Description
Magashi Camp, operated by Wilderness Safaris, is the most exclusive accommodation in Akagera National Park. Located in the remote northeastern section of the park, along the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga, this high-end tented camp is designed for guests seeking privacy, exceptional service, and a premium safari experience.
The camp features six spacious canvas tents, each positioned to provide uninterrupted views of the lake and the surrounding bush. Interiors incorporate contemporary African design elements, with wooden furnishings, en-suite bathrooms, and expansive private decks. The main area includes a stylish lounge, dining area, bar, fire pit, and an infinity pool overlooking the lake.
Game viewing at Magashi is particularly rewarding due to its location in a less-frequented park section. The surrounding area is known for a high concentration of leopards, a growing lion population, and various antelope species. The lake attracts hippos, crocodiles, and large numbers of waterbirds, making boat safaris a key activity offered at the camp. Guests can also enjoy guided walking safaris, off-road game drives, and night drives—experiences not widely available elsewhere in the park.
Magashi operates on an all-inclusive basis, ensuring that accommodation, meals, drinks, and safari activities are seamlessly integrated into the stay. The camp maintains a strong commitment to conservation, working in partnership with African Parks to protect Akagera’s wildlife and ecosystems.
Best for: High-end tourists, honeymooners, and those seeking an exclusive, fully immersive safari experience.
Why Magashi Camp Feels Like Pure Magic
Tucked away on the north-eastern edge of Akagera National Park, Magashi Camp sits in its own private concession overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Rwanyakazinga. This gives you something truly special: exclusive access to miles of wilderness without the crowds. Akagera itself is Rwanda’s only classic savannah park think golden grasslands, acacia trees, papyrus swamps, and glittering lakes teeming with life.
Getting here is delightfully easy. A scenic three-hour drive from Kigali International Airport winds through beautiful countryside, or you can arrange a smooth private transfer. Once you arrive, the feeling of stepping into your own private slice of Africa hits instantly. No long queues of safari vehicles just you, expert guides, and the wild at your fingertips.
Your Home in the Wild: The Tented Suites
Magashi Camp offers just eight spacious tented suites, raised on wooden boardwalks that snake gently through the bush right to the lakeshore. Each one feels like a luxurious butterfly perched on the water’s edge. Canvas walls let the symphony of nature drift in morning bird choruses, the splash of crocodiles, or the distant roar of a lion.
Inside, you’ll find king-size beds (or twins if you prefer), cozy seating areas, timber floors with soft rugs, ceiling fans, tea and coffee facilities, and plenty of power points for charging your cameras (because you’ll be taking hundreds of photos). The en-suite bathrooms are modern and bright, with indoor showers, a vanity, and flush toilets. But the real star? Your private deck, where you can watch elephants bathing, giraffes strolling by at sunset, or hippos grunting their evening gossip. It’s elegant, comfortable, and completely in tune with the surroundings never stuffy, always welcoming.
Where You Unwind: Main Areas and Facilities
The heart of the camp is an open-sided lounge, bar, and dining area that flows straight onto a wide viewing deck with a crackling fire pit the perfect spot for swapping safari stories under a sky bursting with stars.
Cool off in the swimming pool right on the lakeshore while enjoying a sundowner as the water turns golden. Wi-Fi is available if you simply must share those incredible shots (though most guests forget their phones exist once the animals show up). After a day bouncing across the savannah, treat yourself to a relaxing massage that melts away every bit of travel tiredness. With only eight suites, everything stays intimate and personal the friendly staff quickly learn your name and your favourite drink.
Dining That Tastes like Rwanda
Meals at Magashi celebrate fresh Rwandan produce and local flavours while staying light on the planet. Wake up to a hearty “Rolex” breakfast wrap delivered to your deck as the sun rises over the lake. Lunches are fresh and satisfying after morning adventures, while dinners bring creative twists on indigenous dishes often served under the stars or in the bush. Expect excellent wines, refreshing cocktails, and the warm feeling that every bite supports sustainable practices.
Important Practical Details
Before booking, here are the key things to know:
Children: Usually welcome from age 6+ (policies can vary slightly; families with younger children may need sole-use vehicles for safety on game drives). Under 2s often stay free, with discounts for older kids sharing with adults.
Accessibility: The boardwalks and natural terrain mean the camp is not fully suitable for wheelchair users discuss any mobility needs when booking.
Health & Insurance: A valid yellow-fever vaccination is required for entry into Rwanda. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation and trip cancellation is strongly recommended.
Booking & Cancellation: Deposits are typically required, with full payment due 60–75 days before arrival. Cancellation policies are standard for luxury safari camps fees increase closer to your stay date (often reaching 100% within a short window). Always confirm exact terms with your booking confirmation.
What’s Included: Accommodation, all meals, guided activities, park fees, local drinks, and laundry. International flights, visas, premium drinks, and certain extras are additional.
Magashi Camp strikes the perfect balance thrilling wildlife encounters, warm Rwandan hospitality, and genuine comfort in one of Africa’s most rewarding parks. Whether you’re watching elephants from your deck, laughing around the fire with new friends, or simply soaking in the peace of the lake, this place creates memories that feel bigger than life itself.
Ready for your own wild story? Pack your bag and let Magashi Camp show you why Rwanda’s savannah is stealing hearts. Your African dream begins right here on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga. Most stays form part of a tailor-made Rwanda itinerary that can easily combine with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.