Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Ruzizi is a smart newly built lodge which massively increases the attractiveness of a visit to Akagera National Park and bolsters the protection and conservation of this important savanna reserve. All of the profits of the 9 tented suite lodge are ploughed back into Akagera, which is Rwanda's leading safari park but has been hardly known outside the country, until the recent revival in its fortunes.

Only 2½ hours by road from Kigali, Ruzizi Tented Lodge was completed in 2012 as a key part of the 20 year joint development initiative between the well-respected African Parks organisation (recently voted Africa's top conservation organisation) and the local Rwanda development board. The experience of reviving the viability of other fragile conservation areas is very evident when you stay here. In the park the animal census shows numbers are well up and the story at the lodge is similarly good news. The food is delicious and Ruzizi Tented Lodge is a very comfortable and attractive base for exploring the pretty Akajera scenery and its native wildlife. Its location is on the shore of Lake Ihema, surrounded by palms and fig trees.

Akagera National Park

One of the oldest parks in Africa, founded in 1934, Akagera National Park is located in the north east of Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. It is named after the Akagera River that flows along its eastern boundary and feeds into a labyrinth of lakes of which the largest is Lake Ihema. The rolling hills of Acacia and Brachystegia Woodland coupled with scattered grassland and swamp-fringed lakes along the meandering Akagera watercourse combine to create a park of breathtaking scenic beauty. As with other parks it is involved with, African Parks soon plans to reintroduce lion and black rhino to the area to further boost the wildlife numbers which can be seen in Akajera. These have already seen a massive increase in the last year.

The lodge

A thatched central reception area is the heart of the lodge, with a lounge-bar and dining area. A large deck with a fireplace sits under a shady fig tree overlooking Lake Ihema.

Ruzizi can sleep a maximum of 20 guests. The original en suite tented rooms have been augmented with a family suite which takes four people and a luxury tree-top stilted suite which overlooks the lake. The treetop suite has polished wooden floors throughout, a double hammock on the deck, a luxurious king-sized bed, a freestanding bath, double sinks and an outdoor shower with spectacular views.