Accommodations in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is found in eastern Rwanda and covers an area of 1,122 square kilometres and is the largest protected savannah wet land. The park was gazetted in 1934 by the Belgium government, and it was named after River Kagera. The park provides a number of lodging choices to accommodate all tastes, whether you are looking for a luxurious safari experience or are on a more limited budget. Here is a guide of the top places to stay when visiting Akagera or near the park based on Luxury, mid-range, budget accommodation.

Luxury Accommodation

Magashi camp

The camp is found in the northeastern part of Akagera, and it overlooks Lake Rwanyakazinga in Rwanda. It was open to the public in 2019, and it’s found in the park. The camp offers a breathtaking view of lake Rwanyakazinga. The camp is a luxurious safari camp with 6 tented suites with double King-sized beds, twin beds, bathrooms, private spacious decks, mini bar. An additional room can be added on request Magashi has a swimming pool, spa, gym, bar, dining room and lounge.

Akagera Game Lodge

The lodge is found on a hill in the southern part of the park it’s a 5 km drive from the park. The lodge offers breathtaking views of Lake Ihema and Shikani in the south. It has 60 rooms with en suite bathrooms,30 standard rooms ,30 Balcony rooms, twin beds and a children room on the ground floor with rollaway beds. All rooms are decorated in contemporary Rwandans’ style. The lodge has a tropical garden, play area for the kids, swimming area for both kids and adults, massage room, bar and restaurant

Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Ruzizi tented lodge is found on the shores of Lake Ihema, and it was opened to the public in 2012. It is an eco-friendly lodge since during its construction no tree or vegetation was cut. The lodge offer stunning views of lake Ihema, and all the furniture was made by the locals in the area. The lodge has 9 tented rooms with an en suite bathroom, bathtub, queen bed and two twin beds, camp beds can be added if required. The lodge has a dining area that offers Breakfast, lunch and dinner meals.

Mantis Akagera Game lodge

The lodge is situated in the southern part of Akagera on the hill. The lodge offers are breathtaking view of lake Ihema. The lodge has 60 rooms, suites, swimming pools, Conference Center restaurant and a bar. And also, a deck Overlooking Lake Ihema.

Note all the above luxury lodges offer laundry services and Wi-Fi to the visitors.

Mid-range accommodations

Akagera Rhino Lodge

Akagera Rhino Lodge is found on the edge of Akagera national park and it’s a 90 km drive. The lodge is an eco-lodge with a lot of beautiful landscape around it. The lodge offers a breathtaking view of the Akagera park and lake views of Ihema since its situated-on top of a hill. The lodge has 9 rooms with a king double room, Family room, single and triple rooms. It also has a basketball court, volleyball field, swimming pool, Garden, craft shop and conference facilities.

Karenge Bush Camp

The lodge is situated in the northern part of Akagera. The camp enables visitors to have a unique off the grid experience and a chance to see wildlife like giraffes. The camp has 6 tents with beds and bathrooms. It also has eco toilets, bucket showers, Bush dinning and bar.

Budget accommodation

Dereva Hotel

The hotel is found in the Southern part of the park and its a 15 min drive to Akagera. It has affordable rooms and friendly locals. The hotel has 22 rooms with basic single, double rooms and simple en suite bathrooms. The hotel has conferences facilities, parking and a restaurant.

Nyagasambu Realm Beach Hotel

The hotel is situated near Lake Mugesera and it’s a 40-minute drive from Akagera. The hotel offers a breathtaking view of Lake Mugesera. The hotel has 18 rooms with standard rooms, lakeside dining and parking.

When is the best time to visit Akagera National Park.

The best time to visit Akagera is during the dry season that is from June to September. Since during this time the vegetation is thin making it easy to see the animals clearly, in this time animal congregate around Lake Ihema hence making it easy for visitors to see wildlife like elephants, giraffes, lions and leopards without playing hide and seek. Further in this time the temperatures cool.

However, you can also visit the park in the wet season that is March to May and October to November. This time is great for birdwatching since the vegetation is green and migratory birds come. For visitors that don’t like crowds this is the best time to visit since there are few people due to the muddy roads.