This year, my birthday found me far from cake shops or party plans. I was in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, navigating a busy day filled with back-to-back meetings. With a thousand things on my mind and zero time to celebrate, I figured I’d postpone the birthday cheer until the weekend. But life had other plans, wrapped in warm hospitality and the scent of a five-course dinner.
My final meeting of the day took place at Rutete Eco Lodge, an elegant escape nestled in Rwinkwavu Sector, Kayonza District. What I thought would be a quick business conversation turned into a memorable evening. During the casual meeting, I found out that I share a birthday date with the owner of the lodge. Upon learning this delightful coincidence, she warmly welcomed me to join her and her guests for a celebratory dinner.
The table was set like something out of a storybook — long, meticulously arranged, and full of charm. Crisp linen draped gracefully over the table, with gleaming cutlery and elegant glassware catching the soft glow of the interior lighting.
We wined and dined in style, savoring each course as if time itself had slowed down. All the while, soothing music played in the background, adding a gentle rhythm to the fine-dining experience. As it is always the case at Rutete, the ingredients used to prepare our meal came straight from the backyard garden.. You could taste the freshness in every bite — the homegrown quality that no gourmet supplier can replicate.
As the evening came to a close, I felt deeply grateful to the host for her generosity and hospitality. Her warmth and kindness reflect the welcoming atmosphere Rutete Eco Lodge is renowned for — a place where every guest feels like family and every visit leaves you longing to return.
As mentioned above, Rutete Eco Lodge is found in Rwinkwavu. Its proximity to Akagera National Park makes it a convenient sojourning place for tourists visiting the home of the Big Five. The lodge’s eco-friendly practices and commitment to responsible tourism ensure that guests can enjoy nature’s wonders while supporting sustainable conservation efforts.