Ruzizi Tented Lodge is a small, eco-friendly safari lodge situated within the boundaries of Akagera National Park, Rwanda.
Opened in 2012, it is currently the only safari camp in the park (the alternative accommodation is Akagera Game Lodge, a much larger lodge with hotel-style facilities), and enjoys a great location on the shores of Lake Ihema, allowing for water-based game-viewing as well as 4x4 drives on the savannah plains.
Ruzizi is a fairly simple camp – just 7 tents (all en-suite), 2 larger suites and a cosy mess/lounge area which opens onto a fireplace deck overlooking the lake. Despite the basic facilities, it has a lovely atmosphere, and its small size – Ruzizi accommodates a maximum of only 20 guests – means it is greatly preferable to Akagera Game Lodge for those who value privacy and solitude above hotel-style amenities.
As for Akagera National Park itself. Years of poaching and neglect mean that the game here is much more limited than in the more famous safari parks of East Africa. However, conservation efforts (of which Ruzizi is a part) are underway to improve the situation in Akagera, and are showing some results. As well as the usual plains game, crocs and hippos, you can hope to see hyena, jackal, lion (reintroduced to the park in 2015) and, with a bit of luck, leopard. There are plans to reintroduce black rhino.
Accommodation
Ruzizi offers 7 standard tents. These are fairly large, Meru-style tents set on raised platforms. Inside, they are furnished with either a king-size or twin (double) beds. They feature en-suite bathrooms with shower units and hot and cold running water (solar-powered). Each tent opens onto a small private patio with a view of Lake Ihema.
Ruzizi was recently upgraded with the addition of two suites, one larger family suite (accommodating four) and a luxury treetop suite ideal for honeymooners.
The tents are connected to the main reception area and lounge by wooden boardwalks.
Dining
Breakfast and lunch are typically served on Ruzizi’s open-air deck, under the shade of a giant fig tree overlooking Lake Ihema. This is also the setting for evening drinks around the fireplace, before a three-course dinner served in the thatched dining area.
Activities
4x4 game drive
Boat safaris on Lake Ihema (at additional cost)
Child Policy
Children of all ages can be accommodated (please contact us for rates). There is a single family suite.
Environmental Policy
Ruzizi Lodge is fully solar-powered and intended to be as environmentally-friendly as possible. It is managed by the Akagera Park authority.
Press Reviews
Sophy Roberts on Ruzizi and Akagera National Park in the FT.
