Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Ruzizi Tented Lodge sits on the banks of Lake Ihema, the largest lake in Akagera National Park, about six kilometres and fifteen minutes inside the park's southern gate and roughly two and a half hours by road from Kigali. Nine tents are set back from the shore among fig trees and swaying palms, flanking a thatched reception and dining area, with wooden walkways leading out to a deck raised over the water and a central fire pit that suits an early coffee as well as a drink under the stars. Seven classic en-suite tents are joined by a tree-top honeymoon tent with a bath and an outdoor shower, and a family tent that takes two adults and two children, so the lodge hosts twenty guests in total. Every tent is en suite and has a shaded veranda set with campaign chairs and a tree-trunk table, solar power runs in the tents and main area twenty four hours a day, and Wi-Fi reaches both the tents and the lounge. Much of the decor and furniture was hand-crafted by local artisans and cooperatives, and because Ruzizi was designed, built and is wholly operated by park management, under African Parks in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, staying here directly funds conservation in Akagera.