Leaving a well-to-do life in Europe, Odette Nyiramongi returned to her roots to help rebuild her country. In 2002, she set-off to Gisenyi and started yet another new life from scratch. She began a small business of roasting fish at Brasserie, an area named after the beer factory near Lake Kivu.
Odette Nyiramongi was born in Rwanda but fled her homeland because of the war, she returned home after liberation of the country only to discover that her family’s properties had been destroyed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Entrepreneur Odette Nyiramongi, the founder and owner of Paradis Resorts, which are Paradis Malahide and Paradis Kivu, both located in Rubavu near Lake Kivu
After returning from Belgium in the late 1990s, Nyiramongi was challenged to make a bold move to return home in Rubavu District, a place she so much loved and wanted to help develop.
“I loved my country and wanted to do anything to rebuild it. At first, I didn’t know what to do because of lack of resources but providing services however small was a start and roasting fish became my start,” she says.
“Getting start-up capital was one of the most difficult things, it was hard. Initially, I stayed in an abandoned house of a family that had fled the genocide. It had no windows and front door, I had to borrow the door from a neighbor” Nyiramongi explains how dire the situation was at the time.
With the small startup, she targeted customers such as truck drivers from Bralirwa, the brewery company. In order to expand her small business, she combined the fish trade with selling different kind of drinks.
As the fish-roasting business thrived, Nyiramongi spotted the need for board or lodging services and started with a single room. This business idea laid the foundation for the Paradis Resort Brand.
“I started by establishing one room to rent out, using savings from my business made it possible with plans to expand into a hotel,” She points out. “If you work hard, passionate about something and kind, amazing things will happen.”
The journey was not without challenges, but her relentless work ethic and passion were the driving force behind her success to build two beautiful hospitality establishments; Paradis Malahide and Paradis Kivu.
Paradis Malahide Gisenyi
Ideally situated in an area of unparalleled natural splendor, Paradis Malahide Gisenyi is a cozy-luxury hotel of ten comfortable bungalows on the beach that lets your worries melt away.
Set at the water edge of Lake Kivu, the affordable resort is characterized by its African architecture style. The contemporary interior designs are deeply ingrained in Rwanda’s cultural flair. They are made from concrete, timber, reeds and papyrus.
A sun terrace and free WiFi are among the resort’s amenities. Paradis Malahide offers pet-friendly accommodations and free private parking.
For couples on a honeymoon, you can enjoy buffet or à la carte meals at an on-site restaurant or in the beautiful gardens. Special diet menus are available on request. Guests can also be treated to a wonderful fire pit at night.
Paradis Kivu
Located on Nyamyumba road on the shores of Lake Kivu in Rubavu, the sister resort Paradis Kivu is a perfect getaway, it has spherical, thatched structures and lush green that evoke the thousands of hills that dot the Rwandan landscape. It is reminiscent of the verdant greens of the country’s rainforest.
The set-up includes single, double, triple and twin comfortable cottages, each built using local wood and volcanic rock to blend seamlessly into the natural beauty of the area, with views of mountains or lake Kivu.
The resort also has a bar, restaurant, and offers guests with massage services as well as kayaking and fishing on Lake Kivu.
The founder of Paradis Resort Brand, believes the traditional decor in both hotels reflect the diverse Rwandan cultural heritage and beauty.
Guests will find a 24-hour front desk and gift shops at both resorts, they offer free evening entertainment while staff provide top-notch services to make you want to stay at either hotel.
Nyiramongi thinks highly of quality above all. She personally trains the youth to ensure they provide exceptional services and says that the most successful staff must have a positive attitude when serving customers.
Wanting to taste the best of contemporary Africa? The Paradis Resort Brand puts natural beauty of Lake Kivu at your feet.
