The sun over Rwinkwavu rises with a golden promise, stretching its warm fingers across the hills and valleys of Rwanda’s Eastern Province. It’s early, but my day is already in full motion. I am in the area to write a booklet that will bring to life the untold beauty of Rwinkwavu Sector. It's a busy day: meetings to attend, sights to explore, stories to collect. It’s the kind of day where time dances just out of reach, yet every second feels full.
In the midst of the whirlwind, I’ve found a moment to breathe and update my audience. Akagera Transit Lodge is where I’ve landed for this brief but much-needed pause. Nestled just a stone’s throw away from the famed Akagera National Park, this lodge isn’t just a stopover sanctuary—it’s an experience in itself. The charm of the place lies not only in its design, which blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, but also in its atmosphere. It’s warm, welcoming, and unhurried—a contrast to the buzz of my current schedule.
With a steaming cup of Rwandan coffee in hand, I take a moment to slow down and digest what I have experienced so far. As the caffein kicks in, I feel rejuvenated and ready to explore more. Rwandan coffee is something special, and here, served fresh and with pride, it becomes more than a drink. It’s a ritual. A quiet celebration of craftsmanship and culture.
Akagera Transit Lodge's proximity to the home of the Big Five means nature is never far; in fact, it feels like it’s part of the décor. The rustle of trees, the distant calls from the park, even the occasional flutter of wings overhead.
There’s something inspiring about writing from a place like this. Rwinkwavu has stories hidden in every corner—its people, its landscapes, its rhythm. And here, with coffee warming my hands and the lodge offering a peaceful haven, the words flow like water along the course of Nyabarongo River.
Soon, the day will pick up again. More places to visit. More faces to meet. But for now, in this quiet interlude, I am capturing the spirit of my host community. And in this moment, with the scent of freshly brewed coffee savored on the edge of Rwanda's only Savannah National Park, I feel perfectly aligned with the element.
This is more than just a coffee break. It’s a reminder that beauty often lies in the pauses between a wide range of activities. And Rwinkwavu, with all its vibrant energy, knows exactly how to offer both.