About Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Since it was opened in 2012, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, has proved a welcome addition to Akagera National Park.
It’s a simple, eco-friendly lodge located within the park itself, in a good position to explore the varying landscapes of Akagera.
Ruzizi Tented Lodge is a simple but comfortable safari lodge, with a commendable eco policy. The food is excellent, considering the location and the power sources, and the location beautiful and serene. Staff are friendly and offer efficient service. This is our favourite accommodation in Akagera and makes a great stop as part of a longer trip around Rwanda.
Our view
Ruzizi Tented Lodge is a simple but comfortable safari lodge, with a commendable eco policy. The food is excellent, considering the location and the power sources, and the location beautiful and serene. Staff are friendly and offer efficient service. This is our favourite accommodation in Akagera and makes a great stop as part of a longer trip around Rwanda.
Rwanda expert
Accommodation
9 tents
Children
Best for 10+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Traveller reviews of Ruzizi Tented Lodge
6 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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Golden Monkey Safari
12 days • 5 locations • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.
Visiting Kigali, Volcanoes and 3 other areas
US$11,010 - US$12,170 per person
Ruzizi Tented Lodge: Our full report
Since it was opened in 2012, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, has proved a welcome addition to Akagera National Park.
It’s a simple, eco-friendly lodge located within the park itself, in a good position to explore the varying landscapes of Akagera.
Ruzizi is located on the shores of Lake Ihema, which is Rwanda's second- largest lake. The lodge has been built in harmony with its environment, so trees grow through gaps in the roof, and the walkways are molded around the vegetation. In keeping with its aim of minimum impact on the environment, it is entirely powered by solar, and also has a minimal-plastic policy, with drinking water in the camp served in recycled glass bottles.
In the main area, the reception leads to a small bar area, with comfortable seating in close proximity to the lake; if you can’t see the hippos, you’ll no doubt hear them from here! An indoor dining area for those rainy days is decorated in earthy tones, with splashes of colour from traditional woven baskets fixed to the walls, and bright paintings by local artists.
Moving outside, an outdoor pizza oven is located next to the path, which leads to a large deck with lovely views of the lake. In good weather, meals are served here and on our last visit in 2019, we found it a perfect spot to listen to the hippos, or watch the stars. There is a central firepit to keep you warm on cool evenings.
Raised walkways lead to Ruzizi’s tents, which are spread throughout the grounds, all separate from one another. Low wire fences stop hippos or other animals from getting to the tents, and there is a fence around the perimeter of the lodge to discourage larger animals from wandering through.
Each of the nine tents has an en-suite bathroom (with hot running water), a dressing area and a queen-size bed, or two small doubles. Each also has a private patio at the front, with a carved wooden table and canvas directors’ chairs. A large wooden chest houses thick blankets for any colder nights. The tents are comfortable, but functional as opposed to stylish.
The focus of activities at Ruzizi is the relatively unvisited Akagera National Park, with guided game drives and boat safaris, though fishing is possible. Although it would be mis-leading to compare Akagera to the likes of the Serengeti, wildlife numbers have been rapidly improving over recent years. Plains game such as impala, zebra and topi are commonly seen, as are crocodile and hippo. Hyena, jackal and leopard are present, too – although more elusive! The re-introduction of 18 black rhino and an additional two male lions in 2017 means that Akagera is now home to the ‘big five’ (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). On our last visit we had wonderful buffalo and elephant sightings very close to Ruzizi Camp, and spotted lion further into the park. With African Parks continued management we are extremely confident that game sightings will only continue to improve.
The birdlife in Akagera is particularly fantastic, we saw brown-throated wattle eye in camp, and on our guided boat safari, and we were able to spot different species of egret and stork along the lake shores, crowned cranes with a family of tiny chicks, and the beautiful malachite kingfisher.
African Parks have trained up a team of freelance guides from local communities, and they offer a range of alternative activities for guests in Akagera, including cultural visits to local communities and villages and a behind-the-scenes tour of the park headquarters. They also offer an opportunity called ‘Walk the Line’ when, along with a trained guide and armed scout, you’ll walk 7km along the national park fence line, and learn how the fence works and its importance for the park and the local community.
Geographics
- Location
- Akagera National Park, Rwanda
- Ideal length of stay
- Stay here for two nights to explore Akagera National Park. Ruzizi also combines nicely, in season, with its sister camp, Karenge Mobile Bush Camp. A night at each allows you to make the most of the park; call us for more details regarding the bush camping.
- Directions
- Akagera is about 2–3 hours drive from Kigali, with the last 10–15km on gravel roads.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- During our last visit to Ruzizi in 2019, the food was excellent, especially considering the remote location and limited power resources. Both meat and vegetarian options are available.
Breakfast is served from 5.30am, either out on the deck or in the dining room; we enjoyed our breakfast watching the sun rise over the lake. The menu includes fresh fruit, pancakes, french toast, and eggs to order, accompanied by juice, tea and coffee.
Generally you will be provided with a packed lunch – which for our full day in the park included sandwiches, crisps, fruit and home-made chocolate muffins. For those staying in camp, there’s a limited à la carte lunch menu, with a variety of freshly prepared wraps and burgers.
Dinner is a set menu, preceded at around 7.00pm by drinks and snacks around the fire. We had arancini with mozzarella and chorizo to start, followed by a choice of chili con carne or chicken curried in a peanut sauce, each served with plenty of rice and vegetables. A light and creamy passion fruit cheesecake was perfect to finish the meal. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is not available.
- Drinks included
- The water is not suitable for drinking, but filtered water is provided in the tents and during mealtimes. Tea, coffee and juice are included at breakfast. All other drinks are at extra cost. Expect to pay around $2 for a beer.
Special interests
- Birdwatching
- Akagera is a bird rich area with over 450 savannah and water birds recorded here. It is one of the best places in East Africa to observe papyrus endemics. Head out on a boat safari to try and spot the papyrus gonolek or the highly elusive shoebill.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Rwanda
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- None.
- Equipment
- Camp beds are provided but not cots.
- Generally recommended for children
- We would recommend Ruzizi for children over 10 years. Although there are wire fences around the camp, there are still hippos and crocodiles here, and large gaps at the edge of the walkways make them unsuitable for smaller children.
- Notes
- Children should be supervised at all times as there are hippos and crocodiles around camp.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Ruzizi Tented Lodge 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
50% success
50% success
50% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Batteries can be charged in the tents, or in reception.
- Communications
- The cellphone signal is limited, but there is a phone at reception for guest use.
- TV & radio
- None. there is no WiFi.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- The bathrooms have fully plumbed hot and cold showers, and flush toilets.
Sustainability
Minimising water waste
Ruzizi Tented Lodge is an intimate and luxurious lodge, nestled under large palms and fruiting fig trees, in the beautiful Akagera National Park - home to rare and unique species. It is also the largest wetland in central Africa, providing guests with plenty of opportunities to sit back and enjoy the vast networks of lakes, species of birds, mammals and plants.
Water conservation is a priority at Ruzizi considering the water scarcity in Central Africa. Guests are informed about the importance of water conservation and asked kindly to consider the topic when making use of their ensuite showers. Each guest is allocated 40 litres of hot water per day which is heated by a solar-powered water system, thus ensuring a comfortable experience at minimum environmental costs. Water at Ruzizi is also pumped out of a borehole using the lodge’s solar energy which is safe for consumption.
Additional efforts to minimise water waste include introducing a policy within the laundry department that stipulates how guest bed-linen is changed every two days during and fresh towels are replaced only if placed on the floor.
See more great sustainability projects in Rwanda
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- A first-aid kit is located in the reception, and staff are first-aid trained. The nearest hospital, in Kayonza, is a 30-minute drive away.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Guards patrol the site throughout the day, and are on hand to accompany guests to and from their tents at night.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are located in each tent, and in the main area, and staff are trained in their use.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A 24-hour laundry service is available, at extra cost.
- Money
- Each tent has an individual safe.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Cash payments may be made in US dollars or Rwandan francs, or bills can be settled via bank transfer before departure.
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Ruzizi Tented Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Ruzizi Tented Lodge.
Excursions from Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Ruzizi Tented Lodge. 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.
Magashi Camp
Magashi Camp is a very smart camp that opened in 2019 on its own private concession just north of Akagera National Park.
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 Ruzizi Tented Lodge 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
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