Formalised during the Africa CEO Forum 2026 in Kigali, the agreement introduces the internationally recognised LUX* and SALT hospitality brands to Rwanda through a five-property development programme designed around sustainability, conservation, and destination-led luxury travel.
The circuit will extend across Lake Kivu, Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Nyungwe National Park, combining safari, rainforest, volcanic, and lakeside experiences within a single hospitality ecosystem.
Phase one launches in mid-2026 with the rebranding of Cleo Lake Kivu as LUX* Lake Kivu and Akagera Game Lodge as SALT of Akagera. A second phase, scheduled for 2028, will introduce three new resorts: LUX* Volcanoes, LUX* Nyungwe and LUX* Akagera.
The projects are being developed with a strong ESG framework focused on regenerative tourism, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, water stewardship, and community upliftment. Local sourcing, women’s entrepreneurship initiatives, and hospitality skills development programmes also form part of the broader long-term strategy.
Ashish Modak, Chief Operating Officer for EMEA at The Lux Collective, says: “Beyond the expansion itself, what excites me most is the intention behind it. As an organisation, we continue to believe that luxury today must go beyond beautiful spaces and stunning products. It must create emotion, connection, and a genuine sense of discovery.”
He explains how the Group has shaped every experience across these lodges around five operating principles:
• Rooted in Place – shaped by the culture, spirit and soul of the destination.
• Luxury Without Friction – intuitive hospitality delivered with warmth and ease.
• Human Connection – creating meaningful bonds between people, nature and communities.
• Luxury with Purpose – conservation and community embedded into everyday operations.
• Rare Discovery – authentic experiences that stay with you long after the journey ends.
For travellers seeking nature-driven holidays in one of Africa’s most beautiful destinations, LUX* Lake Kivu and SALT of Akagera promise experiences with a difference.
LUX* Lake Kivu will offer an intimate 14-key lakeside retreat in Karongi, while LUX* Volcanoes will feature 26 eco-lodges overlooking the Virunga volcanic range, with curated gorilla-trekking experiences. LUX* Nyungwe is planned as a treehouse-style rainforest sanctuary, while LUX* Akagera will combine safari experiences with tented ultra-luxury accommodation.
Meanwhile, SALT of Akagera will transform the existing Akagera Game Lodge into a 60-key eco-safari property overlooking Lake Ihema, centred on immersive wildlife, wellness, and conservation experiences.
Cleo Capital Group Ltd founder and CEO Eugene Nyagahene described the partnership as a significant milestone for Rwanda’s tourism sector, saying it would help create a world-class tourism circuit that celebrates the country’s natural beauty, biodiversity, and culture while supporting sustainable economic growth and raising its international profile.
The Lux Collective CEO, Olivier Chavy, said the collaboration represents an important step in the group’s global expansion strategy and noted that Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable tourism made it a natural fit for the company.
