourism attractions, improve visitor facilities and create new leisure experiences.
Rwanda is already renowned for its mountain gorillas, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park and other natural attractions. However, the country aims to offer visitors more than gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing by expanding opportunities for relaxation, sports, culture and entertainment.
The projects come as Rwanda seeks to generate at least $1.1 billion annually from tourism by 2030. In 2025, the sector generated more than $685 million, up from $647 million in 2024. But what are these projects, where will they be developed, and what will make them unique?
1. Tourism and Research Centre Near Volcanoes National Park
In Musanze District, plans are underway to develop the Volcanoes National Park Experiential Centre, a facility that will combine tourism, research and conservation, particularly activities related to mountain gorillas.
The centre will occupy 15 hectares and include a Kwita Izina Amphitheatre for the annual gorilla naming ceremony and other major events. It will also feature a conference facility, a wildlife research and veterinary centre, visitor reception facilities and an environmental museum.
The centre is expected to give tourists a deeper understanding of Volcanoes National Park, its history, conservation efforts and the livelihoods of neighbouring communities. It will also promote scientific research, strengthen biodiversity conservation and create employment opportunities.
2. Five-Star Hotel and Golf Course in Karongi
On the shores of Lake Kivu in Karongi District, plans include an 18-hole golf course, a five-star hotel and residential and holiday villas. The project will cover 200 hectares in an area known for its natural beauty and accessibility to visitors travelling to Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks.
It is expected to promote golf tourism in Rwanda, attract golf enthusiasts and increase the country’s capacity to host international tournaments. The development is also expected to stimulate tourism activities and create investment opportunities in Karongi District.
3. Five-Star Lakeside Resort on Lake Kivu
Another planned development in Karongi District is the Karongi Lakeside Resort, a five-star hotel to be built on 3.7 hectares along Lake Kivu. The resort will cater to tourists seeking relaxation while enjoying the lake’s scenery and exploring other parts of Rwanda.
It will also provide accommodation for visitors travelling to Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks who need somewhere to stay before or after their journeys. The project is expected to expand accommodation capacity, stimulate business activities and create employment opportunities for residents of Karongi and surrounding areas.
4. Hotel and Entertainment Zone in Rubavu
In Rubavu District, a dedicated tourism zone is planned along the shores of Lake Kivu, featuring hotels, entertainment facilities and leisure amenities. The development will include restaurants, shops, spas, casinos, conference and event venues, and sports facilities.
The project aims to strengthen Rubavu’s position as a leisure destination while increasing its capacity to host conferences and other events. It is also expected to complement Kigali’s established conference and events tourism sector by expanding the range of venues and experiences available outside the capital.
5. Kigali Cultural Village
In Kigali City, the Kigali Cultural Village is planned as a destination showcasing Rwanda’s history, culture, arts and tourism. The project will cover 30.1 hectares and include museums, cinemas, theatres, cultural exhibition spaces, traditional food experiences and eco-lodges.
Other planned facilities include a botanical garden dedicated to indigenous plant species, camping grounds, sports facilities and commercial areas. The village is expected to help Rwandans and international visitors gain a deeper understanding of the country’s culture and history. It will also create opportunities for artists, artisans, traders and tourism operators.
6. Gicumbi Vacation Village
In Gicumbi District, plans are underway for the Gicumbi Vacation Village, designed to offer visitors leisure experiences away from urban noise and busy city life.
The destination is intended for families, groups of friends, children and other visitors seeking a peaceful getaway with a range of recreational activities. Planned facilities include hotels, camping grounds, restaurants, hiking and nature trails, and sports facilities.
The project is expected to promote leisure tourism and attract visitors interested in countryside experiences, giving them more options beyond Rwanda’s established national parks and major cities.
7. Water Sports and Recreation on Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is one of Rwanda’s leading tourism attractions. A planned project aims to expand its tourism potential by increasing opportunities for water sports and other recreational activities. Specialised marinas for tourism, recreation and water sports boats are planned in Rubavu, Karongi and Rusizi districts. Smaller boat jetties will also be established in Rutsiro and Nyamasheke districts.
These facilities are expected to support investors interested in launching tourist boat services, water sports activities and other recreational businesses. The initiative aims to encourage tourists to spend more time around Lake Kivu while promoting trade and investment in tourism-related activities.
8. Tourism Facilities Around Akagera National Park
New tourism developments are planned around Akagera National Park to expand accommodation options and leisure facilities for visitors.
The project will cover two areas: Nyakagonji and Mutumba. In Nyakagonji, plans include campsites, eco-lodges and two holiday villa developments with 16 and 24 rooms, respectively. In Mutumba, the planned facilities include eco-lodges, recreational amenities and other services to support tourism.
These developments are expected to give visitors a wider range of accommodation and leisure options, enhancing their experience when visiting Akagera National Park. The project is also intended to promote environmentally sustainable tourism and create new investment opportunities in communities surrounding the park.
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New Opportunities for Tourism Investors
The eight projects reflect Rwanda’s ambition to develop tourism beyond gorilla trekking, national parks and other natural attractions. The planned developments extend into sports, culture, entertainment and leisure, offering visitors more reasons to explore different parts of the country.
They also present potential opportunities for investors interested in expanding tourism-related businesses, generating revenue and creating jobs. Once completed, the projects are expected to broaden Rwanda’s tourism offerings and support the country’s target of generating at least $1.1 billion annually from tourism by 2030.
