Kate Webster Magashi Camp is a part of Wilderness Safaris, a company with over 40 camps in seven countries that exist to protect wilderness areas and the fauna and flora they support. You get a sense of this responsibility the moment you enter the camp.
Magashi is nestled in the north-eastern corner of Akagera National Park in Rwanda overlooking the beautiful Lake Rwanyakazinga. This area is one of the most scenic savannah in East Africa I have ever seen.
Open plains transition into grassy low mountains and woodlands before rising into colourful mountains of greens, deep ochre and reds. Lakes break the horizon, surrounded by swampy marshlands thick with papyrus.
The Camp
The camp is the only exclusive-use area in Akagera, which means guests are the only ones who will be on game drives and wildlife viewing activities in the area. There is an abundance of plains game and a healthy population of lion, which were re-introduced into the park in 2015 after a 20-year absence. Black rhino were also re-introduced in 2017. My sightings rounded out the ‘Big 5’ with two leopards, elephants and buffalo.
As can be expected with the high standard of Wilderness Safaris, my safari experience was enhanced by the knowledge and professionalism of my guide, Adriaan, the staff in camp that made you instantly feel at home and the little extras like a bush breakfast and sundowner drinks on a boat cruise of the lake.
The actual camp wowed me everywhere I looked. Of late, I have become a big fan of glamping, but it never ceases to amaze me how these camps in Africa keep upping the ante on ultimate bush camp luxury. With just six airy tents tucked away in the bush with uninterrupted views over Lake Rwanyakazinga, you get a sense of remoteness. Magashi’s main area comprises a luxurious lounge, dining and bar area, pool, and expansive viewing deck with a fire pit.
It is the way this camp is integrated into its surroundings that makes it so special. Influences of Rwandan culture are balanced with the wilderness that surrounds. There are no fences, so the wildlife is uninterrupted, making their home a shared space with the camp.
The rooms
Intimacy is paramount at Magashi thanks to just six glamping tents for guests. They are spread across the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga and all linked with a raised boardwalk. Your closest neighbour is far enough away that you can hardly see the tent. Stepping inside the tent, the architecture and interiors pay homage to traditional Rwandan culture.
Every little luxury has been carefully planned to maximise sustainability. An oversized bed sits in the centre of the tent with comfortable seating at the base a perfect spot to sit inside yet still gaze out over the water. There is ample storage space and room to move in the tent. At night, you can have the walls zipped down or left up with the mosquito netting the only thing separating you from the surround bush.
The dining
A stay at Magashi Camp is all inclusive of meals and drinks. A light snack and coffee is served early in the morning before your first game drive. While on the game drive, enjoy nibbles and a coffee before returning for breakfast on the deck. Lunch is a choice of buffet salads, breads and dips or light meals made to order.
Dinner can be a communal affair served on the deck or for a more intimate evening, sit with your travelling party. The bar is open, so enjoying a sundowner on the deck before dinner is a great choice, or take your drink down to the boma after dinner for a night cap while listening to the hippos in the background.
Activities
Activities are included in your stay, with the morning and evening game drives a popular favourite. Head out with an experienced guide who will give you an exceptional safari experience. Those who enjoy birding will be amazing by the birdlife abundant in the park. Being located on a lake also allows to take to the water for a boat safari and see wildlife from a different perspective.
The details
Rates start from US$470 per person per night sharing. Seasons will apply.
Phone: +267 392 6886 – Mon-Fri 08:00 – 17:00 GMT+2
Email: enquiry@wilderness.co.za
Website – https://wilderness-safaris.com/our-camps/camps/magashi
Kate stayed as a guest of Wilderness Safaris at Magashi Camp.
