Magashi Camp

Magashi is a new luxury camp situated in the productive and phenomenally diverse north-eastern corner of Akagera National Park.  It is in its own private concession and overlooks the scenic Lake Rwanyakazinga. Akagera National Park comprises some of the most scenic savanna terrain in East Africa. Open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamp, and grassy low mountains all combine in Akagera. It is also home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities &  large crocodiles. Plus you may be luck to see the rare sitatunga or topi antelope and more than 520 bird species.

Teeming with plains game, Akagera also boasts a healthy population of lion which were introduced by African Parks in 2015 after a 20-year absence. Black rhino were also re-introduced in 2017. Magashi – the only exclusive-use area in Akagera – also harbours a good density of leopard, which you may see on night drives. A visit to Akagera is well worth including on any trip to Rwanda!

Accommodation:

The architecture and interiors pay homage to traditional Rwandan culture. The tented suites at Magashi are charming. Six spacious and airy tented guest rooms offer uninterrupted views over Lake Rwanyakazinga. Each has twin beds under mosquito nets, sitting area, dressing area, en suite bathroom with large walk in shower, vanity and enclosed toilet. Outside there's a spacious wooden deck with seating so that you can enjoy the lake's wildlife at your leisure. The room is equipped with a writing desk and chair, hat and coat stand, easy chairs, mosquito net, safe, tea and coffee making facilities, multi-plug adaptor, complimentary wifi, charging facilities for mobile devices and mini-bar.  There is no air-conditioning, however, there is a pedestal fan in each tent.

Magashi’s main area comprises a stylish and funky lounge and dining area as well as bar and very welcome swimming pool. There's an expansive viewing deck with a convivial fire pit below.

Activities include game drives, buish walks and game-viewing by boat on the lake. You may begin the afternoon with a boat cruise and then after sundowners, continue on a night drive after the sun sets.

The core purpose of Magashi is to help conserve Rwanda’s last protected savanna ecosystem. As well as protecting species like black rhino and the rare and elusive shoebill. The aim is for Akagera National Park to become economically self-sufficient for the first time, thus providing jobs and income to the nearby communities as well as showing that conservation can be more rewarding than poaching.

Getting There

You can opt to take the Akagera shuttle which is approx 3½ to 4 hours to the park gates in a comfy air-conditoned vehicle (with a comfort break en route). You then continue in an open vehicle to the camp (another 45 minutes). The shuttle departs Kigali in the early morning and returns from Akagera in the late morning to arrive in Kigali in the mid-afternoon.

The journey is very scenic but it is long. So - if budget allows - we recommend taking the road transfer TO Akagera and taking a helicopter flight back to Kigali.