"Akagera is a place of extraordinary beauty and ecological importance, and this new launch deepens our commitment to celebrating and preserving Rwanda’s enthralling savannah safari experience”, said Manzi Kayihura, Wilderness Rwanda Executive Director. "Here, guests can observe lions, rhinos, elephants and other iconic species in their natural habitat, while directly supporting their conservation through meaningful engagement. Additionally, Akagera’s wildlife encounters pair seamlessly with gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park, which guests can access from our newly opened Wilderness Bisate Reserve – creating a truly unparalleled Rwandan adventure”.
Set against the backdrop of the shimmering waters of Lake Rwanyakazinga and the Mutumba Mountains to the west, this remarkable location is situated within a private concession in Akagera National Park – Central Africa's largest protected wetland and Rwanda's only sanctuary for savannah species. The area offers exceptional game-viewing opportunities across 10 diverse habitat types, ranging from open plains and woodlands to swamps, lakes, and rolling grassy hills.
Wilderness Magashi Peninsula will open as an exclusive eight-bed camp, featuring a four-bed Villa, with two additional luxurious twin rooms, all located 200 metres apart to provide further privacy for families and groups. The versatile villa also features an additional en-suite room that can be adapted as a gym, children's room, or office, providing a comfortable stay for up to six guests. Each Magashi room is equipped with a private plunge pool and offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, thanks to their thoughtfully designed placements.
Guests can unwind with bespoke private dining, intimate boma nights around the fire, a curated selection of wellness treatments, and personalised guiding, ensuring an unrivalled and truly tailored retreat. For those seeking adventure, private water-based excursions aboard a luxurious pontoon or swamp cruiser offer scenic cruises, gourmet picnics, and sunset toasts. There’s also the opportunity for catch-and-release fishing, guided night drives, and rooftop Star Beds, inviting guests to drift off beneath the constellations, with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
“In addition to our conservation and community initiatives, Magashi Peninsula also celebrates Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage. The interiors will reflect locally inspired design, and as with all our camps, every detail aligns with our purpose-driven ethos”, noted Manzi. "Furthermore, the lodge’s construction and daily operations will engage team members from neighbouring communities, with a strong commitment to nurturing local talent and creating meaningful employment, building on our vision of fostering a sustainable tourism model that benefits the entire region”, added Manzi.
Designed with a minimal environmental footprint, the lodge is powered entirely by solar energy and fosters impactful partnerships to amplify its positive contributions. As part of the Magashi Peninsula development, Wilderness works closely with the Akagera Management Company – a collaboration between the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks – to support essential conservation initiatives, including predator monitoring, invasive plant management and educational programmes for the next generation of conservationists.
Far beyond a luxurious retreat, Magashi Peninsula offers a transformative experience, deeply rooted in purpose and inspired by Rwanda’s sole high-end savannah refuge. "As we eagerly await the arrival of our first guests this September, the camp provides a unique chance to fully immerse in an unforgettable safari experience, while actively contributing to the ongoing success of vital conservation efforts in one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas. It will stand as a powerful symbol of the resilience of nature and our unwavering commitment to preserving this extraordinary landscape for future generations”, concluded Manzi.