Ruzizi Tented Lodge – Akagera National Park

Located along the shores of Lake Ihema, Ruzizi Tended Lodge is a well-managed mid-range accommodation facility and one of Rwanda’s best lodges to stay at while on safari in Akagera National Park. The lodge is the perfect blend of privacy, tranquility and luxury while on safari in Rwanda as it has spectacular views and comfortable lodging for guests.

Ruzizi Tented Lodge was initially the only lodge in Akagera National Park and has therefore made a name for itself over the years. The lodge’s location along Lake Ihema which is the Rwanda’s second largest lake is perfect as it offers such beautiful views of the lake from the lodge’s thatched pavilion and outdoor wooden deck.

Choosing a lodge to stay is an important part of planning your safari and visitors usually have to go through a number of lodges before having their final pick and in this article we talk more about Ruzizi Tented Lodge so that choosing it as an option will be easier for you since you will know what to expect.

Facilities and Services at Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Outdoor Wooden Terrace – Ruzizi Tented lodge has an outdoor large wooden terrace and this is the lodge’s most attractive feature. The raised wooden terrace offers an expansive view of Lake Ihema and is the best place to have meals while staying at Ruzizi Tented Lodge. Breakfast can be had at the terrace as one is treated to the beautiful view of Lake Ihema. The terrace also has a fire pit so the staff always lights a fire in the evening and dinner is served by the fire. Most meals at the lodge are served at the wooden terrace. Lake Ihema has one of the largest population of hippos and crocodiles so there is a likelihood of seeing wildlife while relaxing at the terrace.

Bar Area – The lodge has a bar that is situated at the lodge’s main area serving an assortment of drinks from beers to wine to spirits to soft drinks. Guests are free to order drinks of their choice from the bar man.

Reception – Ruzizi Tented Lodge features a reception area which is the first place you encounter as you approach the lodge’s main area. Here guests are welcomed to the lodge, can ask questions and are also taken through a short briefing before being taken to their respective tents. A receptionist is always available in case you need anything throughout your stay.

Dining Area – The lodge’s dining area is located at the main pavilion and serves delicious meals made by the trained professional chef at Ruzizi. The dining area features beautiful Rwandan décor and having dinner here is an experience on its own as you will have views of the lake and the surrounding areas as you enjoy your meal.

Other Services at the Lodge include a car parking area and maximum security.

Accommodation at Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Ruzizi Tented Lodge features nine tents that are spread out and positioned apart from each other offering a private feel while staying at the lodge. The tents are located on either side of the lodge’s main thatched pavilion. The rooms consist of seven classic tents, one tree-top honeymoon tent for couples on honey moon and one family tent that can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children.

Each Tent at Ruzizi tented lodge consists of;

En-suite bathroom with a toilet, a shower, a sink, a mirror, shampoo, lotion, shower gel and bathing soap.

Hot running water is available throughout the day.

Comfortable wooden beds with clean linen and mosquito nets.

A small wooden sofa at the side of the bed.

A closet for your clothes, an umbrella in case it rains and you need shade and a fire extinguisher.

A small patio outside the tent featuring a wooden carved table and two chairs.

Attractions and Activities to do while at Ruzizi Tented Lodge

There is so much to do while one is staying at Ruzizi Tented lodge as Akagera National Park is a wildlife hub and rich in diversity. Akagera National Park is one of Rwanda’s finest park and the only savanna pack in Rwanda that boasts of over 8000 mammals. Akagera Park is also home to the Big Five animals, lions were reintroduced to the park in 2015 and Black rhinos re-introduced in 2017. Over the years the population density of animals in the park has increased and this is great news and testament for Rwanda’s conservation efforts especially after the effects of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide on the national park.

Top Things to do while staying at the lodge include;

Game Drives: Game drives is the best way to spend your time in the park while on your Rwanda Safari. The park offers full day game drives that include morning, afternoon and evening game drives to look out for nocturnal species like bush pigs, civets and porcupines. The morning game drive is the most ideal as you set out in to the park very early in the morning catch the sunrise over the undulating plains and then start to look out for wildlife such as elephants, Burchell’s zebra, elephants, lions, leopard, buffaloes, black rhinos, water bucks, oribi, sitatunga, common duikers, topis, giraffes, warthogs, olive baboons among others.

Boat Ride on Lake Ihema: Lake Ihema is located is the southern section of Akagera National Park and is the largest lake in the national park. The lake is popular for its large concentration of hippos and abundance of water birds. A boat ride on the lake is best done in the afternoon as you look out for water birds, wildlife and some raptor species that like to perch on long trees on the lake showers. Staying at Ruzizi Tented Lodge is an added advantage as you start enjoying the lake views right from arrival and throughout your stay in the park.

Bird watching: For the specialist birder Akagera National Park offers wonderful birding opportunities so while at the lodge you can plan for a birding excursion. Akagera is an Important Bird Area (IBA) and is home to over 750 species of birds offering incredible bird sightings while on a birding in Rwanda Safari. The most sought after birds while in Akagera include the Red-faced Barbet, White-collared Oliveback, and the Ruaha Chat.

Guided Nature Walks: Nature walks in the park is one of the alternative ways to explore the park on foot. In the guidance of a park guide and ranger guide, you set out into the park in search of wildlife, bird species and stop over to look at animal foot prints while walking. The nature walk also offers an opportunity to have expansive views of the park and this often calls for photography moments of the scenery. The nature walk is about two to three hours long.

Walk the Line: The walk the line activity involves you walking along the park fence with park rangers to understand the fencing which is mainly in place for conservation purposes. It is a 7km walk that takes you closer to the park boundaries as you also see the surrounding community life.

Community Tours: While at the lodge you can opt for a community tour that gives you a look in to the way of life of the locals. The tribal groups in the communities are majorly cattle keepers and the tour gives you a glimpse in to their way of life that involves milking the long horned cows, making traditional dishes and visiting their farms.

Behind the Scenes Experience: This is an activity that gives you an in depth experience of how Akagera National Park is managed. You will meet with the park staff and rangers who will tell you how they manage the park, the conservation efforts in place, the protection of the park environment, and how their daily activities are executed.

Our Tours to Akagera National Park while staying at Ruzizi Tented Lodge

2 Days Akagera Wildlife Safari 

3 Days Akagera National Park Safari 

 

 

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