Magashi Camp, Akagera National Park

Perched on the banks of Lake Rwanyakazinga in Akagera National Park, Magashi Camp is poised to open your eyes onto another dimension of Rwanda’s rich wildlife. With the gorillas and the chimps ensconced in the jungles of the east, Akagera is instead given over to a teeming abundance of plains game – and even the odd glimpse of the Big Five. Seen from the luxury of Magashi Camp, where eight gorgeous tents teeter over hippo-filled waters and a magnificent boma crackles beneath the night sky, this is the Rwanda you never knew existed.

Location

A three-hour drive from Kigali will lead you out of mountainous foothills and instead into the grassy savannah of Akagera National Park. Tucked into a northeastern corner, on its own private patch of land, you’ll find Magashi. The wildlife is abundant here, with lions and black rhino both reintroduced in recent years. Making the most of their exclusive-use patch, Magashi offers both boating safaris on their decked-out swamp cruisers and game drives by day and night.

Your room

There are only eight tents at Magashi meaning it always feels like an intimate experience. Spread out along the lakefront, the tents sit high up in the treetop with commanding views out across the park and wide-open decks to soak it all in from. Inside, decor is muted with delicate shades of blush pink and the light khaki warmed by woven light fittings. Large window panels on either side bring a panoramic feel whilst natural materials connect you further to the environment. You’ll also find large ensuite bathrooms with dual vanities and a walk-in shower out the back. So, whilst this may be a tent, you’re a long way from camping.

Why we like it

Ticking off over 500 bird species, each of the Big Five and a whole host of other plains game, Magashi proves that Akagera has more than enough on offer to compete the other plains destinations of East Africa. The night drives are a real treat. Something that is only possible courtesy of Magashi’s exclusive use area, each evening promises a new surprise as nocturnal life takes control. The days aren’t to be sniffed at either with tree-climbing lions, rare sitatunga and Africa’s highest density of hippo.