Fri 14 Feb 2025
Explore Musanze with Chef Malonga
SHARE THIS POST
When people think of Rwanda, they often picture the majestic mountain gorillas or the dynamic capital city of Kigali. However, just a few hours north lies Musanze, a region known for its towering volcanoes, pristine lakes, and rich agricultural landscape. For Chef Dieuveil Malonga, Musanze is not just a destination—it’s the future.
As the founder of the Culinary Innovation Village and owner of Meza Malonga, a renowned culinary lab in Kigali, Malonga has spent years redefining Afro-fusion cuisine. Now, he is taking a bold step forward, moving his entire company to Musanze to build a culinary innovation hub that blends tradition with modern gastronomy.
“Musanze has everything—nature, culture, and an ecosystem that inspires innovation. This is where I want to create, grow, and contribute to Rwanda’s future in food,” — Malonga shares.
The land of a thousand hills
This guide unveils Musanze’s hidden gems, from the serene twin lakes of Rondo and Borera to luxury hotels and farm-to-table dining. Follow Star Chef Malonga’s routine—lab work, fishing, and managing coffee and honey farms—while exploring the region’s perfect blend of rural charm and tourism. Must-visit spots include the Gorilla Museum and a cozy farmhouse experience, all through the eyes of a passionate local innovator.
Musanze Area
View place - District in Rwanda
"It's that blend of the modern and the traditional, the wild and the cultivated, that makes Musanze so captivating to me. This is more than just a place I've invested in - it's a place I feel a deep, personal connection to. Musanze is where I see myself putting down roots and truly embracing all that Rwanda has to offer." 
Twin Lake Burera & Runhondo
View place - Lakes in Musanze
"What I love most about Burera though is the dramatic volcanic landscape that surrounds it. The rugged, rocky terrain and the lush greenery create this breathtaking backdrop, especially when the rains come and everything takes on an almost ethereal quality."
Farmhouse Rwanda
View place - Neighborhood in Musanze
"When you visit the Farmhouse, you get to learn firsthand about farming practices in Rwanda, from the crops they grow to the animals they raise. But it's not just educational - the food they serve is absolutely incredible, made fresh from the produce right on their own farm."
Kinigi
View place - Area in Musanze
"This is a place where you'll find some of the most expensive and exclusive hotels in the region, such as the One & Only and Singita Kataza House. But beyond just the lavish lodgings, the Kinigi Cottage offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the local farming culture."
Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
View place - Museum Park in Musanze
"It's not just a typical museum, but a comprehensive experience that immerses you in the story of the gorillas and the conservation efforts. I love that you get to discover the connections between the gorillas, the land, and the local people."
Where to stay
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Chef Malonga's picks the Singita Kwitonda Lodge, mainly for its fresh meal options and proximity to the Volcanoes National Park.
Featuring Chef Dieuviel Malonga
The pioneer of African gastronomy.
Malonga pioneers Afrofusion cuisine and supports African chefs through Chefs in Africa. His restaurant, Meza Malonga, has been acclaimed by Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. He also founded the Culinary Innovation Village to nurture African gastronomy.
