Once associated primarily with a devastating civil war that lasted between 1990 and 1994 and ended in one of the worst genocides in modern history, the East African nation of Rwanda has, in its post-war history, attracted growing numbers of tourists who have more positive associations with the country.
These days, international visitors come to experience everything from Rwanda’s volcanic mountain reserves and scenic Lake Kivu to activities such as gorilla trekking and safaris, during which visitors can spot the “Big Five” of African animals.
As most travelers looking to experience this come in by private tour, Rwanda also often makes various round-ups of the most expensive countries in the world to visit. One recent estimate put the average cost of a trip to Rwanda from the U.S. at $18,417.
Given the high proportion of wealthy customers coming into the country, Rwanda has also increasingly caught the attention of high-end hotel developers in recent years.
Lux Collective opening five 5-star luxury resorts in Rwanda
Mauritius-based hospitality group Lux Collective, which has a portfolio of 16 five-star resorts in a number of African, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries, just entered the country.
Its two new properties include the LUX* Lake Kivu in western Rwanda and the 60-room SALT safari lodge in Akagera National Park.
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The deal that Lux Collective signed with local investment firm Cleo Capital Group will also see the opening of three new properties under its brand, in Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Akagera National Park.
“The launch of Lake Kivu and SALT of Akagera marks a significant milestone in our vision for Rwanda and expansion across Africa,” Lux Collective Chief Executive Officer Olivier Chavy said in a statement on the openings.
“Together with our partners, we are creating Rwanda’s first world-class luxury tourism circuit, connecting distinct destination experiences while celebrating the country’s unique identity and generating lasting value for communities. These openings reflect our commitment to regenerative tourism and to elevating Rwanda on the global luxury travel map.”
Image source: Shutterstock
Other luxury hotels in Rwanda
In January 2026, the Pinnacle Kigali opened in the capital as Rwanda’s first women-led luxury hotel, which entrepreneur Sheila Kyarisiima initially built as a family home.
Kyarisiima converted the home into a nine-room spa resort that offers guests panoramic views of Mount Kigali, a saltwater pool, and en-suite massages as soon as they check in.
Another Kigali location, the Zaria Court Kigali, also opened in January 2026 as part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. The property, near the BK Arena and 45,000-seat Amahoro Stadium, is part of wider development efforts to build the Kigali Sports City district into a sports and entertainment hub.
Prior to the most recent burst of hotel development, the Wilderness Bisate Reserve opened in September 2024 as a luxury lodge providing prime access to mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
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