Accommodation in Akagera National Park in Rwanda
Accommodation in Akagera National Park in Rwanda is available in all cases and the facilities are up to standard depending on the tastes of the Guests.
Akagera National Park is located in Rwanda’s eastern region bordering with Tanzania and is situated south of Gisenyi town. Akagera National Park covers about 1,120km² and is one of Africa’s oldest national parks. It was first gazetted as a national park in 1934. It takes about 2-3 hours to reach the park from Kigali town.
The northern region of the park is blessed with relatively low-lying grasslands and savannah plains, which give tourists a similar thrill of a ‘typical’ safari, similar to other safari destination areas of East Africa.
The western part of Akagera national park is characterized by well-endowed rolling hills and valleys typical of the Rwandan countryside.
To the east of the Akagera National Park is the Akagera River which fells into a series of lakes. Akagera National Park has approximately 10 lakes within the park, the most common of them being Lake Ihema, on which a number of boat cruise activities are conducted. The eastern part of the park also consists of scenic views such as marshes and papyrus swamps, which make the largest portion of central and eastern Africa’s largest protected wetlands.
So, for a fairly large national park, an Akagera safari can be extremely diverse with a variety of habitats, wildlife and birds, and some lovely scenery. It is a park filled with breath-taking views, picturesque spots and well known for its bio-diversity with over 480 bird species, hence making it a great spot for birding activities.
For tourists visiting or interested in carrying out activities in Akagera National Park, you might want to check out these lodges and hotels when planning your accommodation for your safari;
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Ruzizi Tented Lodge is a simple but comfortable safari lodge, with a commendable eco-policy. It’s a simple, eco-friendly lodge located within the park itself. The lodge is in a good position to explore the varying landscapes of Akagera, given its close proximity to the main gate, south of the park. Since it was first opened in 2012, Ruzizi Tented Lodge has proved a welcome addition to Akagera National Park.
The food served at the lodge’s restaurant is excellent, considering the power sources, and the location is beautiful and serene. This accommodation facility is opened all year round makes a nice stop as part of a longer trip around Rwanda.
Activities at Ruzizi Tented Lodge: While at Ruzizi Tented Lodge, guests can indulge in a number of activities which include; game drives, night drives where tourists can get to view nocturnal animals like lions, leopards amongst others. Other activities available for guests of the lodge include boat trips. It is important to note the game drives are not organized by the lodge itself but can be organized at the park’s offices or by your Tour Operator.
How to Get To Ruzizi Tented Lodge: Ruzizi Tented Lodge is located within Akagera National Park and can be accessed by road. It is approximately 30 minutes away from the park’s entrance.
Akagera Game Lodge
Akagera Game Lodge is one of the few accommodation options within Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, adjacent to the Tanzanian border. More of a hotel than a traditional safari lodge, it has fantastic views over Lake Ihema, with a big swimming pool perched on the edge of the savannah. Akagera Game Lodge has a total of 60 rooms and is opened all year round. The Lodge is now under the management of the mantis resorts since 2018, however significant refurbishment and upgrades have just been completed.
Activities at Akagera Game Lodge include; game drives, boat cruise on Lake Ihema, guided nature walks, swimming at the Lodge’s pool to mention but a few.
The game lodge experiences both a peak, high and low season, being fully booked during its peak seasons. Peak seasons are between June-August and December, while the high season is January-March and September-November. The low season is between April-May.
Magashi Safari Camp
Magashi Safari Camp is located in the far north of Akagera National Park, Magashi Safari Camp is a new and luxurious safari camp. It overlooks Lake Rwanyakazinga offering breath-taking views and is a great spot for one to chill and relax. The camp opened in early 2019, and aims at providing high-end accommodation in a scenic safari area.
The Magashi Safari Camp is the only accommodation facility is located in the northern part of the park and is expected to be a fantastic inclusion to a high-end Rwandan safari camp.
Magashi Safari Camp offers a great range of activities which include;
Guided Game Drives: With Akagera National Park covering approximately 1,120 square kilometers, it is the only park in Rwanda that is home to the good sort after Big Five – buffalos, lions, elephants, leopards, and rhinos. However, there are numerous smaller predators and herbivores like the Burchell’s zebra, antelopes, jackals, and hyenas. Day game drives from the lodge are conducted in the early morning and late afternoon.
Boating: Tourists staying at Magashi Safari Camp can enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Rwanyakazinga which is well known for its impressive populations of hippos, the Nile crocodile and numerous water birds. This activity is a must-do for any bird lovers.
Guided Nature Walks: While at Magashi Safari Camp, guests interested in taking nature walks can such an activity organized for the by the management at the lodge after giving prior notice. This is to activity is totally dependent on the time of your visit and the availability of a well- trained guide at the lodge. While on a walk, get to view the various plant, insect and bird species in Akagera National Park. Akagera National Park is home to over 480 bird species including marabou stocks, egrets, crowned cranes, and herons.
Sport Fishing: Lake Rwanyakazinga is a great fishing spot and guests can happily take part in the catch- and- release fishing activity. The lake is blessed with fish species like catfish and tilapia.
How To Get To Magashi Safari Camp; Magashi Safari Camp can be easily accessed either via road, with shuttle services available from Kigali or by air with helicopter transfers available as well. It takes around 5-6 hours’ drive by road with the shuttle service departing from 8 am and 12 pm respectively on a daily basis. On your way to the camp, one can view wildlife. The helicopter service to the camp is a faster option and more convenient and offers spectacular views.
Alternative Accommodation Facilities Outside Akagera National Park
- Vintage cottage: The Vintage Cottages are located in Rwamagana, 17 miles of Akagera National Park. The cottages are just a 20-minute drive from Kigali town. The tented camp offers breath-taking lake views, an elegant and fancy restaurant with a cozy bar where tourist can relax and socialize while enjoys cold drinks. Vintage Cottages offers a few activities that a guest can indulge in which include; swimming at the beach or pool and beach volleyball. Vintage Cottage is a 60 minutes’ drive from Kigali International Airport.
- Nyagasambu Realm Beach Hotel: Nyagasambu realm beach hotel is located within 25 miles of the Akagera National Park. Nyagasambu Realm Beach Hotel has a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge, and a garden. Among the facilities at this property are room service and a kids’ club, along with free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen and currency exchange for guests. The hotel features a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area and a private bathroom with free toiletries, a hot tub, and a bidet. The rooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle. Guests at Nyagasambu Realm Beach Hotel can enjoy a continental breakfast. The accommodation offers a children’s playground. Bike hire and car hire are available at Nyagasambu Realm Beach Hotel and the area is popular for diving and fishing activities.
- Akagera Resort and Country Club: Akagera Resort and Country Club is located 18 miles of Akagera National Park in Kabalele town, which is the luxurious Akagera resort and country club hotel. The resort features a sun terrace, an acclaimed, ethnic and fine restaurant and offers free Wi-Fi. The rooms are well furnished with a flat-screen TV and air conditioner, while certain rooms have a seating area for one’s convenience, with a view of the pool, garden or city. All rooms have a private bathroom with a bath and bidet, with slippers and free toiletries provided. There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. The nearest airport is Kigali International Airport, 77 km from the property.
