About Magashi Camp
Magashi Camp is a new and luxurious safari camp in the far north of Akagera National Park, overlooking Lake ...
... Rwanyakazinga. Magashi opened in mid 2019, and provides high-end accommodation in a very scenic safari area.
We are excited to see a new safari camp open in Akagera, presently this is the only permanent accommodation option in the northern region of the park. Given the quality of its sister properties we had high expectations for Magashi before our first visit, and we were not disappointed. This is a fantastic inclusion to a high-end Rwandan safari.
Our view
We are excited to see a new safari camp open in Akagera, presently this is the only permanent accommodation option in the northern region of the park. Given the quality of its sister properties we had high expectations for Magashi before our first visit, and we were not disappointed. This is a fantastic inclusion to a high-end Rwandan safari.
Rwanda expert
Accommodation
6 safari tents
Children
15 years +
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Traveller reviews of Magashi Camp
6 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 21 pictures of Magashi Camp to get the candid view.
View galleryMagashi Camp: Our full report
Magashi Camp is a new and luxurious safari camp in the far north of Akagera National Park, overlooking Lake ...
... Rwanyakazinga. Magashi opened in mid 2019, and provides high-end accommodation in a very scenic safari area.
Magashi is owned and run by the same team who run a number of high-end safari camps throughout Southern and East Africa, including Bisate in the Volcanoes National Park. In the short time since Bisate opened, it has developed a reputation for being one of the top lodges in the area. Although Magashi maintains a slightly more low-key and traditional safari style, it is certainly built and run to comparably high standards - and the two properties combine well.
There are six tented-rooms which offer uninterrupted views over Lake Rwanyakazinga. Inside, the tents are bright and airy, and thoughtfully furnished with neutral colours throughout. There is a comfortable king-size or twin beds, a writing desk with tablet for guest use, and a refreshment station which is regularly replenished. At the back of the tent you’ll find the en-suite bathroom with separate toilet and rainfall shower. The tents are reached by long raised wooden walkways, and are very spread out. It feels very private, but this does mean that it is quite a walk from the further tents to the central area, which is worth bearing in mind for those with mobility issues.
The open-plan lounge and dining area in the middle of the camp is beautifully designed using natural materials and traditional Rwandan ‘imigongo’ murals, with the circular bar taking centre stage. There is plenty of space and seating options and a number of interesting books for guests to browse.
Just beyond the bar and dining area is a small swimming pool with sun loungers, and a viewing deck with convivial fire pit. We enjoyed relaxing by the pool in between game activities. Given the camp's small size we found Magashi to feel friendly and intimate, with a very personalised service, even though the camp was at full occupancy during our stay.
Akagera National Park is one of East Africa’s less visited safari areas, however it is strikingly beautiful. It is a park of diverse landscapes with dry savannah, rolling grassland and a complex network of lakes and channels, lined with papyrus swamps.
Safari activities at Magashi Camp focus around game drives and boating safaris with expert guides. We loved the boating safaris here, these give you a great opportunity to come close to hippos and crocodiles, as well as discovering the birdlife found around the shore. On one boating safari, we spent some time searching for the pretty papyrus gonolek, which we could hear singing in the swamp, but it sadly remained hidden from view. There are plans to introduce walking safaris here, which we feel would be a wonderful addition. When we visited in late 2019 the camp was in the process of arranging the appropriate firearm licences with the Rwandan government.
The re-introduction of black rhino in 2017 saw Akagera become a ‘big 5’ national park, and the area is home to a wide range of wildlife including lion, buffalo, elephant, hippo, giraffe and numerous antelope species. With over 500 species found in Akagera, the park is particularly good for birding; if lucky you may even find the elusive shoebill stork hidden in the wetlands. Whilst the density of animals in Akagera is not yet at the level found in the Serengeti or Maasai Mara, the wildlife here appears to be thriving and numbers have increased in recent years. Under the current management of African Parks, Akagera National Park certainly has a lot of potential, and we are very enthusiastic about its future.
Geographics
- Location
- Akagera National Park, Rwanda
- Ideal length of stay
- We would recommend a three-night stay at Magashi Camp to explore Akagera and experience the different safari activities.
- Directions
- Akagera is about 2–3 hours drive from Kigali.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- As with other Wilderness properties, the quality, presentation and variety of food at Magashi Camp is very high. We thoroughly enjoyed all meals we had during our two night stay. There are no set meal times, and guests are encouraged to be as relaxed as they wish. With advance notice special diets and requests can be catered.
For breakfast you can expect a buffet with hot items cooked to order.
During our stay, Lunch was also a buffet, with a number of fresh, colourful salads and light dishes to choose from. Deserts are on offer as well, and tend to be simple and flavourful such as a refreshing sorbet, perfect in the midday heat.
Dinner is served a la carte, with a couple of options for each course. Orders are taken a few hours earlier, prior to heading out on the afternoon game drive to allow the kitchen sufficient time to prepare. We enjoyed a delicately cooked steak one evening and a vegetable lasagne the other - both were very good. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- All drinks included apart from premium wines and spirits.
Special interests
- Honeymoons
- Magashi Camp is a great choice for a honeymoon in Rwanda. With six luxurious tents and personalised service it feels both intimate and very relaxed. Explore Akagera on game drives and boating safaris and enjoy a romantic dinner overlooking the lake.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Rwanda
- Photography holidays
- Located in the north of Akagera National Park, Magashi is in a great area for wildlife. Join the resident guides to photograph lions and giraffe on the open plains and keep an eye out for leopards around the lodge. This is also a good location to try and spot the elusive shoebill stork.
- See ideas for Photography holidays in Rwanda
- Luxury
- Magashi is the only high end offering in Akagera National Park. Located in the remote north, you can expect top-level guiding, charming staff, fine food and very comfortable surroundings.
- See ideas for Luxury in Rwanda
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Property’s age restrictions
- 12+ on request.
- Special activities & services
- None.
- Equipment
- None.
- Generally recommended for children
- Magashi does not have a family tent, and there are no children specific activities. A visit to Akagera is likely to be made in conjunction with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. As it is only possible for children over the age of 15 years to trek, we’d generally recommend staying here only with children over 15.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Magashi Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Magashi Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
67% success
67% success
33% success
25% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Communications
- WiFi in guest tents only.
- TV & radio
- None.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Fully plumbed, with flush toilet. Safe, filtered drinking water in reusable bottles are provided.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- In a medical emergency, the nearest doctor is in Kigali – about a three hour drive from Magashi.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Guests are accompanied around camp after dark.
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- 24 hour service included.
- Money
- Electronic safes in all guest tents.
- Accepted payment on location
- A range of currencies are accepted including Rwandan Francs, USD, ZA Rand, GBP and Euro. Visa and MasterCard are accepted, but Amex is not.
Plan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call or email us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
Magashi Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Magashi Camp.
Excursions from Magashi Camp
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Magashi Camp. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Akagera Sunset Boat Safari
Half day - one hour on the water
Akagera’s Lake Ihema is a beautiful contrast to the rolling hills of the east of Rwanda, and the flatter plains to the north. Relax and enjoy the peace and quiet on your cruise, while watching the sunset over the lake and the national park beyond.
More about Sunset Boat SafariOther lodges in Akagera National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Ruzizi Tented Lodge opened in 2012 on the shore of Lake Ihema. It's a pretty place, with 9 ensuite tents and a dining deck.
Akagera Game Lodge
The biggest place to stay in Akagera National Park, Akagera Game Lodge is a large hotel with excellent views.
When to go to Akagera National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Magashi Camp in Akagera National Park
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Rwanda in January
January falls into the shorter dry season in Rwanda and conditions can be good, however expect some showers during your stay. Christmas and New Year can be a very popular time of year to travel and lodges book up early. The high demand and favourable conditions lead to high prices for the more luxurious lodges.
Travellers spending at least two nights in another of Rwanda’s national parks, in addition to the Volcanoes National Park, can take advantage of lower prices for one gorilla permit. This makes it great-value to do a longer trip to Rwanda, taking time to explore Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Park. January can be fantastic for birding too, with plenty of migrant species found in the forests.
- Generally good weather although with some rainy spells.
- Popular time of year to travel, particularly around New Year.
- Advance booking advised, particularly for high-end trips.
- Good for birding with migrant species present.
- Special offers are great for exploring the other national parks.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in January
Rwanda in February
As February progresses the likelihood of more rain increases as Rwanda heads towards the heavy rains in March and April. This can still be a good time of year to visit, particularly at the start of the month, and you are a likely to experience a mix of dry days and rainy spells. Your days are likely to be warm, however as with the rest of the year nights can be cold. This is particularly true of the Volcanoes National Park which is at higher altitude.
February can be a good time of year to combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with seeing the wildebeest migration in Tanzania as the vast herds gather in February on the southern Serengeti plains for the calving season.
- Transitional month, with the chance of rain increasing towards March.
- Warm days and cold nights, particularly in Volcanoes NP.
- High-end lodges are expensive, although demand is lower.
- Migrant birds present with great birding to be had.
- Good time of year to combine with the wildebeest migration.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in February
Rwanda in March
The heavy rains typically start in March, often continuing through to early May. This is generally not a great time to visit Rwanda and conditions are likely to be fairly wet and muddy underfoot. Many people still visit at this time, taking advantage of lower prices at the more luxurious lodges and good availability of gorilla permits. The rain clears the air and it is likely to be far less hazy at this time, making it very good for photography.
The green season can be particularly good for bird watching with many migrant species visiting Rwanda at this time. This can also be a good time of year for chimpanzee trekking, as their food is plentiful in March and troops are not likely to travel as far.
- Heavy rains make gorilla trekking conditions not ideal.
- Lower prices and good availability for gorilla permits.
- Good for bird watching with plenty of migrant species present.
- Typically shorter distances to walk for chimpanzee trekking.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Rwanda in April
April is typically one of the wettest months in Rwanda, with an average rainfall of around 150mm. It is still possible to visit during April, however be prepared for heavy rain and muddy conditions in the mountains. April is the low season for high-end lodges and prices can be significantly cheaper at this time.
Comparatively few people choose to visit during April, meaning that it is likely to be fairly quiet and relatively easy to secure gorilla permits. The 7th of April marks ‘Kwibuka’, an annual ceremony which begins three months of remembrance for the victims of the genocide. During this time the whole nation enters a period of reflection, with a number of events being held in commemoration.
- Expect heavy rains throughout the month.
- Few visitors means it is fairly easy to secure gorilla permits.
- It is the green season for luxury lodges, with much lower prices.
- Good time of year for birding.
- Kwibuka remembrance ceremony on 7th April.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Rwanda in May
May is often a transitional season in Rwanda, following on from the rains in April. Heavy bursts of rain can be expected at times, however it will often start to dry up as the month progresses. Any rainy spells are likely to last a few hours rather than all day. With the heavy rain earlier in the year it can often remain muddy underfoot when trekking the gorillas and chimpanzees and it’s advisable to wear gaiters.
Following the rains the air can be clear, without any haziness, and this leads to great photographic opportunities at this time of year. For many of the high-end lodges May is classed as the low season, which can make this month great value for money, with fairly good weather and comparatively low prices.
- Weather can be variable, mostly dry with some rainy spells.
- Be prepared for muddy conditions when trekking the gorillas.
- Good air clarity leads to great photographic opportunities.
- Can be good value for money if you’re looking at a high-end trip.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Rwanda in June
The weather in June can be fantastic and this is one of the best times of year to visit Rwanda. This is the start of the main dry season in Rwanda and the rainfall in June typically averages only around 20mm. It is likely to be warm and dry during the day, however the odd rainy shower remains possible. Conditions for gorilla trekking can be very good, although you are still likely to experience mud underfoot in parts.
This is the peak season for the high-end lodges and prices rise significantly. Rwanda is exceptionally popular between June and September and the luxurious lodges regularly fill up well over a year in advance, so we advise planning early.
- Dry weather can lead to excellent conditions for gorilla trekking.
- High-end lodges increase their prices and trips can be costly.
- Very popular time of year, advance booking is strongly recommended.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Rwanda in July
July is a great time of year to visit Rwanda, this is in the middle of the longer dry period and conditions for gorilla trekking can be excellent. Expect long dry days, although always with the off-chance of rain at some point during your stay. As with the rest of the year, temperatures are likely to average around 20-25ºC during the day, though nights can be chilly.
July is a very popular time of year to travel to Rwanda and we advise booking at least 12 months ahead, particularly if you’re looking for a high-end trip. Prices at the top end of the market can be very high in July, however many of the mid-range lodges have the same prices throughout the year, making these options great value at this time.
- Excellent conditions with dry weather for much of the month.
- Very popular time to travel with a limited number of gorilla permits.
- Advance booking is required to for the best choice of accommodation.
- High-end trips can be expensive at this time of year.
- Many mid-range lodges have the same price throughout the year.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Rwanda in August
August is one of the most popular times of year to visit Rwanda. This is the middle of the longer dry season and conditions can be very good. While it can still be muddy underfoot this is unlikely to impact your trek. Our top advice for travel in August is to plan early as many of the more popular lodges will regularly book up well over a year in advance at this time.
Many people visiting Rwanda will choose to combine this with a safari in the Serengeti and August is one of the best months for this. The wildebeest migration is in full swing, with the vast herds being up near the Mara River and river crossings likely.
- Fantastic time to visit with dry weather and great conditions.
- Very popular time to travel, we advise booking early.
- Lodges book up and gorilla permits can be hard to secure.
- Higher prices for the top-end lodges.
- Great time of year to combine with a safari in the Serengeti.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Rwanda in September
The dry season comes to an end in September, with the rains increasing towards the end of the month. For the most part you are likely to experience dry conditions, but be prepared for rainy showers and cold nights. September remains a popular time to travel, especially for those combining the gorillas with the wildebeest migration.
The Kwita Izina festival (the official naming ceremony for all baby gorillas born in the past year) takes place ever year, usually in September. It’s a time of celebration for everyone involved in their conservation. The exact date varies. Chat to us if you’d like to plan your trip around this event.
- Conditions typically good but expect some rain.
- Popular time to travel and early booking is advised.
- Great time of year to combine gorillas and the wildebeest migration.
- The Kwita Izina festival, usually in September, names baby gorillas.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in September
Rwanda in October
The short rains have typically started by October with the month’s rainfall averaging around 110mm. This rain normally falls in short, heavy bursts and you’re likely to have plenty of dry spells too. As with the rest of the year, days can be warm, although nights can be cold, and this is especially true around the Volcanoes National Park where lodges set log fires to keep you warm in the evening.
Lots of people choose to visit Rwanda at this time and prices remain high for the top-end lodges. Booking early is recommended, particularly if you plan to stay at one of the smaller, more exclusive lodges around the Volcanoes park.
- Good time of year to travel although with an increased amount of rain.
- Days are warm however nights can get cold.
- October is popular, particularly for the high-end lodges.
- Prices remain high at the top end of the spectrum.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in October
Rwanda in November
The rains typically continue into November and this can be one of the wetter months of the year. This can still be a good time to travel, as there are still likely to be plenty of dry periods and the gorillas can still be trekked. However, expect quite a bit of mud. The high-end lodges drop their prices in November, making it much more affordable for luxury accommodation.
Between November and April there is also a special offer from the parks authorities, providing a discount on your first gorilla permit if you spend at least two nights in one other national park. This special offer combined with lower prices for luxury lodges makes Rwanda great value for money in November.
- One of the wetter months however gorilla trekking is still possible.
- Far less busy, making it easier to secure gorilla permits.
- Reduced prices for high-end accommodation.
- Special offers to encourage travel to multiple national parks.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Rwanda in December
Rwanda has a second short dry season which typically runs from December to January. Conditions at this time can typically be fairly good, although not as ideal as June – August, and you can still expect rain at this time. Many of the forest tracks can be muddy and nights can be cold.
Many people choose to travel to Rwanda over Christmas and New Year and we advise booking early, particularly if you have preferred lodges in mind. The special offer for a your first gorilla permit at a reduced price remains in place for all travellers spending at least two nights in another park, making Rwanda excellent value for money in December.
- Short dry season, however rain is still possible.
- Conditions for gorilla trekking can be good, but expect mud.
- Cold at night, warm clothes are recommended.
- Very popular over Christmas and New Year, early booking advised.
- Special offers make December good value for money.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire me