Perched on the edge of Lake Rwanyakazinga’s sparkling waters, Magashi is spectacular. A beautiful sanctuary to breathe out in, after a thrilling gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park or a stay in the bustling capital of Kigali. Intimate and luxurious, the eight spacious tented suites decorated in soft, earthy tones, welcome you into a quintessential East African safari wonderland.
The main areas consist of a chic lounge, dining area, bar and pool – every corner boasting glorious views, while the expansive viewing deck is the perfect stage for sundowners, wildlife spotting and storytelling at the convivial fire pit.
With 11 different habitat types, not only is game viewing exceptional in Akagera National Park, but its spectacular scenery adds to the unique experience. The open plains are the hunting grounds of a healthy population of lions. Elephant and hippo find solace in the swampy grounds and lakes, while elegant Masai giraffe browse in the woodlands.
And with diverse habitats comes variety. Guests enjoy thrilling game viewing by boat on elevated seating for unimpeded sightings. Game drives offer guests the opportunity to help our conservation efforts, by tracking and identifying the lions and leopards of the area through the use of identikits. At night, listen to the songs and stories of the land during a traditional Kugisha supper around a roaring fire with friends old and new.
Magashi offers eight, spacious en-suite canvas tented rooms that pay homage to Rwandan culture.
The interiors have a traditional and elegant East African feel, and feature locally sourced artefacts. With a layout designed to maximise the glorious views over Lake Rwanyakazinga, guests may see elephants quietly wading into the lake, and graceful giraffe and other game feeding beyond, out in the open.
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.
Akagera comprises some of the most picturesque savannah in East Africa – open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamp, and grassy low mountains – with Wilderness Magashi being the only private concession area in the park. Home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities, reintroduced eastern black rhino and lion, as well as the secretive sitatunga. Guests can participate in conservation efforts, including tracking and identifying the lions and leopards of the area through the use of identikits.
After dark game viewing with filtered spotlights allow you to find intriguing nocturnal animals. Typically seen may include spotted hyaena, civet, genet, mongoose, owls and nightjars. Or even the enigmatic leopard. With day and night game drives on offer, exploring at Wilderness Magashi is truly extraordinary.
Boating in swamp cruisers, with ‘double decker’ seating for higher elevation game viewing, is an excellent way to view the water birds and many other aquatic animals seen around beautiful Lake Rwanyakazinga.
