Akagera National Park is in the northeast of Rwanda and is central Africa’s largest protected wetland. Situated along the border with Tanzania, this 112, 000-hectare reserve is the only Big Five sanctuary and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda. It is names after the Akagera River that flows along its eastern boundary and feeds into a labyrinth of lakes which the largest is Lake Ihema. Akagera comprises some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa – open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamp, and grassy low mountains – and is home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities, some very large crocodiles as well as well as the rare sitatunga and more than 520 bird species. The following are accommodation facilities located within the park :
- MAGASHI CAMP
The iconic Magashi Camp is situated in the productive and phenomenally diverse north-eastern corner of Akagera National Park, overlooking beautiful Lake Rwanyakazinga. Six lavish tents offer a supreme view of Lake Rwanyakazinga that encompass the art luxury living, while Magashi’s main area comprises a luxurious lounge, dining and bar area, pool, and expansive viewing deck with a convivial fire pit. The architecture and interiors pay homage to traditional Rwandan culture.
2. RUZIZI TENTED LODGE
Enjoy lush vegetation and idyllic views of Lake Ihema. Tucked away in the riverine forest on the edge of Lake Ihema, Ruzizi Tented Lodge offers nine spacious, en-suite tents, dotted along the forested lakes, edge. Sheltered by large trees and swaying palms, the lodge is a cool, calm and quiet retreat in the spectacular setting of Akagera National Park.
The tents are located along a boardwalk stretching either side of a thatched central reception area with a lounge-bar and dining bedroom. A deck along a short boardwalk overlooks the Lake; an ideal place to sit with a sundowner, around a cozy campfire each night. Each tent accommodates two people on comfortable queen twin beds. A walk through wardrobe leads to private bathroom with hot and cold running water. One family tent can accommodate four people. The tree-top tent offers a luxurious experience; set on stilts 4 meters high with a king-sized bed, hammock, free-standing bath and outdoor shower. The lodges has been designed to sit gracefully within its natural surroundings, all accessible by wooden boardwalks and entirely powered by solar
3. KARENGE BUSH CAMP
Karenge”little foot in Kinyarwanda” it is the name of the first location of the camp and echoes the main to leave a light footprint on the earth. Karenge Bush Camp is seasonal, opens for just a few months at time, and located in prime game-viewing locations, offering a unique experience in Akagera. The camp has six tents and accommodates a maximum of 12 guests.
Not quite camping and not quite a lodge; Karenge sits somewhere comfortably in-between, offering the bush camping option to those without the equipment, or without the need to bring their own supplies. It is fully staffed and catered for a full board basis. Camp beds offer a comfortable night sleep, solar lights and paraffin lanterns provide light away from a campfire, warm water is provided at the same time each evening for washing. No cement or permanent construction materials and methods have been used in the development of Karenge Bush Camp; only memories are a lasting reminder of its existence
4. AKAGERA GAME LODGE
Located 5km from the Akagera National Park South Entrance, Akagera Game Lodge stands on a hill at the southern tip of the Akagera National Park elevated above the savannah with exceptional views of the Lake Ihema. Comprising 60 rooms with balconies and ensuite bathrooms, Akagera Game Lodge is perfectly located for a phenomenal safari in the only Big Five reserve in Rwanda. The lodge has a bar and restaurant, and a conference room which can host up to 60 delegates. Nature lovers and those seeking to work in an inspirational environment will all find an exceptional place to be at Akagera. The large pool deck features a round swimming pool with crystal waters overlooking Lake Ihema which is Rwanda’s second largest lake fed by the Kagera River which flows for 400 km and also known as the Alexandra Nile.