The Rwanda tourism fraternity convened at the Gisakura site, to lay the foundation stone where the first high-end Eco-lodge in Nyungwe Park will be constructed.

Since Nyungwe was declared a national park in 2005, quality accommodation for the tourists has been a major challenge. A statement from National Parks and Tourism office says 25 units are to be constructed.

While making a presentation on the concept of the Eco-lodge, the architect, Rihal Sandeep, said the form of the building model will resemble ‘nests suspended in trees’ with awesome views of the forest and tea fields. He says the building will host a presidential suite, luxury villas, a forest, tea villas, tree houses and a nature centre.

Other facilities will include; a library and view tower, reception, kitchen, dining, fitness centre, and quarters for staff.

According to the Minister in charge of Tourism, Hon. Protais Mitali, "the construction of the eco-lodge is timely as it will address the accommodation problem in Nyungwe. It will be an important milestone in our efforts towards improving the tourism experience in all our national parks while increasing tourists’ length of stay as they discover Nyungwe’s awesome treasures.”

He says the eco-lodge will facilitate the tourists to complete the primates discovery circuit after having visited the gorillas in Volcanoes Park and other tourism sites in the country.

The eco-lodge will uplift the status of the entire region and has already provided employment to 318 residents of Nyamasheke.

Most of the material used in construction and the interior accessories will be locally sourced, thus benefiting neighbouring communities including artists and weavers whose work will be showcased in the eco-lodge.

Upon completion, residents are also expected to provide food sources to the eco-lodge.

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