The Lux Collective has made its Rwanda debut with the opening of LUX* Lake Kivu and SALT of Akagera, the first two properties in a planned five-resort Rwanda Tourism Circuit designed to position the country as a serious contender in African luxury travel.
For UK business travellers, the openings add credible high-end options to a destination that is easier to reach than many assume. RwandAir operates from Heathrow Terminal 4, and SALT of Akagera sits around two hours by road from Kigali, making it a realistic add-on for anyone extending a work trip, planning an incentive programme or hosting a small leadership retreat.
A 14-suite lakeside retreat at Karongi
LUX* Lake Kivu occupies the shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, in the country’s western region. The 14-key resort is built for slow travel, with suites and a private villa overlooking the water, dining at international restaurant Cleo, lakeside venue Riva and the Maison LUX* café and bar, plus a LUX* ME Spa and sunrise yoga.
Signature experiences lean heavily on the destination. The Napoleon Trek is a guided dawn or dusk hike up Napoleon Island as thousands of fruit bats take flight, while The Island Run is a private boat trip to nearby isles including Blue Monkey Island and Swimming Cows Island. The Gorilla Morning offers a full-day excursion to Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorilla trekking, and From Cherry to Cup traces Rwanda’s coffee heritage from plantation to tasting. The property also serves as a gateway to Nyungwe Forest and the western tourism corridor.
The world’s first SALT safari lodge
SALT of Akagera overlooks Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five reserve and the largest protected wetland in central Africa. The reimagined 60-key lodge is the first safari property under the SALT brand, pitched as a five-star eco-safari experience built on authenticity, simplicity and sustainability.
A zero-waste, farm-to-table philosophy shapes the kitchen, with seasonal menus drawing on lake fish, honey, coffee and produce from nearby farms. Guest experiences include Root to Table, a dining journey tracing Rwanda’s agricultural heritage, Boma Nights with open-fire cooking under the stars, and Beyond the Gate, which goes behind the scenes of the park’s conservation work. Community programmes SALT Shakers and Skill Swap connect guests with local artisans and conservation teams.
Three more resorts to follow by 2028
The launches build on the partnership The Lux Collective announced for its Rwanda debut, with three further developments planned for 2028 across Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park and Akagera National Park. The pipeline adds to growing high-end investment in the country, where Wilderness recently unveiled the Sanctuary at Bisate.
The Lux Collective Chief Executive Officer Olivier Chavy said, “The launch of LUX* Lake Kivu and SALT of Akagera marks a significant milestone in our vision for Rwanda and expansion across Africa. 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.”
Across both properties, operations are guided by the group’s Circle of Care ESG framework, with local procurement, artisan collaborations and community-led initiatives woven into the guest experience.
