Akagera National Park, Rwanda· Eastern Rwanda
Nearest park
Akagera National Park
Rating
4.6 (198)
From
$600/ night
Magashi Camp, a Wilderness property, occupies a stunning lakeside position on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga within Akagera National Park, Rwanda's only Big Five savannah destination. After decades of recovery from the devastation of civil war and poaching, Akagera has been transformed into one of Africa's greatest conservation comeback stories, with the successful reintroduction of lions in 2015 and both black and eastern black rhinos in 2017 and 2019. The camp's six luxury tents are positioned along the lake shore, each commanding views across the papyrus-fringed waters where hippos wallow and African fish eagles soar. The tent interiors reflect Rwanda's vibrant artistic heritage, with bold geometric patterns inspired by imigongo cow-dung art, woven screens, and contemporary furnishings that create an atmosphere of relaxed, colorful sophistication. En-suite bathrooms feature rain showers and copper bathtubs, while private decks are the perfect setting for watching the sunset paint the lake in shades of gold and copper. The main lodge is an open-plan celebration of Rwandan design, with a spacious lounge, library, bar, and dining area flowing seamlessly into each other. The chef produces creative menus drawing on Rwandan and East African flavors, with many ingredients sourced from nearby communities. Sundowner cocktails on the lake deck have quickly become a signature experience. Akagera's diverse landscape — encompassing savannah plains, acacia woodland, montane forest, papyrus swamps, and a chain of twelve lakes — supports an extraordinary range of habitats and species. Game drives reveal all of the Big Five alongside giraffes, zebras, topis, and one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa. Boat safaris on the lake provide a unique waterborne perspective, with close encounters with crocodiles, hippos, and a spectacular array of waterbirds.
Rwanda's only Big Five destination
Lake Rwanyakazinga frontage
Boat safaris among hippos
Africa's greatest conservation comeback
Imigongo-inspired interior design
Sundowner lake deck
12 interconnected lakes ecosystem
WiFi in main area
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Bar and lounge
Laundry service
Airstrip transfers
In-tent safe
Library
Charging stations
Complimentary minibar
The camp's chef prepares creative East African-inspired cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast is a hot buffet before morning drives, bush lunches are packed for full-day excursions, and dinner is a three-course affair served by the lake. Sundowner cocktails with hippo-watching are a daily ritual.
Activities include morning and afternoon game drives, boat safaris on Lake Rwanyakazinga, fishing for tilapia, guided bush walks, community visits, bird watching (over 500 species recorded), and behind-the-scenes conservation experiences with Akagera Management Company rangers.
Since the reintroduction of lions (2015) and rhinos (2017), Akagera is once again a Big Five destination. The park supports large populations of elephants, buffalo, hippos, giraffes, zebras, topis, and over 500 bird species. Lake Rwanyakazinga hosts one of Africa's largest hippo pods and significant Nile crocodile populations. Shoebills have been sighted in the papyrus swamps.
Akagera is a year-round destination. The dry season from June to September offers the best game viewing as animals congregate around the lakes. The green season from October to May brings lush landscapes, migrant bird species, and fewer visitors. Morning boat safaris are best in calm conditions.
