KIGALI, Rwanda – The Government of Rwanda has officially invited private investors to develop a luxury lakeside resort in Karongi District, a project valued at up to $30 million. The move is part of a broader strategy to cement Lake Kivu’s position as a premier destination for high-end tourism and international travel.
The proposed Karongi Lakeside Resort will occupy 3.7 hectares of prime, government-owned land overlooking the water, situated in the heart of Karongi town near the Environment Museum.
A Vision for Deluxe Hospitality
According to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the project is envisioned as a four- to five-star deluxe facility. Divine Nakanyange, Head of Investment Marketing and Facilitation at RDB, confirmed that the government is looking for partners to inject between $10 million and $30 million into the development.
“The land is owned by the Government of Rwanda, and the project is proposed as a deluxe four- to five-star hotel,” Nakanyange stated, emphasizing the “prime” nature of the location.
The Mayor of Karongi District, Gerald Muzungu, noted that the region is already experiencing a surge in interest. Karongi currently hosts more than 14 hotels, buoyed by the lake’s natural beauty and its popularity for research and leisure.
“The cool lake breeze creates a relaxing environment for visitors,” Muzungu said. “This resort is expected to deliver multiple benefits, including boosting tourism, creating jobs, and supporting local suppliers in agriculture and transport.”
Boosting the National Economy
The investment is not just about luxury rooms; it is a strategic move to strengthen Rwanda’s socio-economic fabric. Local officials expect the project to:
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Diversify Hospitality: Add high-tier options to the existing lakeside portfolio.
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Create Employment: Generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs for the local community.
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Strengthen Supply Chains: Increase demand for local food, beverages, and cultural services.
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Stimulate Infrastructure: Trigger further investment in transport and logistics.
A Growing Hospitality Pipeline
This new tender comes on the heels of significant growth in Rwanda’s tourism sector. Data from the RDB shows that over the past five years, lakeside hospitality projects worth $106 million have been registered, adding 631 rooms to the national inventory.
The Rwanda Chamber of Tourism has set an ambitious target to reach 35,000 hotel rooms over the next five years, a significant jump from the 10,000 rooms added in the previous period.
International Interest
Global interest in Rwanda’s hospitality market remains high. According to the Hotel Chain Development Pipelines in Africa 2025 report by W Hospitality Group, international brands are currently on track to open nearly 500 new rooms in the country, with 46% of those already under construction.
As Rwanda continues to position itself as a hub for both business (MICE) and leisure tourism, officials maintain that lakeside developments like the Karongi Resort will remain a “key pillar” of the nation’s long-term economic development strategy.
