At the northeastern edge of Rwanda, far from the misty gorilla highlands that most visitors imagine first, lies Wilderness Magashi, a haven for safari lovers.
This tented camp in Akagera National Park is proof that Rwanda is not only about gorilla trekking—it is also a world-class safari destination where the Big Five roam freely across sweeping savannas, wetlands shimmer with life and Lake Rwanyakazinga stretches like a mirror at the heart of it all. For families, couples and multi-generational groups, Magashi offers a rare combination: high design, intimate scale and the freedom to experience Rwanda’s wild side at your own pace.
The Setting & Conservation Story
Akagera is Rwanda’s only protected savanna ecosystem, and its transformation over the last decade has been nothing short of extraordinary. Once nearly empty of large mammals after years of poaching and human pressure, it is now home to lions, rhinos and healthy populations of elephant, buffalo, giraffe and leopard. The park’s revival is one of Africa’s great conservation success stories, thanks to a partnership between African Parks, the Rwandan government and Wilderness.
Magashi sits on a private 14,000-hectare concession on the park’s northeastern frontier, ensuring exclusivity and the ability to offer activities not available elsewhere, such as night drives, off-road exploration and boating safaris. Guests can expect landscapes that shift quickly from open savanna to acacia woodlands to papyrus-lined lakeshores—each with its own wildlife spectacle.
Camp Design & Atmosphere
The camp was designed with an eye to both sustainability and style. Raised wooden walkways connect the communal areas to the suites, keeping a light footprint on the land and allowing wildlife to move freely underneath. The main lounge and dining pavilion open out onto broad decks with panoramic views of Lake Rwanyakazinga, where hippos grunt at night and African fish eagles call at dawn.
Decor is contemporary yet rooted in place: neutral tones, organic textures and woven Rwandan baskets balance the canvas-and-wood construction typical of a safari camp. It feels both modern and authentic, and—most importantly for family travelers or your more low-key clients—relaxed rather than intimidating.
Accommodations: More Than a Tent
Magashi features eight tented suites, each positioned to maximize privacy and uninterrupted lake views. Inside, the design blurs indoor and outdoor living: sliding canvas walls roll up to let the breeze and birdsong in, while private decks serve as front-row seats to the lake’s drama.
- Bedroom & Living Space: Configurable as king or twin, with high-quality linens, writing desk and lounge chairs.
- Bathrooms: En-suite with flush toilets, double vanities and rain showers.
- Decks: Perfect for morning coffee, sunset relaxation or letting kids spot crocodiles and hippos safely from above.
For families, one can request side-by-side accommodations and an extra bed can be arranged for younger children. The intimacy of only eight suites means staff quickly learn family routines—from kids’ preferred breakfast times to grandparents’ mobility needs.
Dining: Flexible and Flavorful
All meals at Magashi are served in the open-air dining room overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga, a setting that makes even breakfast feel cinematic. Mornings start with fresh fruit, pastries and strong Rwandan coffee, alongside made-to-order hot dishes—from eggs and pancakes to heartier options for guests heading out on a morning drive.
Lunch tends to be light and refreshing, often featuring seasonal salads, grilled fish or farm-fresh meats, while dinner is a more elaborate multi-course affair, typically beginning with soup or starters and ending with decadent desserts.
The food draws heavily on locally sourced ingredients—tropical produce, vegetables and fish from nearby waters—with international influences woven in. Families especially appreciate the flexibility: the kitchen is happy to adjust spice levels, simplify dishes for kids or prepare favorites off-menu.
A special treat is the sundowner experience. On select evenings, staff set up a bar and light bites at a scenic vantage point. Watching the sun dip behind the lake with a cocktail or mocktail in hand is an unforgettable highlight.
Activities: Beyond the Standard Safari
Where Magashi distinguishes itself is in the range of experiences it can offer, thanks to its concession rights and it’s lakeside position:
- Game Drives: Morning and evening drives across Akagera’s diverse habitats, with the chance to see the Big Five, giraffe, zebra and countless antelope species.
- Boat Safaris: A signature Magashi experience, exploring Lake Rwanyakazinga by motorboat. Your clients can expect to float past pods of hippos, herds of elephants cooling off and prolific birdlife.
- Night Drives: Rare in Rwanda, these safaris reveal hyena, civet, genet and sometimes the elusive leopard.
- Walking Safaris: Led by expert guides, these offer a slower, more immersive way to learn about plants, tracks and smaller creatures.
- Birding: With over 500 species in Akagera, including the sought-after shoebill stork, the area is a birder’s paradise.
- Fishing: Catch-and-release fishing from the lake is an unusual, family-friendly option.
The ability to mix these activities keeps days dynamic, particularly for families with different ages and interests.
Multi-Generational Magic
Magashi was built with inclusivity in mind. Its small scale makes it easy for parents to keep an eye on children, and the staff are warm, attentive and quick to adapt. Guides adjust drives to be shorter or slower for younger kids or older grandparents. Downtime at the camp is equally engaging: binoculars on the deck become their own activity, and evenings around the fire pit often turn into storytelling sessions that captivate all ages.
Importantly, Wilderness’ ethos of conservation and community engagement gives children and teens a deeper sense of connection. Families leave not only with safari memories but also with the understanding of how tourism supports Rwanda’s wildlife and local communities.
What’s New: Magashi Peninsula
Looking ahead, Wilderness will soon debut Magashi Peninsula, slated to open at the end of this year. If Magashi represents the original tented safari experience in Rwanda, Magashi Peninsula will be its more exclusive sibling—akin to what Bisate Reserve is to Bisate Lodge.
- Configuration: A 4-bedroom villa and two twin suites, for a total of eight beds.
- Exclusivity: Designed for multi-generational families and private groups, with dedicated staff and guides.
- Flexibility: Guests set their own pace—private game drives, personalized meal times and custom activity planning.
For travel advisors, this addition dramatically expands Rwanda’s appeal for high-end families seeking privacy without sacrificing experience. Advisors can now craft journeys where gorilla trekking at Bisate Reserve pairs seamlessly with an exclusive-use savanna safari at Magashi Peninsula, making for a well-rounded African adventure.
Travel Advisor Takeaways
- Magashi Today: Eight tented suites on a private concession, offering full-service luxury in Akagera NP.
- Signature Experiences: Night drives and boat safaris—unique in Rwanda—should be highlighted as differentiators.
- Best Season: June–September (dry season) for classic game viewing; December–February for birding and lush landscapes.
- Pairings: Combine Magashi with Bisate Lodge or Bisate Reserve for a circuit that blends gorilla trekking with Big Five safaris.
- For Families: Flexible dining, custom-paced game drives and smaller camp size enhance comfort for children and grandparents alike.
- What’s Coming: Magashi Peninsula opens end of year with a 4-bedroom villa + two twin suites for exclusive-use, multi-gen groups.
This story originally appeared in worldstompers.com, a family travel website created to inspire families with kids to expand their idea of adventures. You can follow the adventures of the Bazavilvazo family @worldstompers on Instagram and The Worldstompers on Facebook.
For more of @worldstompers’ travels to far-flung destinations, click here.
