Ruzizi Tented Lodge has a spectacular waterside location at Lake Ihema, and is one of only three lodges located within Akagera National Park. This flourishing wilderness area is a microcosm of Rwanda’s inspiring and rapid growth in conservation, and after the reintroduction of rhino, Akagera will once again be home to the Big 5.

The park is a scenic drive from the capital city, Kigali, and offers the perfect opportunity to see savannah animals after a gorilla- or chimp-trekking safari. Of the country’s three national parks, it is the only one where you can see such a diversity of landscapes encompassing freshwater lakes, marshes, papyrus swamps, open plains, mountains and woodlands. Wildlife highlights include hippo (often sighted and heard in the waters close to the lodge), leopards (most frequently sighted of all the predators), lion, side-striped jackal, rare blue monkey, elephant, threatened Masai giraffe, buffalo, zebra and various antelope species including rare sitatunga.

Birding in the park is also exceptional with 482 recorded species – watch African fish eagles and kingfishers fly over the lake in front of the lodge and venture out to find the bizarre-looking shoebill stork and papyrus gonolek (both restricted to papyrus swamps) or the endemic red-faced barbet and swamp flycatcher.

The eco-conscious and down-to-earth tented lodge is small and intimate, and you will receive warm and friendly service from the team. There are several activities to enjoy such as boating trips, a unique ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the park headquarters, game drives, night drives, guided walks and community visits.

Highlights

• See savannah wildlife
• Exquisite lake & forest setting
• Completely solar-powered
• Flagship conservation area
• Excellent birding
• Romantic tree-top honeymoon tent

Activities

• GAME DRIVES

Throughout Rwanda, Ruzizi was probably one of my favourite camps. It’s very authentic, and down to earth with a lovely warm feel to it. Beautifully located facing the lake (watch for hippos and crocodiles!) in Akagera National Park, an incredibly scenic and diverse National Park. It’s a bush camp featuring lots of natural materials like thatch, stone and wood, with wooden elevated walkways that lead you to your tent. The tents blend in so well with the environment and offer a authentic but luxurious bush camp experience!

Rooms

Standard Tent

Ruzizi’s tented suites are located among the lush foliage of swaying palms and fig trees, accessible via wooden walkways. The spacious suites each have an en suite bathroom, dressing areas and queen-sized or twin beds. Each tent opens onto a small patio where you can sit and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the forest, savour views of the lake and even sight fish eagles and other birdlife.

Facilities

Set among swaying palms and giant fig trees is the main lodge living and dining area, with a short boardwalk leading down to a large viewing deck overlooking Lake Ihema. A campfire is lit each night on the deck adding to the ambience of this tranquil lake-side retreat. The entire camp runs on solar power and 100 per cent of the profits are returned to the long-term sustainability of Akagera National Park.

Dining

Meals are most often served on a large boarded terrace overlooking the lake with a central fire at dinner time which adds to the lovely alfresco atmosphere. Try local Rwandan delicacies like sambaza (small fish) and urwagwa (banana beer) as well as modern continental dishes. Breakfast is served early before the morning’s activities and in time for sunrise as kingfishers and weaver birds bustle across the lake.