July 2013

RwandAir Now Flying Directly to Brussels

Successful code share agreement signed between RwandAir and Brussels Airlines.
In a move poised to bring greater convenience and connectivity to their customers, RwandAir the national carrier has signed a code share agreement with Brussels Airlines on flights between Kigali and Brussels. This in effect means that the national airline will now sell tickets directly on flights to the European city of Brussels. The flight in turn will be operated by the Belgian carrier. This way, RwandAir perfectly penetrates the Belgian market and Brussels Airlines reinforces its position on the African market.

The deal which was successfully concluded after fruitful negotiations between both airlines has been in effect since Tuesday 31 March, 2009. For RwandAir, this code share agreement presents a much needed penetration into the European market. This agreement does not only mean a direct connection between Brussels and Kigali, but it also offers numerous possibilities for connections to other African and European destinations through Kigali or Brussels.

The new partnership between the airlines comes at a time when the global aviation industry is under tremendous pressure to remain competitive amid recessions and economic crisis witnessed on the international scene. As an emerging fast growing economy in East Africa, Rwanda stands to benefit from this agreement due to greater accessibility to Europe and the opening up of a direct link to the heart of Africa.

The commercial deal between RwandAir and Brussels Airlines enables the national carrier to sell 10 seats in economy class as a marketing carrier on all 3 weekly flights between Kigali and Brussels, operated by Brussels Airlines. This offers RwandAir clients the flexibility of booking online or buying tickets through any of the Rwandair offices in Eastern or Southern Africa and fly out to Brussels direct from Kigali on every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. This agreement also reinforces the presence of Brussels Airlines on the Rwandan market.

RwandAir is actively going through internal and structural changes geared towards offering elevated customer service and safety in its operations. The airline is looking forward to more such alliances that will ensure greater access to worldwide destinations for its long haul journeys.

Lake Kivu Kayaking

The Serena Hotel has introduced a new water sport package for its clientele at Kivu Serena in Gisenyi. Various people have been talking about Gisenyi as agreat tourist destination which l agree without any doubts , because of the well built hotels along the shores , white sandy beaches and great scenery with a cool and quite relaxing environment. Lake Kivu the main attraction had very little to offer for holiday makers and tourists because they were only limited to swimming in the lake and sun bathing. The introduction of Kayaking and wind surfing adventure sports at Kivu Serena has added value to Gisenyi as tourism destination. In this Article we shall introduce to our readers what Kayaking means and in future editions we shall review Kayaking Lake Kivu.

Kayaking is a recreational sport in which participants use specialized boats called kayaks in a wide variety of waterways. Kayaks are boats which take a number of forms, depending on the function for which they are designed. People can take kayaking trips on the ocean, up rivers, in surf zones, and along white water courses. Participants can often have minimal skills and still greatly enjoy themselves. Some people take kayaks with them when they travel to go kayaking, and others rent kayaks or participate in guided kayaking trips at a destination.

A kayak is a boat with a covered deck and a small hole for someone to sit in. The legs of the sitter are concealed, warm and dry, inside the boat. They were originally designed for use in the Arctic, where cold water spilling into a boat could potentially be dangerous for someone using it. Many traditional kayaks were custom made for the individual user. Kayaks are propelled using double bladed oars, and they can be quite rapid and maneuverable.

One of the most common types of kayaking is recreational kayaking in rivers and lakes, using wide, highly stable kayaks. Because the water is usually relatively calm, people do not need much experience to enjoy this type of kayaking, although preparing them for a spill with life jackets is an excellent idea. More skilled kayakers enjoy ocean kayaking, which involves taking kayaks out onto the open ocean. More complex currents and big waves make this type of kayaking more dangerous.

People also use kayaks to go racing, or to navigate white water courses. Both of these types of kayaking require much more skill, along with specialized boats. Another type of kayak enjoyed by some people is the surf kayak, which is designed to be used in areas with breaking waves. The kayak is designed to be highly stable, and can be used almost like a surf board to ride the waves. Some companies also manufacture inflatable kayaks, which can be packed down to make luggage less cumbersome. Several variations on the inflatable kayak exist, including a version which includes an internal frame to make it more stable and safe for ocean use.The gear required for kayaking is fairly minimal.

At the most basic, a kayaker needs a kayak, a paddle, and a life jacket. For kayaking camping trips, waterproof bags which can be stuffed into the kayak are extremely useful. Longer kayaks often have a separate hatch for stowing gear. Kayak camping is a great way to explore the outdoors from the water, pulling ashore to hike, camp, or eat.

Delegates from Germany pay visit to Rwanda

On Monday 10^th.Feb.2013, delegates from Rhenanie –Palatinat Province in Germany paid a visit the house of former king of Rwanda Mutara III Rudahigwa as a way of finding out the real life experiences of the former Rwandan king and the culture that existed then.

Different parts of the former king’s house were visited including the king’s bedroom chambers and where he would eat. After visiting different parts of the former king’s palace locally known as Rukali, the of Rhenanie –Palatinat Province delegates to Rwanda were happy for the visit and got to know about Rwandan history since most of them were in Rwanda for the first time.

Reiner Meutsch who led the team of representatives signed in the visitors’ book expressing the excitement they got from the visit they made to the former King’s palace (Rukali) and learning great history from this place.

“We’re glad for this visit and the warm welcome accorded to us by Rwandans” he wrote.

The delegates of Rhenanie –Palatinat Province in Germany came to Rwanda on the 9^th.Feb.2013 while visiting different regions of Rwanda evaluating different programs and projects including schools that were built on the partnership of Germany and Rwanda.

Rwanda : Historical Hotel Faucon to be renovated

The Huye district council has finally resolved on a decision to renovate a historical hotel (Hotel Faucon) and recommended that the process should ensure that historical artifacts, be preserved in the process.

Hotel Falcon is located in the former Butare province (now Huye district) – which was considered as the administrative region of the colonial rulers in Rwanda.
The District Mayor, Eugene Kayiranga Muzuka said on January 28th that the renovation and upgrading project on the hotel will be done in consultation with the Institute of National Museums and the current owners of the hotel. He also said that the project timeline will be discussed on a later stage.

The hotel contains a special room that used to be occupied by Rwanda’s King- Mutara III Rudahingwa and other historical artifacts including rooms that used to be occupied by the Belgian royal families.

The council meeting said that while it is necessary to revamp the hotel among other old fashioned building that are mostly seen in Huye district, the historical aspects and features of the hotel should be maintained.

Residents say that Faucon Hotel used to be the most prestigious and perfect spot for the high class citizens and local leaders (who were known as chefs) between the 50’s and 60’s.
Yohani Batista Sebukangaga, who is now in his early 70’s, says that this hotel is considered to be the symbol of the region and it was also a place where the King of Burundi (King Mwambutsa) used to be hosted while on his visit to Rwanda.

Faucon Hotel is believed to have been constructed in 1943, and it belonged to a Belgian called Faucon. The hotel was set ablaze and rehabilitated in 1962 and sold to local entrepreneurs.