The Lux Collective is setting its sights on East Africa, announcing a major move into Rwanda with a new ultra-luxury tourism circuit spanning some of the country’s most spectacular natural destinations.
The hospitality group, known for its lifestyle-driven luxury resorts, has partnered with Rwandan investment firm Cleo Capital Group Ltd to develop and manage five resorts across the country. The landmark collaboration was formalised during the Africa CEO Forum 2026 in Kigali, signalling Rwanda’s growing ambition to position itself as one of Africa’s most compelling high-end travel destinations.
The new tourism circuit will stretch across four of Rwanda’s most iconic landscapes: Lake Kivu, Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park, all of which link lakeside retreats, rainforest stays and classic safari adventures into one cohesive luxury experience.
For travellers chasing bucket-list wildlife encounters, the development could reshape Rwanda’s tourism offering. The country is already famous for its mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, but the new circuit aims to connect multiple ecosystems. From rainforest canopy walks to Big Five safaris, all within a single high-end itinerary.
The rollout will begin in mid-2026 with the rebranding of existing properties. Cleo Lake Kivu will become LUX* Lake Kivu, while the well-known Akagera Game Lodge will be transformed into SALT of Akagera, part of the group’s purpose-driven boutique hospitality brand.
A second phase slated for 2028 will introduce three entirely new resorts: LUX* Volcanoes, LUX* Nyungwe and LUX* Akagera.
Each property is designed to lean into its surrounding landscape. The Lake Kivu retreat will offer a 14-key intimate lakeside escape focused on wellness and outdoor experiences, while LUX* Volcanoes will feature 26 eco-lodges overlooking the Virunga volcanic range by placing guests within reach of Rwanda’s legendary gorilla trekking routes, that stretch to Uganda.
In line with our Group’s global expansion, this strategic collaboration represents a defining moment for The Lux Collective. 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.
Lux Collective, Chief Executive Officer, Mr Olivier Chavy
Meanwhile, LUX* Nyungwe will introduce elevated treehouse-style suites within one of the world’s oldest rainforests, and LUX* Akagera will deliver a luxury safari retreat overlooking the park’s savannah plains.
The Akagera property under the SALT brand will offer a different take on safari hospitality by transforming the existing lodge into a 60-room eco-safari retreat overlooking Lake Ihema, complete with wildlife experiences, wellness programmes and locally inspired dining.
Beyond the luxury factor, sustainability sits at the core of the project. The tourism circuit will integrate renewable energy, water conservation, biodiversity protection and community initiatives such as local sourcing and women-led entrepreneurship programmes.
For Rwanda, the development reflects a broader strategy to grow tourism while protecting its natural ecosystems, a model the country has been increasingly recognised for.
And with globally recognised brands like LUX* and SALT entering the picture, Rwanda’s already enviable mix of volcanoes, rainforests and savannah may soon become one of Africa’s most talked-about luxury safari circuits.
