In his highly acclaimed song ‘Thug Mansion’ about the rise of an urban, poverty-stricken black youth who rises to stardom in the US show business, Tupac raps: "…a place where to spend my quite nights, time to unwind, so much pressure in this life of mine…A spot where we can kick it, where we can drink liquor and no one bickers over trick…a spot where we can smoke in peace…at Thug’s Mansion.’ For prison wardens in Kimironko prison there’s exactly this place to unwind in the little known Auberge Bel Air.

Not that prison wardens are thugs nor is Bel Air heaven but Tupac’s song describes the perfect recipe of the elegant guesthouse located in the outskirts of Kimironko.

Here prison wardens are a common patronage in the evenings as they reflect on the nature of the people they keep in custody.

But the guesthouse is not just reserved for prison wardens; it is highly popular for backpackers and other tourists fed up with the noise and hassle of the city centre.

Bel Air Guesthouse, or Auberge as it is known throughout Kimironko, has a spacious and secluded expansive garden thrown almost at the furthest end of Kimironko.

It offers rooms, meals, conference facilities, a sparsely stocked but well priced bar and camping facilities for backpackers. Bel Air is the perfect place for a get away from all the noise of the city.

As early as 6 p.m., the sound of the humming birds is audible. The large and well maintained garden is laced with several trees forming canopies. Under the trees are electricity extensions for reading late into the night.

The mango trees lining the walkways are a favourite spot for romantic dates. Walking in the gardens one cannot help but wonder why such a gem is hidden thus far from a larger clientele.

Word has it that Auberge is a favourite venue for secret hideaways and its isolation is for tactical purposes. It is rumoured that this Kigali beauty is a favourite place for anyone interested in ‘one night stands’.

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