This region is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, with the Volcanoes National Park at the forefront, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, which are found in few places around the world. In addition, the area is home to a variety of high-end hotels and other tourist attractions.
In an interview with IGIHE, Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde, highlighted the immense potential for tourism in the region, driven by its outstanding natural beauty.
In Musanze District alone, there are more than 50 hotels, including five-star facilities that cater to elite tourists.
He mentioned notable hotels such as Amakoro Songa Lodge, located in Kinigi, Bisate Eco Lodge, and One&Only Gorilla's Nest, which continue to provide employment opportunities for many people in the Northern Province.
"We have five-star hotels, as well as others with four and one-star ratings, so every visitor can find a place to stay here," he said.
These hotels provide jobs across various sectors, including tourism transport, hotel staff, food services, and other related businesses, benefitting local residents living near these facilities.
Mugabowagahunde also pointed out that many of the construction materials used for these hotels come from within Musanze, particularly bamboo, which is abundant in the region. He noted that bamboo, once viewed as a nuisance, has now become a valuable building resource for the region's high-end hotels.
"I was born in this area, and bamboo was once seen as a challenge [...] but now it has become highly valuable, and these hotels are using it in their construction," he added.
Moreover, these hotels are celebrated for their role in preserving Rwandan culture and promoting environmental sustainability, especially as Rwanda and the world face the challenges of climate change.
Mugabowagahunde cited Amakoro Songa Lodge, where guests are welcomed with traditional Kinyarwanda music, which helps introduce them to Rwanda's rich cultural heritage.
He also highlighted that many of the hotel employees, who once participated in illegal activities such as poaching and deforestation, are now educated on the importance of conserving the Volcanoes National Park and protecting wildlife.
"Additionally, visitors to these hotels are encouraged to plant trees as part of environmental conservation. Every guest plants a tree, names it, and can come back to check its growth, helping us preserve the environment," he explained.
The hospitality sector also plays a crucial role in boosting the local economy as the goods used in these hotels are often sourced from nearby communities. Farmers are trained on modern agricultural techniques to meet the demands of the hotels.
Aside from the Volcanoes National Park, Musanze offers other tourist attractions such as Burera and Ruhondo lakes, the Nkotsi and Bikara areas (where historical meetings between leaders took place), and Kabuye Hill in Gakenke District.
The region is also home to the Rugezi Marsh, which supports a diverse range of wildlife. Recently, over 400 species, including some rare ones, have been discovered in this area.
The Northern Province has also developed agricultural tourism, with districts like Rulindo and Gakenke offering visitors the opportunity to learn about coffee production.
"We have now launched agricultural tourism in Musanze, where people can learn about the cultivation of potatoes. We also have a potato processing plant where alcohol is produced from potatoes, which gives people a deeper understanding of the entire agricultural process," he said.
Recently, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced an investment of over 30.7 billion Rwandan francs to support community-based projects around the Volcanoes National Park until 2028.
Each year, communities surrounding the park receive 10% of the park's revenue, which is invested in public welfare projects and development initiatives.
Reports indicate that 105 community projects have received funding, with 43.1% allocated to agriculture, 41% to infrastructure, 10.5% for tools and materials, 2.9% for repairing damage caused by wildlife, and 1.9% for local businesses near the park.
"This 10% helps us implement various projects, including water distribution across the community. For example, in the eight sectors surrounding the park, the water issue has been resolved," the Governor explained.
These funds have also been used to build more infrastructure, including schools, bridges, and roads, which facilitate the transportation of agricultural products to markets and help alleviate poverty in the region.
Mugabowagahunde also stressed the importance of the annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony, which not only attracts tourists to the Northern Province but also creates numerous job opportunities for locals.
He expressed gratitude to the government for investing in infrastructure that makes visiting the region's natural attractions easier and encouraged Rwandans to explore these areas as they have become much more accessible.
The Northern Province has a population of 2,038,511 people and covers an area of 3,293.3 square kilometers. It is made up of five districts, 89 sectors, 414 cells, and 2,744 villages.
Karirima Aimable Ngarambe
