Ruzizi Tented Lodge Facts, Activities, Reviews, Tours, Prices
Ruzizi Tented Lodge first opened in 2012 and is managed by African Parks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to conservation. Children under the age of 5 stay free of charge while using the half-board plan (which includes breakfast, dinner, and parking). Wireless Internet access is not provided in this area.
**Ruzizi Tented Lodge is a traditional tented camp on raised platforms in Akagera National Park. Run by African Parks, it offers a very authentic safari experience.**
Access and Location
To get to Ruzizi, which is on the shores of Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park, from Kigali International Airport, most visitors take a transfer by road. The trip usually takes about 2.5 hours.
Accommodation And facilities at Ruzizi Tented Lodge:
Ruzizi Tented Lodge | Akagera National Park
There are nine guest tents at this property, all located on the lakeside on either side of the main lodge. Each tent stands on a solid stone plinth and a Meru-inspired pedestal, providing shelter within a grove of palm and fig trees. This means it has two layers: an inner one that provides shelter for a couple of campaign chairs, a table made from a tree stump, and a hammock strung between two trees. Room amenities include your choice of either two twin beds or a queen-size bed, as well as a dresser, nightstand, sofa, and plush area rugs. Children as young as 5 and as old as 15 can use the extra camp beds. At the back of the tent, you’ll discover the en-suite facilities, comprising flush toilet, twin washbasins, and bathtub or outdoor shower. There’s also plenty of storage space in each washroom area.
The guest tents at Ruzizi are connected to the social areas, which are located in a timber and thatch building, by elevated wooden walkways. The front desk opens up to a cozy bar with lovely views of the lake. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served each day, and guests can relax in the lounge or dine in the dining room. Enjoy your meals on Ruzizi’s large veranda while gazing out at the crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of birds that call Lake Ihema home. Staff will gladly pack a picnic for you if you want to spend the day out on safari. The deck includes its own fire pit, making it a great place to socialize before supper. Pizzas are a common dinner option, and the lodge has its own pizza oven where they can be made.
Activities at Ruzizi Tented Lodge:
The options for fun at Ruzizi are vast. Visitors to Akagera National Park can see a wide variety of animals on guided game drives in the park’s highlands, savanna, and other habitats.
- Since 2017, with the reintroduction of rhino, Akagera has been home to all Big Five species – lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo! The park is home to a wide variety of antelopes such as eland, oribi, sable, roan, bushbuck, reedbuck, and waterbuck, as well as hyenas, jackals, Maasai giraffes, Burchell’s zebras, and more.
- About 480 kinds of birds have been spotted here, including storks, eagles, herons, egrets, and the magnificent crowned crane. Akagera’s inhabitants, including the crocodiles and hippos, can be seen from a new angle on a boat safari.
- Anyone curious about the region’s heritage will jump at the chance to spend time in its rural settings.
- Not only can you walk the 7 kilometers of fence line with an armed scout and guide, but you can also take a behind-the-scenes tour of park headquarters. The ‘Walk the Line’ exercise gives participants a wealth of information on the safety measures in place to safeguard Akagera.
