Mantis Akagera Game Lodge

Location: Perched on a ridge in the southern sector of Akagera National Park, this lodge looks out over sweeping savannah and Lake Ihema. It sits just 5km from the park's South Entrance, making it remarkably accessible. The elevated safari not only provides serene views at sunrise and sunset, but also positions guests ideally for exploring both the park's lakeside wetlands and more open savannah terrain.

Rooms: The lodge offers a total of 60 guest accommodations, split into 27 Standard Rooms, 29 Balcony Rooms, 1 Balcony Suite, 2 Family Suites, and 1 Presidential Suite. All feature en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, in-room safe, tea/coffee station and fridge - designed in contemporary African décor with large windows and private patios or balconies overlooking the park or gardens. Standard rooms are spacious (ground level). Balcony Rooms on the first floor offer elevated views. Family Suites include a kitchenette and open-plan lounge, while the Presidential Suite spans two bedrooms, a dining room for ten, lounge and fitted kitchen, with a private patio overlooking the hills and valleys.

Amenities: Common areas reflect modern comfort layered with safari charm. The Inzovu Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner with fresh seasonal dishes, much sourced from the lodge's own organic kitchen garden. Guests can relax at the Imparagi Bar or unwind by the large swimming pool and deck, which offers panoramic views across Lake Ihema. Facilities also include a conference centre and boardroom, tennis court, children's play area, gymnasium, curio boutique, and laundry service.

Activities: From the lodge, guests can enjoy daily guided game drives, often heading to the park's wetlands and savannah plains in search of elephants, buffalo, zebras, and possibly lions or rhinos. Boat safaris on Lake Ihema offer close-up sightings of hippos, crocodiles and abundant waterbirds such as African jacanas and kingfishers. Other offerings include bird-watching excursions, guided nature walks or the boundary "walk-the-line" experience, and optional sport fishing if requested.

Sustainability: Sustainable travel principles are integrated throughout the lodge experience. The property has transitioned to solar-assisted hot water systems, replacing traditional boilers, reducing energy consumption significantly. It's on-site organic kitchen garden supplies fresh vegetables and herbs directly to the restaurant, reducing food-transport emissions and supporting local farming initiatives. Mantis participates in regional environmental programmes through its Community Conservation Fund Africa, supporting reforestation, local cooperatives, and community-based aquaculture projects tied to the park.