logo of imuhira eco tourism. It has a palm tree

Imuhira Campsites and Responsible Tourism

Your best experience in Ecotourism from the Country of the Thousand Hills-Rwanda

★★★★★

What a wonderful part of heaven. I will come back!

Aime Foster, Canada

★★★★★

The staff is very nice and helps with everything!

Eva Victoire Kaikarola, Australia

★★★★★

De l'avis de tous les trois, c'est notre coup de coeur du voyage! Vous nous avez réservé la meilleure hospitalité et le cadre est magnifique! Le cottage est vraiment bien personnalisé, entre simplicité et raffinement à la fois! C'est cela le vrai luxe! S'il y a bien un lieu qui mérite de séjourner au minimum 2 nuits, c'est bien le vôtre!

Famille Jeff/France_Toulouse

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Call us

(+25) 0789320826 or (+25)0784 598 950

About us

IKAZE – WELCOME TO IMUHIRA CAMP! IMUHIRA means “at home” in Kinyarwanda, and that is exactly how we want you to feel. Since opening in 2018, IMUHIRA CAMP has been a peaceful and engaging destination nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Kivu. Just 3 to 4 km from Nyamasheke town along the Karongi–Rusizi road, we are located about 2.5 hours from Karongi, 5 hours from Kigali, and only 18 km from the Gisakura entrance of Nyungwe National Park. Locally managed, IMUHIRA is your gateway to the beauty of the Kagano landscape and the rich cultural experiences of Rwanda’s western region. Whether you are a hiker, safari traveler, researcher, kayaker, biker, birdwatcher, or cultural enthusiast, IMUHIRA offers a practical and budget-friendly base. We provide accommodations ranging from tents and camper spots to cottages and homestays. Our community-based activities invite you to explore and participate in the local way of life—dance sessions, art workshops, permaculture, conservation projects, and more. IMUHIRA is also just 25 km from the historic Shangi House (Richard Kandt’s former camp) and conveniently located along the Congo Nile Trail and Kivu Belt. We believe in tourism that gives back. Our visitors have helped support successful community initiatives and impact-driven travel experiences. Whether you are here to relax, explore, collaborate, or volunteer—your stay with IMUHIRA helps make a difference. Get in touch today to book your visit, collaborate, or become part of our growing responsible tourism community.

a group of tourists enjoying an outdoor
              meal in the rwandan countryside

Food, Beverage, and catering

The traditionally colored lounge is used as Bar and Restaurant. Three meals a day are served to pre-booked guests, visitors and teams on retreats or picnics. For walk-ins can place an order for their preferred meals and drinks with a considerable turn-around-time..


              Rwandan Women dancing outside wearing traditional clothing

Cultural immersion

Our guests are warmly entertained by the RWEMYE traditional dance troupe, who bring Rwandan culture to life through beautiful music, dance, and storytelling. The troupe members share inspiring stories about historical acts of heroism, local solutions developed within the Rwandan community, and their personal experiences with conservation efforts. These stories provide a deeper understanding of the strength and spirit of the local people. For guests who wish to participate more actively, dance lessons can be arranged upon request. Rehearsals are held twice a week at the campsite, giving visitors a wonderful opportunity to learn and engage with the culture firsthand. This experience is a meaningful way to connect with the community and celebrate Rwanda’s rich traditions.

A rwandan man selling traditional 
              vases and decorations outside

Arts, crafts, and gift shop

Imuhira gift shop provides space for local artists to exhibit their creative talent through painting, sculpture, and weaving. Locally produced fabrics from the community are exposed and guests can buy them. Members of the community directly supply the crafts in this gift shop. There is possibility to attend live weaving sessions in the community workshops.

the top of a mountain
              there is grass. You can see another mountain and a lake

Village and Nature walks

Solo travelers and teams can go on a Village Nature Walk in the community around the campsite or the other side of Lake Kivu in Nyabitekeri and Shangi, with local guides helping to identify plants and birds along the way. Pre-ordering is recommended.

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Coffee washing experience

In partnership with a Coffee Cooperative, a 45 minutes tour of the washing plant takes you through the whole seasonal experience from coffee planting to washing.

Tourists going up a mountain. It's sunny and there are clear skyes

Hiking & Birdwatching

Bird watchers can go birding with local and native guides along Lake Kivu’s well-designed endemic birding paths. Hikes are good for exploring the diversified scenery of banana plantations, hills, rivers, and Lake Kivu.

A kayak in the river in rwanda

Kayaks and boat tours

The campsite is closer to an inter-district port and therefore a stopover for people on kayaks, travelers of the Congo-Nile trails, and the Kivu Belt, in general. We are accessible for people using the main road or water from Karongi and Kamembe. Guests might use different means of transport (including a boda-boda or a motorbike) to reach Nyungwe National Park for tourism activities within the park.

A group of rwandan picking tea leafs

Congo Nile Trail Guiding

Full guiding is provided on the Congo Nile Trail from Rubavu to Kamembe town (border to DRC’s Bukavu town). This is also extended to Bugarama rice plantations and water springs. We provide free itinerary consultation.

A rwandan men serving food to rwandan children outdoors

Volunteering

Our ecotourism pillars>>>Environment conservation: We advocate for the restoration of fauna and flora, tree planting, waste management, permaculture practices, etc. K50Inspilab hosts annual workshops for children and young conservationists (July and November). Cultural Heritage Management: We own RWEMYE cultural Dance Toop, whose members are from our community. We promote diversity in arts and creativity (Umuganura Festival/August)—train indigenous candidates to make a career in cultural heritage, etc. Community Outreach: We empower and inspire members of our community to seek homegrown solutions of different kinds.

a deep cave with an individual going inside

Conservation research facilitation

Our team is qualified and dedicated to facilitating scientific and academic research on tourism, conservation, and community empowerment with a specific focus on our community and area.

Accommodation

Wifi Icon

Wifi

No extra cost

Solar Icon

Solar

Charge your devices

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Swimming

Facilities & lifejackets

Our cottages and dormitories are built with local materials and offer views of the surrounding hills, countryside, and the beautiful Lake Kivu. Showers provide cold water by default, but hot water can be brought to you in a bucket upon request. You may swim in the lake, but please note that it is at your own risk. All beds are equipped with mosquito nets for your comfort. Every room includes standard electricity outlets for charging your devices, and approximately 60 percent of our lighting is powered by solar energy as part of our sustainability efforts. Important note: During the rainy season (October to April), guests are required to check in before 6:00 PM to ensure a safe and smooth arrival. If you need a live location to help you find us easily, or if you require any other travel assistance, please contact our reservations team. We are always happy to help.

a cottage in the rwandan countryside at dusk

Our spacious and scenic campground offers a peaceful escape into nature and is ideal for backpackers, overlanders, and adventurers. With plenty of space for tents and camping vehicles, along with essential facilities and designated fire pits, it is a wonderful place to relax under the stars. Tents can be provided upon request. What makes IMUHIRA truly special is its natural environment. Situated beside a fallow buffer zone, the campsite is surrounded by restored landscapes and a rich variety of riverain plants and wildlife. Here, you can wake up to birdsong, fall asleep to the gentle sound of the lake, and enjoy the calming energy of the outdoors, all while supporting sustainable, community-based tourism.

a tent in the rwandan countryside

Local families warmly welcome guests into their homes, providing a rare opportunity to experience everyday Rwandan life firsthand. You will share meals, laughter, and stories, gaining a genuine sense of what life is like in this part of the country. Whether you choose a homestay, cottage, dormitory, or tent, everything we offer is grounded in authenticity, simple, heartfelt, and real. It is not just about where you sleep, but about how you connect with the people and the place. We believe that this kind of shared experience is what makes travel truly meaningful.

inside of a rwandan home with sofa and traditional decorations

Price

The price list is in $. However, payment is either in Rwandan Francs, US dollars or € by Cash, Mobile Money, bank transfer, or via a POS Card. TBD (to be decided) means that the price and booking arrangement are to be decided on a case-by-case basis with us. Please send us an email for a personalized price list at imuhiragroup@gmail.com

Accommodation and meals

Activities

Facilitation

Children in Conservation

In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation

Contact Us

Whether you want to partner, volunteer, book a holiday or have questions for us, please get in touch!

group of rwandan guides doing cultural immersion

Reviews

So great, Thanks, was amazing and the dinner was good!

Solam Demetra, Switzerland

It has been a great stay. Thank you very much!

Sternel Leon, German

Thank you for your social impact!

Bucyibarua Bonaventure, Ruhango District

Very happy about the venture!

Nahayo Theogene, Nyamasheke District

The beauty is natural and incomparable!

Nkundimana David, Nyamasheke District

A very good business that is protecting the environment.

Iragena Philbert, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) /Kigali

Great landscape and great staff!

Alexander Riethter, Germany

Good scenery and good service!

Charles B., Kigali City

The area is very cool and enjoyable!

Raymond Mwumvaneza, Kigali City

I appreciate the good service rendered, I encourage more advertisements!

Fred Mubangizi, Kagano Sectors

Good level of professionalism. Keep up the progress!

Twahira Clavel

Thank you for the service!

Alphonse Nshimiyimana, Huye District

Wonderful place, good climate good hospitality!

Ernestine Mukangenzi, Kigali/grow movement

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