Kivu Queen uBuranga

MANTIS

ON DECK Route: Lake Kivu Maiden Voyage: 2021 Operator: Mantis Interior Design: MI Designs www.mantiscollection.com

Conservation-focused hotel group Mantis has announced plans to launch its latest waterway experience – Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga, the first motor yacht to sail on Lake Kivu in Rwanda. Billed as both one of the greatest and safest lakes in Africa, the 90km-long body of freshwater lies at 4790ft above sea level. The unique boat experience will offer two-night, three-day packages taking passengers on a luxury tour along Africa’s Great Rift Valley.

With interiors conceived by South Africabased studio MI Designs, the floating boutique hotel will offer a selection of accommodation options: six luxury cabins, two deluxe cabins, one VIP cabin and one presidential suite. Accomodation design centres around a scheme of wood-based materials, muted colours and water-inspired artwork. To maximise space, each cabin will feature an open-plan layout with an en-suite sectioned off by a partition wall. On the other side of the partition, a king-size bed oriented towards floor-to-ceiling windows offers uninterrupted views of the lake and surrounding landscape.

Guests on board the luxury houseboat will have access to a range of facilities including a restaurant and cocktail bar, a swimming pool and a viewing deck furnished with a hot tub, in addition to an on-board wellness centre. The operator will also create opportunities on land for travellers to sample the local culture through guided walks and cultural tours.

In line with Mantis’ community and conservation pillars, Kivu Queen has been created to add value to the environment and communities of the region. As such, the vessel will employ local staff to create an authentic experience for guests, which also serves to generate income for the local community.

Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga is expected to embark on its maiden voyage through the mild equatorial climate by the end of 2021.