Wilderness Magashi is a luxury safari camp on Lake Rwanyakazinga in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park. The camp occupies the park’s only private concession. Its 4,200-hectare setting on the Magashi Peninsula offers secluded wildlife viewing near the Mutumba Mountains.
Eight elegant canvas suites sit along elevated boardwalks, with private decks overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga.
Safari experiences include sightings of lions, black rhinos, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and more than 520 bird species. Guests can explore Akagera without the crowds found in busier safari areas.
Wilderness Magashi combines refined accommodation with conservation and community-focused tourism. Every stay supports Akagera’s continuing ecological recovery.
Their story
Wilderness Magashi opened in 2019 through a partnership with the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks. The camp forms part of Akagera National Park’s successful wildlife restoration programme.
Lions returned in 2015, followed by black rhinos in 2017. Its conservation model focuses on habitat protection, wildlife recovery, and long-term park management.
Guest stays directly support these ongoing efforts. Wilderness Magashi also invests in local employment and professional development. Read more about them.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- The camp features eight spacious canvas-tented suites constructed on elevated boardwalks along the lakeshore, minimizing ground disturbance.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- The property operates under the Wilderness group-wide environmental policies. The group prioritizes reducing energy consumption and utilizes solar energy, solar and thermodynamic water heaters, energy-efficient lighting, AAA-rated energy-efficient appliances where available, and timers to minimize electricity waste.
Pioneer in waste management
- Wilderness properties implement robust waste-management practices across their Rwandan operations. Unused organic waste is composted for camp herb and vegetable gardens or provided to local pig farmers. Kitchens utilize excess produce for preserves and dehydrated snacks.
- Additionally, the camp minimizes waste through recycling, utilizing filtered-water systems with reusable bottles, and replacing single-use plastics with glass, paper, cardboard, and reusable covers.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- Dining at Magashi is designed with sustainability in mind, offering healthy, flavorful recipes that emphasize local, fresh produce. The menus celebrate Rwanda’s culinary heritage by highlighting indigenous ingredients, traditional dishes, and signature items like the “Rolex” breakfast wrap and the traditional travelling Kugisha dinner.
Actively protects nature and community
- Wilderness Magashi operates a 4,200-hectare private concession that limits vehicle traffic to ensure low-impact wildlife viewing.
- Guests actively participate in biodiversity monitoring, tracking lions, leopards, and rhinos.
- A conservation levy of USD 150 per person per day directly supports Akagera’s rehabilitation.
- On the community front, a portion of guest revenue funds the Akagera Community Fund, which supports local schools, health facilities, and livelihoods while mitigating human-wildlife conflict.
- The camp also prioritizes local employment, trains Rwandan guides, and offers cultural guest experiences like the traditional Kugisha dinner.
Most Popular Activities Near Wilderness Magashi
- Game drives
- Lion, leopard, and rhino tracking and monitoring
- Boating safaris
- Birdwatching
- Guided nature walks
- Catch-and-release fishing
- Traditional dining and cultural experiences
- Wildlife viewing from camp
Best Time To Visit Wilderness Magashi
- The best time to visit Wilderness Magashi is during the dry seasons from June to October and mid-December to February. During these months, wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around Lake Rwanyakazinga and other permanent water sources, and the thinner vegetation enhances visibility for classic savannah game drives.