Property in Musanze

The national park expansion

The expansion adds about 3,740 ha to Volcanoes National Park, with about 6,620 ha of buffer zones, at a cost of about USD 300 million over ten years. The first phase covers about 450 ha and 547 households. Families who move are offered homes in a Smart Green Village on 50 ha in Rurembo, Kinigi, where construction was launched on 27 August 2026.

The resettlement plan names villages in Kinigi sector, including Myase, Nyarusizi, Nyakagina, Gahura, Karyasenge, Cyabirego, Kabatwa and Mitobo. It promises compensation at full replacement cost.

If land is expropriated

Under the expropriation law of 2015, the owner is paid the market value of the land and buildings plus 5% for disturbance. The compensation must be paid within 120 days of its approval by the district or the City of Kigali, and the owner then has up to 120 days to move.

Building and land in Musanze

Musanze is one of Rwanda’s secondary cities, and its building permits go through BPMIS, as in Kigali. Titles are registered with the National Land Authority, as everywhere in Rwanda. The Musanze Industrial Park covers 164 ha, with 27 companies, and takes heavy and light industry.

Checks before you buy

• Ask the district and the Rwanda Development Board whether the plot is in the park expansion area or a buffer zone.
• Check the title and any notes on it at the National Land Authority.
• Check the zoning in Musanze’s land use plan.
• For a lodge or hotel, ask about permits for tourism buildings near the park.
• A foreign private buyer may hold one house plot or one apartment; more needs an approved investment plan.