Global hospitality group The Lux Collective is making its debut in Rwanda with five resorts, planned as part of an ultra-luxury tourism circuit across the country’s most iconic destinations.
The partnership with local hospitality and investment group Cleo Capital Group Ltd was announced at the recent Africa CEO Forum 2026 in Kigali in mid-May, as the destination builds towards entering the luxury hospitality circle.
The Rwanda Tourism Circuit will see The Lux Collective’s award-winning LUX and SALT brands entering four key destinations: Lake Kivu, Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park.
Phase one launches from mid 2026, which will see the rebranding of Cleo Lake Kivu into LUX Lake Kivu and Akagera Game Lodge into SALT of Akagera.
Phase two will cover three new greenfield developments scheduled to open in 2028: LUX Volcanoes, LUX Nyungwe and LUX Akagera.
“Rwanda is one of Africa’s most inspiring destinations, with a strong vision for sustainable tourism. As a sustainability hospitality leader, we are truly honoured to make our debut in Rwanda through the transformative tourism circuit designed to deliver exceptional luxury experiences, while preserving Rwanda’s impressive landscapes, communities and biodiversity,” said The Lux Collective CEO, Olivier Chavy.
SALT and LUX elements
Entering Rwanda are LUX, the hospitality group’s flagship luxury brand, alongside boutique hospitality brand SALT.
Inspired by the elements of water, fire, air and earth, each property will offer distinctive destination-led experiences rooted in the country’s landscapes and biodiversity.
For instance, the 26-lodge eco-luxury LUX Volcanoes will offer stays overlooking the Virunga volcanic range, alongside curated mountain gorilla journeys featuring rainforest trekking and up-close encounters with habituated gorilla families. LUX Nyungwe will open 26 treehouse-style suites within one of the world’s oldest rainforests, while LUX Akagera presents an ultra-luxury safari retreat with 26 keys combining Big Five experiences, wellness and elegant tented luxury overlooking Akagera’s savannah landscapes.
Meanwhile, when SALT of Akagera opens, the former Akagera Game Lodge will be transformed into a luxury 60-key eco-safari retreat overlooking Lake Ihema. Guests can expect wildlife experiences, wellness programming, locally inspired dining and conservation-focused activities within the savannah setting.
To ensure the multi-property development leaves a lasting positive footprint, the Rwanda Tourism Circuit incorporates sustainable construction practices, renewable energy, water conservation measures and biodiversity protection initiatives.
Community empowerment is also central to its ESG strategy, with women’s entrepreneurship programmes, skills development and conservation partnerships designed to generate long-term economic and social benefits while strengthening Rwanda’s position as a leading sustainable ultra-luxury tourism destination in Africa.