Mauritius-based global hotel operator The Lux Collective has taken over management of two hospitality establishments in Rwanda - Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel and Akagera Game Lodge. The two properties sit in the Western and Eastern Provinces respectively. Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel overlooks the shores of Lake Kivu, while Akagera Game Lodge is set within Akagera National Park. The announcement was made during the ongoing Africa CEO Forum in Kigali. Olivier Chavy, The Lux Collective Chief Executive Officer, told The New Times in an exclusive interview that the deal is structured in two phases. “Phase one involves the [management] takeover of the existing Cleo Lake Kivu property and the former Mantis Akagera, which will become Salt of Akagera,” he said. “Phase two covers new developments, with the flagship being a product in the Volcanoes National Park — upper high-end, close in concept to a One&Only or wilderness-style offering,” he added. For Chavy, the takeover of the management of the two facilities gives The Lux a fast track for the brand in what he describes as arguably the number one upper high-end wildlife destination - Rwanda. The Lux told this publication that it has already signed hospitality acquisition deals in Botswana's Okavango Delta, Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls, and Serengeti in Tanzania. “What makes this deal different is the combination of greenfield developments in key locations alongside the takeover of existing properties that already carry legacy in the market,” he noted. Expansion plans The takeover was made possible through a partnership between The Lux Collective and Cleo Capital Group Ltd, an equity fund owned by prominent local investor Eugene Nyagahene. “I have been invested in Rwanda's hospitality sector for five years and could not have asked for a better partner than Lux Collective,” Nyagahene told this publication. Nyagahene’s investments span media, agriculture, and finance. Hospitality requires specific expertise. Without it, you are out of business, he said, explaining why he sought an established operator rather than going it alone. He also chose The Lux Collective for its accessibility. They are the right size. I can speak to the CEO directly. With a Marriott or a similar brand, you could spend a whole year just trying to reach the right person. As part of the acquisition, Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel will rebrand to Lux Lake Kivu, while Akagera Game Lodge, previously owned by the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), will be rebranded to SALT of Akagera Phase two will see the development of three new luxury resorts in Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Nyungwe Forest, all set to open in 2028. Lux Volcanoes will introduce a 26-lodge eco-luxury sanctuary overlooking the Virunga volcanic range with curated mountain gorilla journeys. Lux Nyungwe will present 26 elevated treehouse-style suites immersed within one of the world’s oldest rainforests, while Lux Akagera will offer an ultra-luxury safari retreat with 26 keys combining Big Five experiences, wellness and elegant tented luxury overlooking Akagera’s savannah landscapes. According to Chavy, once phase two is complete, this will represent 15 per cent of The Lux’s overall portfolio. On service delivery One of the biggest challenges in Rwanda's hospitality market is service delivery. The Lux Collective says its entry into the market is an opportunity to raise that bar. The executive chef from Cleo Lake Kivu and the executive chef and front office manager from SALT of Akagera are currently in Mauritius for two weeks of training. Chavy also highlighted that they are sending a “full squad” in May, June, and July covering food and beverage training, as well as finance, and all operational areas. “Hospitality is a business of service and consistency. A great building is achievable with enough investment,” he said. “But delivering consistently excellent guest experiences comes down to training, culture, empowerment, and investing in people.”
