MAIDEN VOYAGE ON WATER
Kivu Queen uBuranga MANTIS
Conservation-focused hotel group Mantis has
bed oriented towards floor-to-ceiling windows
announced plans to launch its latest waterway
offers uninterrupted views of the lake and
experience – Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga,
surrounding landscape.
the first motor yacht to sail on Lake Kivu in
Guests on board the luxury houseboat will
Rwanda. Billed as both one of the greatest and
have access to a range of facilities including a
safest lakes in Africa, the 90km-long body of
restaurant and cocktail bar, a swimming pool
freshwater lies at 4790ft above sea level. The
and a viewing deck furnished with a hot tub, in
unique boat experience will offer two-night,
addition to an on-board wellness centre. The
three-day packages taking passengers on a
operator will also create opportunities on land
luxury tour along Africa’s Great Rift Valley.
for travellers to sample the local culture through
With interiors conceived by South Africa-
ON DECK Route: Lake Kivu Maiden Voyage: 2021 Operator: Mantis Interior Design: MI Designs www.mantiscollection.com
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guided walks and cultural tours.
based studio MI Designs, the floating boutique
In line with Mantis’ community and
hotel will offer a selection of accommodation
conservation pillars, Kivu Queen has been
options: six luxury cabins, two deluxe cabins,
created to add value to the environment and
one VIP cabin and one presidential suite.
communities of the region. As such, the vessel
Accomodation design centres around a scheme
will employ local staff to create an authentic
of wood-based materials, muted colours and
experience for guests, which also serves to
water-inspired artwork. To maximise space,
generate income for the local community.
each cabin will feature an open-plan layout with
Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga is expected to
an en-suite sectioned off by a partition wall.
embark on its maiden voyage through the mild
On the other side of the partition, a king-size
equatorial climate by the end of 2021.
