Rwanda>Akagera National Park>Magashi
Magashi is a well-run, very comfortable safari camp in a private concession to the north of Akagera National Park. We’d recommend it for anyone who wants a proper feel of safari before they leave Rwanda.
What’s Magashi Really Like?
Like most of the best safari camps, Magashi is small, with just six tents in the forest along the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga. They’re decorated in modern African style. It’s rustic, almost raw feeling, but very comfortable, with bare wood, lots of Rwanda’s famous baskets and a mozzie net over the bed. There’s also Wi-Fi in the tents for sending the odd message (and by message we mean shamelessly envy-inducing photos) home. Air-conditioning would require being too sealed off from the nature you’ve come to see, so Magashi’s tents all have fans for the occasional hot day. Serenades are provided by the hippos and you can expect to hear the scamper of the odd cheeky monkey. When you leave your tent, you follow a boardwalk back to the horseshoe-shaped main area of camp. Here there’s the bar, dining area, and deck, which still has the ancient trees growing through it. Down below is a small pool and a fire pit for early-evening star gazing.
What can I do at Magashi?
We especially loved the boat safaris in Akagera– it’s a great way to experience the bush at a slightly gentler pace and an absolute must for birders- make sure you remember to pack your binos. While out on the water you can also try fishing (catch and release only). Magashi also offers nature walks. Finally, there are of course, game drives. These are a highlight for many Magashi guests. While we’d still say that game viewing at Akagera doesn’t quite compare to the big savannah reserves further east, wildlife numbers are increasingly rapidly. Game viewing is generally pretty good, and astonishingly, some guests do actually spot all of the “Big Five” (we hate this term, but it gives the general idea!).
Giving back at Magashi:
The whole of Akagera is really a story of renaissance and Magashi is part of this, making this savannah self-sustaining. As part of their role, Magashi are helping to remove alien vegetation from the area, and also to support the local community, which is a key element of Akagera’s future. If you wish to contribute, Magashi is signed up to Pack for a Purpose, which can advise you on needs for the local community.
Want to know more? Just
EXTRAORDINARY AFRICA 