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The Ejo Heza Rubyiruko youth cooperative is investing 60 million RWF to build a cultural tourism hub called ‘Ngwino Usheje’ in Rutsiro District. Supported by RDB, the project aims to enhance the 70km River Side Trail near Gishwati-Mukura National Park. The site, featuring camping, traditional food, and cattle-based tourism, is expected to open by July 2026, offering a unique cultural experience for both domestic and international travelers.
Redempta
4 months ago
A new cultural tourism destination named ‘Ngwino Usheje’ is set to be developed along the Kivu Belt road (Rubavu-Rusizi) in Rutsiro District. Located within the Gishwati-Mukura National Park area, the project is estimated to cost 60 million RWF and is scheduled for completion within seven months.
The initiative is led by the Ejo Heza Rubyiruko Gishwati-Mukura Cooperative, based in the Kigeyo Sector. The site will occupy one hectare of land and forms part of a broader Community-Based Tourism effort along the 70km "River Side Trail." This trail stretches from Kinihira to the Ndaba Rock, offering a four-day, three-night trekking experience.
Emmanuel Uwizeyimana, the Vice Mayor of Rutsiro District in charge of Economic Development, told IGIHE that the site is expected to be fully operational by July 2026. He noted that the center will provide tourists with a place to purchase local coffee, fresh milk, cheese, traditional Rwandan food, and local crafts. Accommodation will primarily focus on eco-friendly tent camping.
The President of the cooperative, Obed Kalisa, explained that the project received a significant boost from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), which provided 10.9 million RWF through the Tourism Revenue Share program. The cooperative, which has 57 members, plans to use these funds and their own resources to upgrade "Base Camps" like Bitenga, Karumbi, and Gatenga.
Visitors to ‘Ngwino Usheje’ can look forward to:
Cattle-based tourism on 10 hectares of surrounding pasture.
Traditional games and cultural performances featuring the Ikinyemera dance.
Scenic views of the Volcanoes and Lake Kivu.
Wildlife viewing, including over 130 bird species found in the park.
The cooperative currently hosts between 250 and 300 guests annually. Pricing is set at 30,000 RWF for Rwandan citizens and between $50 and $100 for international tourists. Gishwati-Mukura was designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2020, becoming Rwanda's fourth national park.
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