The Kinigi Guesthouse and Responsible Tourism
The four gorilla permits were booked, the bus tickets for Ruhengeri were purchased and all of our bags were packed. Two Canadians and two Rwandans were prepared and (very much) excited for our Rwandan gorilla trekking experience. All we needed was somewhere to rest our heads at night and fill our stomachs for the adventure to come.
We booked the Kinigi Guesthouse and it was an excellent choice.
The Kinigi Guesthouse is located within one minute from the ORTPN head office, about fifteen minutes away from Ruhengeri. This proximity makes the early departures from the office much easier. The premises are spacious and beautifully maintained with rows of colorful flowers and attractive buildings. The Virungas mountains rise sharply in the distance and provide a rather breathtaking morning view. We were treated to a beautiful sunrise over the Rwandan countryside on our first morning, which made waking up early much easier.
The guesthouse opened its doors to the public in July 2000 and has been operating ever since. However, this establishment is not an ordinary tourist lodge. Kinigi Guesthouse was founded as an income-generating project for the “Association de Solidarité des Femmes Rwandaises” (ASOFERWA a.s.b.l.), a non-profit association for the protection of vulnerable groups (mainly widows and orphans). The income earned through the guesthouse is used to pay school fees for local orphan children, purchase land for agricultural projects, support groups of widows, and provide local artists with the space to sell their creations. Local community members are employed within the guesthouse, while food and decorations are purchased locally. The whole concept behind the Kinigi Guesthouse is an investment in the local community.
There are numerous accommodation options at the Kinigi Guesthouse. One large building holds single rooms ($40.00 US), double rooms ($50.00 US), and the VIP room ($60.00 US). The rooms are spacious and equipped with hot showers, private bathrooms, and mosquito nets for the guests. The guesthouse offers guests four shared dormitories (each with four beds) at $10.00 US. Guests have access to shared bathrooms and hot showers in the building next door. Travelers looking for an outdoor experience may pitch their own tents for $6.00 US.
My friend and I chose to share a double room, while our Rwandan friends chose to stay in one of the dormitories. We all slept very well and would have been reluctant to leave our warm beds were it not for the gorilla adventure awaiting us.
Housed in the main building are the reception, lounge, and restaurant. A seminar room is also located on the premises for hosting events. In the evenings, we were invited to warm ourselves by a large fire in the lounge while we relaxed and chatted with other guests. Having worked up quite the appetite, we were treated to plentiful and delicious meals at the restaurant. The menu offers something for everyone, at reasonable prices. I treated myself one evening to a large steak topped with mushroom sauce, served with rice and an avocado salad.
The meal was exactly what I needed to recharge after an exhilarating day on the mountain. My friends decided on brochettes that night and were not disappointed. In the morning, breakfast includes omelets (plain, tomato, cheese, onion, or Spanish), toast with mixed jam, fresh fruit, and your choice of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The meal was delicious and provided us all with the energy we needed to conquer the mountain trek ahead.
The staff members at the Kinigi Guesthouse are perhaps its strongest selling point. From our arrival to our departure (two days later), we enjoyed friendly and responsive service. Arriving late at night after our long bus ride, it was a pleasure to be welcomed to the guesthouse. The receptionist not only responded to our questions about the guesthouse but was equally helpful as we arranged some final details for the gorilla trek. She arranged our transportation with a local driver which could have been very difficult otherwise. The restaurant staff were equally friendly, which made our meals even more enjoyable. Upon return from the gorilla trek, the staff eagerly inquired about our experience and shared our excitement.
While our stay was very enjoyable, the guesthouse requires minor renovations. There is water damage on several walls due to the combination of humidity and colder northern weather. However, this very month the guesthouse rooms will be renovated to repair the damage and prevent future problems. Future guests will be unlikely to experience any of these problems.
One must also remember that the guesthouse’s reason for existence (after guests, of course) is the community projects. These projects not only provide valuable assistance to vulnerable persons but also help share the income generated from international tourism. The gorillas have begun to draw large numbers of tourists to the country, and the Kinigi Guesthouse exists to ensure that this income is distributed to those most who need it the most.
Staying at the Kinigi Guesthouse is also an investment into the future of ASOFERWA projects. Talking with the guesthouse manager (Ms. Mukangenzi Beatrice), we learned that the future plans include an expansion of accommodation options, traditional dance shows, and local community tours for guests. These programs will not only increase the guesthouse’s revenue and provide income for numerous persons (construction workers, dancers, and tour guides) but will also increase ASOFERWA’s ability to implement beneficial projects.
The Kinigi Guesthouse has agreements with several tour operators, both nationally and around the Great Lakes Region. These will gladly book accommodation at the guesthouse. Any interested guests may also contact them at the address provided below.
