LA PALISSE is very far off the beaten track. There is virtually no place within walking distance of it. It is “off radar”, so to speak. It is located in Gashora sector, Bugesera district in the Northern Province. The quietude about the place is not only deafening, it is addictive. The intermittent chirping and singing of birds, and the gentle ebb of the waves on the lake do not offer a distraction, rather they lend rhythm to the tranquility. It is eco-friendly, in that you could visit just to lounge about and suck in on the breeze.I thought of the things that could be done here, and they were many; read a good book, do some soul-searching, or simply enjoy the beauty of the birds and the trees. You will almost always find a conference, party, retreat, workshop, picnic, family reunion or some other group function happening whenever you visit.Whichever the case, you will find people in groups, big and small. And it is not many times that you will meet someone all on their own while here.They have a large dining hall on the lawns that doubles as a bar/lounge, and it is large enough for almost any size of crowd. At dinner time, it comes alive with diners as they migrate from the beach with its ever biting cold. They have accommodation in the form of rooms and cottages. These are built in the traditional dorm design and are grass thatched.Rugged at the exterior, the interior of the dorms are very comfortable. They go for $60, and with this comes hot water, telephone and internet hotspot.If you choose to go for the semi detached double, it will cost you $100. Either option is great for campers, honeymooners and adventure seekers.They have a large and well-chlorinated swimming pool, with a professional life guard. As rule, everyone must take a bath before taking a dive.They have a sports center with aerobics and gym. The lawns have a standard sized football pitch and designated play areas for children.We were told there is a large population of hippos and crocodiles in the nearby lake, although we did not see any.Room fee caters for accommodation and a buffet breakfast. Lunch and dinner are a separate charge that will cost about Rwf6,000.
