Kigali, 14 December 2023 –
The luxury houseboat, Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga, is now ready to welcome guests aboard for voyages along one of Africa’s great waterways, Lake Kivu. This magnificent lake forms Rwanda’s western boundary and is renowned for its fishing industry, preserving the traditional methods of the Rwandan people. The vessel is the first of its kind to sail the region, traversing the lake South Bound from Gisenyi to Nyamasheke and North Bound from Nyamasheke to Gisenyi, it serves as a gateway for travellers to explore Rwanda’s treasures.
The houseboat offers 10 cabins, including two executive suites and two deluxe cabins. The vessel also has a restaurant and bar, a plunge pool, jacuzzi and various outdoor spaces where guests can relax and enjoy captivating vistas.
“The Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga promises an extraordinary experience that marries luxury, exploration and conservation against the background of Lake Kivu, celebrated for its beauty and ecological significance. On their voyage, guests will have the opportunity to explore the region while immersing themselves in a range of activities that encompass Mantis’ core values: celebrating locality, sustainable adventures and conservation.” said Craig Erasmus, Vice President Operations Sub Saharan Africa for Fairmont and Mantis.
As the Kivu Queen uBuranga is part of Mantis, Accor’s conservation and sustainability brand, the vessel has been created to add value to the environment and communities living along the lake. As part of a flexible, all-inclusive, two-night/three-day itinerary, guests will have the opportunity to add more experiences such as visiting the renowned mountain gorillas at Volcanoes National Park or trekking into Nyungwe National Park to encounter the chimpanzees. Other experiences include excursions to local fishing communities to learn their traditional fishing techniques, exploring subtropical hiking trails, kayaking through the pristine waters and bird watching. Guests can also explore the smaller islands dotting Lake Kivu, including Napoleon Island, Teddy Bear Island, Monkey Island and Peace Island.
Stephane Castell, Regional Manager for Mantis Rwanda, said: ‘We are thrilled that, for the first time, travellers to Rwanda will be able to see the mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park and the chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park without having to endure an arduous six-hour road trip. We are also pleased to connect travellers to our other three properties in the region: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (within Akagera National Park, Eastern Province), Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel (in Rusizi, Western Province) and Mantis EPIC Hotel & Suites (in Nyagatare, Eastern Province).”
About Mantis
Mantis is a leading conservation-focused hotel group with curated hotels, eco-lodges and waterway experiences located across the globe. Sustainable travellers have been enjoying eco-tourism, safaris and adventure travel with Mantis since 2000. Rooted in conservation, Mantis pursues sustainable business practices and develops tourism products that are respectful of the environment and communities in which they operate. Acclaimed for its pioneering work in development, management, marketing, education and conservation, Mantis’s business model successfully combines responsible tourism, conservation and adventure, which translates to one-of-a-kind travel experiences.