Built by a Belgian colonial in 1954 and 1956 as Hotel Mimosa, the facility was later bought by a Rwandan businessman Otto Rusingizandekwe in 1968 who named it Hotel Muhabura that has since been in the family.
Popularly known as a home for Dian Fossey locally referred to as ‘Nyiramacibiri’, the famous American primatologist and conservationist, Hotel Muhabura has housed famous names and stood the test of time.
During her extensive study of mountain gorillas and conservation efforts spanning over two decades until her death in 1985, Fossey called Muhabura her second home and Rwanda’s famed monarch King Rudahigwa stayed at the same hotel while touring his territories in the 1950s.
Hotel Muhabura was the first in Musanze and is no doubt one of the oldest hotels still operating in the country. The facility features historical moments and has kept Dian Fossey’s room as she left it, while her life is showcased outside her room.
Built by a Belgian colonial in 1954 and 1956 as Hotel Mimosa, the facility was later bought by a Rwandan businessman Otto Rusingizandekwe in 1968 who named it Hotel Muhabura that has since been in the family.
Located in the centre of Musanze, Rwanda’s top touristic and fast growing city in the Northern Province, Muhabura is renowned for superb care and highest quality services.
Focus Niyitegeka, the Marketing Manager of Hotel Muhabura explains that the super services they provide are the secret for the hotel’s success staying atop all these years and its historical relevance.
According to Niyitegeka, the hotel offers an experience that makes guests live home away from home. This is supported by the royal customers who always advise on the services which helps on improvement.
He highlights Hotel Muhabura’s belief that ‘to lose of one client, you have lost 1,000 clients,’ with this in mind services are kept at their best and beyond customer expectations.
The facility with magnificent architectural designs dating back almost 70 years present signature structures still standing. Expansion for more space at the hotel has ensured the original buildings are not touched which includes the front building.
The hotel is set in the calm of Musanze town surroundings with 30 rooms and very spacious apartments at very reasonable rates. The facility offers a cozy environment to relax after busy schedules or adventurous experiences in this part of the country.
The rooms at Hotel Muhabura are mainly in three categories: singles, doubles and twins as well as apartments. The hotel also offers camping on site in the beautiful gardens with compound green grounds and verandas.
“Our bungalows are in a very calm setting where you can enjoy meals, drinks and hold your meetings in a quite environment,” says Niyitegeka.
If years can teach something, the restaurant at Hotel Muhabura has learned to master the cuisine. The kitchen here is distinguished by the fineness of its cuisine that ranges from continent to another with traditional dishes inspired from hosted guests who have come from across the world.
Hotel Muhabura also has conference facilities for meetings, events, and special occasions like weddings, birthday parties and corporate gatherings among others. The hotel has five conference halls with different capacities ranging from 30 up to 120 persons.
The spacious gardens of the facility also hold special and entertaining events for local as well as international guests.
Hotel Muhabura has not only served clients from afar but has been a very important development partner in Musanze where it has touched people’s lives ranging from staff who have worked there for decades, local suppliers, local consumers and the authorities.
Niyitegeka observes that the hotel’s relationship with the local community has been one of the most rewarding experience whereby people have supported the hotel and the leadership has helped in navigating through challenges over the years.
