A new camp, Akagera Safari Camp, is set to open in Akagera National Park, in Rwanda's Great Lakes region.

Martin Chege, Reservations Manager of 3B Group of Hotels, told Tourism Update that construction was ongoing and was expected to be complete in July. The camp will have 30 rooms and is expected to welcome guests in August.

International Finance Corporation (IFC) – a member of the World Bank Group – the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets, is funding the development. IFC will lend up to US$3.7 million to 3B Group of Hotels to support its construction and the refurbishment and upgrading of its three existing properties in Rwanda.

"We are expanding our operations to the eastern region to give our guests a full experience of Rwanda's tourism offerings and diversity in terms of tourism locations. Most importantly, our expansion will improve 3B Group of Hotel's average length of stay," said Chairman, Paul Muvunyi.

"IFC's financing has come at a critical stage and will support 3B Group of Hotels to complete construction of the 30-room Akagera Safari Camp Lodge and renovate existing lodges."

"Tourism is an important driver of economic growth in Rwanda and other parts of Africa, but the sector needs additional support in the wake of the damaging effects of COVID-19 on trade and travel,” said Jumoke Jagun-Dokunmu, IFC Regional Director for Eastern Africa. “IFC's partnership with 3B Group of Hotels will create jobs and help strengthen Rwanda's tourism sector as it recovers from the pandemic. IFC invests in tourism because of its positive developmental impact on a range of local businesses."

The Rwanda-based 3B Group of Hotels also owns Mountain Gorilla View Lodge in Kinigi, Musanze; Flame Tree Village in Nyarutarama, Kigali; and Kivu Lodge in Kibuye.