Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga Now Welcoming Guests

Reservations now open for the new luxury houseboat which offers a gateway to connect and explore Rwanda's treasures 

London, December 2023 – The luxury houseboat, Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga, is now open for reservations and ready to welcome guests aboard for voyages along one of Africa's great waterways, Lake Kivu. This magnificent lake forms Rwanda's western boundary and is renowned for its fishing industry, preserving the traditional methods of the Rwandan people. The vessel is the first of its kind to sail the region, traversing the lake South Bound from Gisenyi to Nyamasheke and North Bound from Nyamasheke to Gisenyi, it serves as a gateway for travellers to explore Rwanda's treasures.

The houseboat offers 10 cabins, including two executive suites and two deluxe cabins. The vessel also has a restaurant and bar, a plunge pool and various outdoor spaces where guests can relax and enjoy captivating vistas.

“The Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga promises an extraordinary experience that marries luxury, exploration and conservation against the background of Lake Kivu, celebrated for its beauty and ecological significance. On their voyage, guests will have the opportunity to explore the region while immersing themselves in a range of activities that encompass Mantis' core values: celebrating locality, sustainable adventures and conservation,” said Craig Erasmus, Vice President Operations, Sub Saharan Africa for Fairmont and Mantis.

As the Kivu Queen uBuranga is part of Mantis, Accor's conservation and sustainability brand, the vessel has been created to add value to the environment and communities living along the lake. As part of an all-inclusive, two or three-night itinerary, guests will have the opportunity to take guided excursions to Kinunu (famed for its coffee plantations), visit local fishing communities to learn their traditional techniques and hike subtropical trails. Guests can also explore the smaller islands dotting Lake Kivu, including Napoleon Island, Teddy Bear Island, Monkey Island and Peace Island. One of the highlights of this journey is the unique opportunity to connect with nature by visiting the renowned mountain gorillas at the Volcanoes National Park or the chimpanzees at the Nyungwe National Park, pre or post sailing Lake Kivu.

Stephane Castell, Regional Manager for Mantis Rwanda, said: “We are thrilled that, for the first time, travellers to Rwanda will be able to see the mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park and the chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park without having to endure an arduous six-hour road trip. We are also pleased to connect travellers to our other three properties in the region: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (within Akagera National Park, Eastern Province), Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel (in Rusizi, Western Province) and Mantis EPIC Hotel & Suites (in Nyagatare, Eastern Province).”

INSIDER TIP:

Plan your Rwanda adventure in the dry seasons between December - February and June - September. But for a more intimate experience, venture off-peak season to discover the serene beauty of the forests, lakes and mountains with less crowds.

HOW TO GET THERE:

There are daily international flights to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. Once in the country, there are two ways in which guests can board the vessel: either a road transfer to Gisenyi (also known as Rubavu) or Rwesero (Nyamasheke).

RATES & INCLUSIONS:

Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga sails on scheduled departures every Wednesday and Saturday:

•          Wednesdays: South Bound from Gisenyi to Nyamasheke (two-night itinerary)

•          Saturdays: North Bound from Nyamasheke to Gisenyi (three-night itinerary)

The 2024 *all-inclusive rate for  two or three-night stays starts from £1,180/ $1,500 USD per person, per night, based on double occupancy.

Exclusive charter of the Kivu Queen is available for a maximum group of 20 passengers in its 10 double cabins, POA

*All-inclusive: includes accommodation, all meals, soft drinks and local beer/ wine, and two guided tours.

CONTACT & RESERVATIONS: 

●      Email: kivuqueen.reservations@mantiscollection.com 

●      Website:  https://www.mantiscollection.com/hotel/mantis-kivu-queen/ 

●      The Mantis Travel Desk, a personal concierge service designed to cater for both traveller and agent enquiries, can assist with international and domestic flights and curate a bespoke itinerary. Contact central reservations on email: traveldesk@mantiscollection.com 

-Ends-

www.mantiscollection.com 

Notes to Editor

A soft opening for the domestic market has begun, lasting until 9 January 2024. During this period, local residents can enjoy a two-night itinerary, with different embarking and disembarking points. For additional details, guests can contact reservations via email at: kivuqueen.reservations@mantiscollection.com. Starting from 10 January, the two or three-night itinerary, as highlighted in this press release, will be available. Reservations are now open for both local and international guests, with bookings starting today, 5 December 2023. 

About Mantis

Mantis is a leading conservation-focused hotel group with curated hotels, eco-lodges and waterway experiences located across the globe. Sustainable travellers have been enjoying eco-tourism, safaris and adventure travel with Mantis since 2000. Rooted in conservation, Mantis pursues sustainable business practices and develops tourism products that are respectful of the environment and communities in which they operate. Acclaimed for its pioneering work in development, management, marketing, education and conservation, Mantis's business model successfully combines responsible tourism, conservation and adventure, which translates to one-of-a-kind travel experiences. Whether small and intimate or vast and complex, on a sweeping African plain, in a bustling city, or in the midst of a forest, each is an exceptional place for guests to find themselves. While uniquely different in the experiences they offer, all are linked through a collective ambition to be extraordinary; to be rare in a world that mass-produces sameness.  Mantis consistently curates, collects and discovers destinations and experiences that stir the soul, defy expectation and live in the heart forever. Mantis is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,300 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. For more information visit: www.mantiscollection.com