9/10 for the Magashi Camp
This canvas camp, opened in May 2019, is the emblem of a renaissance. After the genocide which caused the death of more than a million Rwandans in 1994, Akagera National Park saw its area reduced by half and its animal population decimated. Thanks to a partnership between the government and African Parks, a famous South African NGO responsible for the management of national parks on the continent and the fight against poaching, this protected territory has regained its acclaim.
The park's only private concession, the Magashi Camp is a property of the hotel group Wilderness Safaris, a specialist in glamping experiences where sobriety and luxury merge in unique settings.
Read also: Seven reasons to explore Rwanda (when possible)
10/10 The situation
Overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga, north of the national park, the Magashi Camp is at the heart of one of the most varied ecosystems in East Africa. The wide plains, forests, lakes, swamps and grassy mountains are home to a high density of hippos, large crocodiles, elks, giraffes, as well as lions, leopards and black rhinos, reintroduced by African Parks in 2015 and 2017.
To access the campsite from Kigali, the capital, two options are available to travelers: a 4h30 journey through the savannah in a 4x4 or 20 minutes by helicopter. The welcome at the lodge is punctuated by local songs and a welcome cocktail at the hibiscus.
9/10 The decor
Designed by South African architects Caline Williams-Wynn and Nilfah Adams from the Artichoke agency, the decoration of Magashi is a tribute to Rwandan culture. In the rooms and common areas, artifacts and traditional elements made by local artists have been reworked with a contemporary touch.
The covering of the bar and the wall hangings of the suites are composed of tiles painted in the style of imigongo , a black, white and ocher geometric pattern originating in the eastern province of the country, while the lamps in the living room are inspired by igisingo , a royal headdress, and the traditional ishabure skirt . The wooden chandeliers above the bar are reminiscent of the horns of East African cattle, important during ceremonies, whose skins cover the ground.
Melted in the decor and the surrounding hills, the large common tent (lounge, bar, dining area ...) features a dominant khaki. Touches of powdered pink on the mosquito nets, cushions and chairs bring the softness appreciated in the rooms. Natural materials have been favored and ventilated spaces are arranged around trees that have not been cut for the construction of the site.
Designed by two South African architects, the decoration of Magashi is a tribute to Rwandan culture. Wilderness Safaris
9/10 The rooms
Very intimate, the lodge has only six canvas tents for visitors (two others are reserved for guides). The rooms, spaced several hundred meters from each other and raised on stilts, all offer a private terrace and breathtaking views of Lake Rwanyakazinga.
No way to go alone (e) at the risk of encountering formidable animals, a member of staff escorts customers to their tent. A walkie-talkie is available in the room to return to the central area.
Inside, no bathtub for ecological reasons, but an XXL Italian shower. Exit also the air conditioning and the hair dryer, too energy consuming for the lodge's solar system. For cooler nights, a hot water bottle is put on the bed during dinner.
IN IMAGES - Visit to Magashi Camp
8.5 / 10 Service, equipment
On the equipment side, minimalism reigns. Aficionados of spas and gyms will have to find another occupation (a yoga mat, rubber bands and a jump rope are however left available to customers in the room). The swimming pool is a great place to see hippos, as is the large observation deck on which the staff, discreet and competent, light a fire after dark. A conviviality which quickly makes us forget that wi-fi can only be received in the rooms.
There is no shortage of activities, however. If it cannot compete with the large parks of Kenya and Tanzania, the Akagera has the advantage of being protected from overcrowding in tourism and offers a diverse range of ecosystems.
The park is home to more than 520 species of birds, including the famous hoofbill, as well as the Big V (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino). To observe them discreetly, nothing better than a night getaway in the company of experienced rangers. Usually the most inaccessible animals are generally more visible. Other excursions are offered by the lodge: boat trips on the lake, fly fishing, bird watching, meeting with anti-poaching brigades ...
Buffaloes coexist with lions, elephants, leopards and rhinos in Akagera Park. Wilderness Safaris
7.5 / 10 At the table and at the bar
Simplicity and frugality are the hallmarks of the breakfast and lunch buffets served in Magashi. On the table, we find raw salads, quinoa, pan-fried vegetables or fluffy pita breads filled with feta or avocado. For those who have planned an activity, the staff takes care of preparing the picnic. Food is stored in bamboo baskets or hand-woven reeds, and wrapped in a colorful Rwandan fabric, kitenge , coated with beeswax.
Dinner by the water, a few meters from the hippos, is more generous. The Rwandan chef is inspired by Asian flavors, mainly Japanese, to give an extra soul to local products, such as tilapia fish. Gyozas (divine) are his specialty, but we regret the absence of typical dishes. To accompany the meal, beers and South African wines are optional. Around the fire, we end with a glass of Amarula, a liqueur made from sugar, cream and marula fruit, a tree widespread in southern Africa.
8/10 Value for money
With this lodge, the Wilderness Safaris group offers an experience that is both committed and eco-responsible, in a contemporary safari atmosphere. The attentions of the staff are omnipresent and access to vast areas in the best wildlife areas of Africa is completely exclusive.
With a night of between 520 euros (March to May) and 670 euros (June to February), the Magashi Camp appeals to customers looking for confidential addresses concerned about the environmental impact, isolation and privacy .
The price is indicated per person for a double room with full board, with the obligation to book a minimum of two nights.
Magashi Camp, Akagera National Park, Rwanda. Phone: + 267 392 6886.
