The Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga, a luxury houseboat, has begun welcoming guests for journeys along Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s majestic waterways. This inaugural venture marks the first of its kind to traverse the lake, offering a unique gateway for travelers to explore Rwanda’s rich cultural and ecological treasures.
This western boundary of Rwanda, renowned for its traditional fishing industry, is now also home to the Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga. The vessel sails both South and North Bound routes between Gisenyi and Nyamasheke.
Accommodating up to 20 guests, the houseboat features 10 cabins – including two executive suites and two deluxe cabins, a restaurant and bar, a plunge pool, and a jacuzzi. It also boasts several outdoor spaces where guests can unwind and take in the breathtaking views.
“The Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga offers an extraordinary journey that combines luxury, exploration, and conservation against the backdrop of Lake Kivu,” said Craig Erasmus, Vice President Operations Sub Saharan Africa for Fairmont and Mantis. “Guests will have the chance to delve into the region’s beauty, partake in sustainable adventures, and embrace Mantis’ core values of local celebration and conservation.”
As part of Accor’s Mantis brand – known for its commitment to conservation and sustainability – the Kivu Queen uBuranga aims to contribute positively to the environment and the communities that line the lake.
Guests can tailor their all-inclusive, two-night/three-day itinerary with additional experiences such as visiting the famed mountain gorillas at Volcanoes National Park or trekking into Nyungwe National Park to encounter chimpanzees. Further activities include learning traditional fishing methods from local communities, hiking subtropical trails, kayaking, bird watching, and exploring smaller islands scattered across Lake Kivu.
Stephane Castell, Regional Manager for Mantis Rwanda, expressed his excitement over the launch. “For the first time, travelers can experience the mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park and the chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park without a grueling six-hour road trip,” said Castell. “We’re also thrilled to connect guests to our three other regional properties.”
Since its inception in 2000, Mantis, a leading conservation-focused hospitality group, has offered sustainable travelers eco-tourism, safaris, and adventure travel experiences across the globe. Known for its commitment to sustainable business practices, Mantis develops tourism products that respect both the environment and local communities, providing unparalleled travel experiences for its guests.
