Kigali, Rwanda In less than a year since its grand opening, The Pinnacle Kigali has already carved out a reputation as one of Rwanda’s most exclusive hotels. The luxury property, perched on the scenic Rebero hill in Kicukiro District, has hosted high-profile guests, including President Paul Kagame and Prince Albert II of Monaco.
From Dream Home to Five-Star Retreat
The Pinnacle Kigali was officially launched in March 2025 by Spelman Estates, a Rwandan investment company owned by Sheila Kyarisiima and her husband, Irene Ndikumwenayo. The couple also owns Silverback Mall, a landmark commercial complex at Sonatubes in Kigali.
Built on a 3.2-hectare property, the hotel spans 8,500 square meters across three floors. It features nine uniquely designed suites capable of accommodating up to 18 guests, each with distinct architectural touches.
The hotel also includes a conference wing, with the main boardroom Umurage seating 16, complemented by two smaller rooms Inyenyeri and Amahoro each accommodating eight participants. Guests can also enjoy Izuba, a recreational space offering billiards, bowling, foosball, and other indoor games.
Entertainment facilities include a 100-seat bar for private events and Inseko, a Dolby Atmos-equipped mini-theater designed for immersive movie experiences.
But this impressive establishment wasn’t initially meant to be a hotel.
“It Was Meant to Be Our Family Home”
In a candid interview on The Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya, Sheila Kyarisiima revealed that she and her husband originally planned The Pinnacle as a private residence. “It was meant to be our family house either for permanent living or as a holiday home whenever we visited Rwanda from Nairobi,” she explained.
The idea was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by the Netflix series Selling Sunset. Ndikumwenayo had purchased the land in 2019, and construction began in July 2020. By April 2025, the property hosted its first major event: a presidential dinner for African health ministers attending the launch of Rwanda’s AI-driven health data center.
After realizing they would not spend enough time in Kigali due to their business commitments in Nairobi, the couple decided in 2023 to convert the house into a luxury boutique hotel.
Challenges and First Successes
Initially, they planned to outsource management to a hospitality company, but most operators turned down the offer due to the property’s small room capacity. “Hotels with only nine rooms don’t make financial sense to many operators,” Kyarisiima noted. “They usually want a minimum of 30 rooms.”
In September 2024, the couple took matters into their own hands and officially began running the hotel themselves.
Their first major event hosting President Kagame was both a milestone and a test. “It was an honor, but also very demanding. We only learned at the last minute that the President would attend, which raised the pressure,” Kyarisiima recalled.
Exclusivity at a Price
The Pinnacle Kigali has positioned itself firmly within Rwanda’s high-end tourism strategy, targeting affluent travelers, particularly those visiting to see Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas.
The hotel enforces a strict dress code no hats, ripped jeans, shorts, or open shoes and requires advance bookings. Guests are also expected to spend a minimum of 100,000 Rwandan francs (approx. $80) per visit.
Accommodation costs begin at $4,000 per night, while dining and beverages are equally premium. A bottle of Louis XIII Remy Martin is priced at 33 million francs (approx. $27,000), while a Heineken or Amstel costs 9,000 francs ($7).
For regular clients, the hotel offers annual memberships: 8 million francs for individuals, 8.5 million for couples, and 35 million for corporate clients. The first 100 subscribers enjoy a 15% discount.
A New Symbol of Rwanda’s Luxury Tourism
With its bold pricing and exclusive services, The Pinnacle Kigali reflects Rwanda’s ambition to establish itself as a high-value tourism destination, catering to global elites who are willing to pay top dollar for privacy, exclusivity, and luxury.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
