Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Akagera National Park
Accommodation
Ruzizi Tented Lodge, a 20-bed tented eco-camp, was built on the shores of Lake Ihema, Rwanda's second largest lake, tucked away in a tract of unique riverine forest. A thatched central reception area is the heart of the lodge, with a lounge-bar and dining area. Right at the edge of the water, a large deck with a fireplace sits under a shady fig tree overlooking Lake Ihema. A romantic place for a dinner under the stars.
With just nine tents and a maximum of 20 guests, Ruzizi is a quiet and intimate retreat. Tall palms and fig trees add to the tranquility of the lodge and attract a variety of birds and animals. Each tent has its own en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, a dressing area and either comfortable queen or 3/4 twin beds and a small patio at the front, which is accessible by wooden boardwalks leading to and from the main reception area. A family tent, with beds to sleep 4 people, and a luxury tree top tent were added as well. The luxury tee top tent also features an outdoor shower. Images of the Luxury Tree Tent.
Location
Akagera National Park sits on the north-eastern edge of Rwanda. It is the largest National Park in Rwanda and covers an area of 1'122km². It borders Tanzania and incorporates the Kagera River which feeds a myriad of smaller and larger lakes, channels and flood planes. The western side of the park is dominated by a mountain rage (highest point 2300m), wheras the northern part is rather flat with a good number of buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and antelopes roaming the savannah.
Akagera was founded in 1934. Sadly much of the park was re-allocated as farms to returning refugees following the Rwandan Civil War. As a result, in 1997 the park was reduced in size from more than 2,500km² (nearly 10% of the surface area of Rwanda) to its current extent of 1,122km².
Wildlife
On the remaining 1'122km² the elephant population is exceeding one hundred. Leopard, hyena, serval, jackal, giraffe, zebra, topi, impala, waterbuck, eland, roand are all present and there is a good nunmber of buffalo. There is a high concentration of hippo and crocodiles in the lakes. More than 500 bird specias are reported. Of special interest to birders are the rare Papyrus Gonolek and the Shoebill that live in the papyrus swamps.
SANParks who run Akagera have reintroduced lions and some black rhinos. This has lifted Akagera into the league of Big-5 parks.
Activities
The lodge does not own vehicles. It is therefore best to arrive in your own vehicle and with your guide, who will then be accompagnied by a park ranger.
A day trip to the northern part of the park is worth the drive. The open savannah hosts a good number of animals and wildlife is easier to spot on the open planes than in the forested areas in the south.
The lodge owns some boats that can be used to venture out to some of the islands.
Night drives are possible at extra costs.
