Magashi Camp

Magashi Camp is a 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 lucky and 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. Eight spacious and airy tented guest rooms offer uninterrupted views over Lake Rwanyakazinga. Rwanda’s rebirth has inspired a fusion of traditional and modern designs and art, which can be seen throughout the camp. One of these is an art form called 'Imigongo’. It originated in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, and is formally known as 'Igisaka cy’Imigongo'. It is made up of black, white and ochre patterns and linear designs, etched onto a cow-dung tile surface. In décor, these installations creates striking features. Khaki is also used quite prominently throughout the interiors, adding a traditional safari touch. Accents of blush in the mosquito nets, cushions and chairs weave in a more contemporary feel.

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, bush 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-conditioned 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.