Akagera Safari Camp: Your Elegant Passage into the Wild
I visited Akagera Safari Camp during my tour of Rwinkwavu Sector. I was in the area to work on a booklet titled Visit Rwinkwavu. Although the palatial property is located in Kabare Sector, it’s close enough to serve as a convenient and luxurious base for anyone exploring Rwinkwavu.
There’s an undeniable thrill in being this close to the animal kingdom. At Akagera Safari Camp, you’re not just near the park—you’re perched on its very edge. The savannah stretches out before you in golden waves, and Lake Ihema shimmers in the distance like a mirror reflecting the sky.
From the moment I arrived, I sensed this was no ordinary lodging experience. The air was crisp and clean, tinged with the earthy scent of dry grass and blooming papyrus. Before checking out the cottages, I lingered on the edge of the camp, letting the view wash over me. Lake Ihema unfolded in all its splendor—vast and picturesque. As my eyes wandered along its shoreline, the untamed landscape of Akagera came into view, rippling in the golden haze of the afternoon heat.
I found myself drawn to the cascading swimming pool—not merely a place to cool off, but a sanctuary designed for stillness and reflection. Elegantly terraced into the open-air landscape, it offers uninterrupted views of the park and the lake that graces the southern flank of this wilderness.
I found myself drawn to the cascading swimming pool—not merely a place to cool off, but a sanctuary designed for stillness and reflection.
The cottages—29 in total—are thoughtfully spaced, each one a private retreat nestled into the edge of the wild. Here, comfort and solitude go hand in hand, and every glance through the window feels like an invitation to connect with nature’s raw beauty.
For those seeking the ultimate indulgence, the camp also features a spacious family wing—the crown jewel of the property. This exclusive unit is an embodiment of lavishness, where every detail has been curated for elegance and class. From the grand sitting room to the private dining space and opulent bedrooms, it radiates sophistication. Plush furnishings, expansive interiors, and premium finishes create a space that feels less like a lodge and more like a designer residence deep in the wild. It’s the perfect escape for families or small groups in search of privacy, comfort, and a taste of refined wilderness living.
Evenings at the camp unfold with a gentle rhythm. Some guests retreat to their balconies with glasses of wine, while others gather in the lounge, where laughter drifts easily through the air. Inside the restaurant, warm lighting and earthy tones create a soothing retreat from the wild, without ever feeling removed from it. Soft piano notes float through the room, mingling with the chirping of birds and the occasional clink of cutlery.
Managed by the 3B Group of Hotels, Akagera Safari Camp is one of four unique properties the group operates in Rwanda. The others—Mountain Gorilla View Lodge in Musanze, Flame Tree Village in Kigali, and Kivu Lodge on the shores of Lake Kivu—each offer their own distinct experiences, but all share a commitment to comfort, authenticity, and a deep connection to place. Akagera Safari Camp continues that tradition, offering guests front-row access to the home of the Big Five.
For those seeking the ultimate indulgence, the camp also features a spacious family wing—the crown jewel of the property. This exclusive unit is an embodiment of lavishness, where every detail has been curated for elegance and class.
For guests short on time but eager for an immersive experience, the camp offers the convenience of a private helipad. A scenic flight from Kigali brings you straight into this secluded haven, offering sweeping aerial views of Rwanda’s rolling hills along the way. It’s a swift, elegant arrival that sets the tone for what’s in store—effortless, exclusive, and deeply rooted in the land itself.