The Rwandan government has set ambitious plans for the area, aiming to develop it into a stable and vibrant tourism center, with infrastructure supporting both tourism and economic development, particularly in business.
This vision complements the construction of world-class hotels, such as Wilderness Bisate, Wilderness Sabyinyo, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One & Only Gorilla's Nest, and Amakoro Songa Lodge, nestled beneath the Virunga mountains. Additionally, hotels in the town, such as Fatima Hotel, Classic Hotel, Virunga Hotel, and Hotel Muhabura, contribute to the region's appeal.
With ongoing transformations, projections for the next 25 years indicate that Musanze will have been transformed into a thriving urban center, one that many would envyâ€"comparable to the sought-after cities of Europe or America.
To achieve this vision, Musanze's development requires a comprehensive master plan for land use and organization, aligned with the 2050 vision.
This plan was approved under Ministerial Order No. 006/25/10/TC on July 28, 2025. The projects planned for the region focus on promoting tourism while benefiting the local population and ensuring that infrastructure development meets the needs of residents and visitors alike.
A new city vision
Musanze is home to some of Rwanda's most stunning natural wonders, including Volcanoes National Park, which houses the mountain gorillas, Lake Ruhondo, the Buhanga Ecopark (a royal forest), and the Musanze caves. The Musanze aerodrome serves as an essential infrastructure for tourism, with plans to expand the facility to accommodate more visitors with ease.
The region will also have the 'Ruhengeri Convention Centre,' a new facility designed to host national and international conferences, complementing the Kigali Convention Centre.
Musanze already has district-level hospitals, 17 health centers, 32 health posts, and six private clinics, with plans to expand health services further. By 2050, the region will have two hospitals, and every sector will have two health centers.
Canopy walkway in Volcanoes National Park
Similar to the canopy walkway in Nyungwe National Park, which allows visitors to walk through the trees while observing wildlife, a new canopy walkway will be built in Volcanoes National Park.
This will enable visitors to explore the park and observe various wildlife, including gorillas, buffaloes, monkeys, and chimps, without the physical strain of hiking up steep slopes.
Byangabo business center
The Byangabo center, located 12 kilometers from Musanze town, is a bustling market with strong trade connections to Nyabihu and Rubavu districts in the Western Province.
This market significantly contributes to Musanze's economy. The area, covering 448.9 hectares in the western part of the city, will see the construction of a wood furniture workshop to increase employment opportunities.
As the population continues to grow, plans are underway to expand the market and build a bus station to accommodate travelers along the Musanze-Rubavu highway.
Kinkware and Kampara in Nyakinama
Kinkware and Kampara, covering 620 hectares, are located 7 kilometers from Musanze's city center. These areas host key institutions like the Rwanda Peace Academy, and Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) Musanze College.
These areas will continue to develop with upgraded infrastructure, including road improvements and modern markets, supporting small-scale businesses and the mining sector.
Musanze's planned residential units
In line with the district's 2050 vision, Musanze plans to build modern residential units across its 15 sectors. A total of 200,750 houses will be constructed, including 112,500 in the city, 13,250 in the surrounding centers, and 75,000 in rural areas.
A new model village, Cyahafi, will be built near the Virunga mountains and Sabyinyo. It is expected to accommodate current residents and newcomers, featuring modern homes and amenities such as a designated commercial area and public facilities like schools.
Population growth and development projections
According to the 2022 national census, Musanze is home to 476,522 people. Projections indicate that by 2035, the population will reach 607,163, and by 2050, it is expected to grow to 803,000.
IGIHE
