Best hotels in Akagera

Rwanda may be small, but its big-hearted conservation policies are pioneering the charge on the continent. Revitalised Akagera National Park is its latest offering. Founded in 1934, the park's wildlife (including 250 lions) was plundered during the civil war of the '90s. Afterwards, returning refugees repopulated the space with cattle. Today, thanks to African Parks, Akagera is being reborn – lions are thriving, as are the rest of the Big Five. Brand-new Magashi Camp, on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga, is currently the only lodge in the northern sector of the park. Visit to experience utter remoteness, and great wildlife.

Camp closed: 1 - 30 Nov each year Mountain gorillas have long been Rwanda's principal attraction, often eclipsing its other wildlife, and the landscapes. Those endearing primates deserve their fame, but if you're keen to take in Rwanda's many other natural offerings, come to Ruzizi Tented Camp. Set on the forested shores of Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park, the camp is surrounded by jungle and poised to access plains, swamps and highlands, which are home to elephant, zebra, giraffe, leopard, lion and hippo, and more. This intimate camp keeps things simple and eco-friendly, but really punches above its weight with exceptional guides, staff and a prime setting.

The name says it all, really - 'small footprint' in Kinyarwanda, which rather neatly sums up this camp's entire philosophy. With just seven canvas tents for a maximum of 16 guests, Karenge achieves that increasingly rare thing: genuine intimacy in the wilderness without sacrificing comfort. Perched on the edge of the vast Kilala Plain with the Muhororo Hills providing a dramatic backdrop, it's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think - assuming the resident wildlife gives you a moment's peace. The camp's commitment to solar power and minimal environmental impact means you're experiencing the bush much as it was intended, with just enough modern comfort to keep things civilised. Karenge is closed in April each year due to rainfall-related inaccessibility.

Akagera Game Lodge stands on a hill at the southern tip of the Akagera National Park elevated above the Savannah with panoramic views of Lake Ihema, and the smaller Lake Shikani. With 60 rooms, a restaurant and bar - Akagera Game Lodge is the perfect home base while exploring the conservation treasures or simply relaxing. Akagera National Park is in the northeast of Rwanda and is central Africa’s largest protected wetland. Situated along the border with Tanzania, this 112,000-hectare reserve is the only Big Five sanctuary, and the last remaining refuge for Savannah-adapted species in Rwanda.

The group has four unique properties around Rwanda. Each property in the group comes with its own unique style based on its location.The location of each of our properties has been carefully selected to not only ensure the safety and comfort of our guests, but also to ensure that the surrounding environment is not disturbed or destroyed.