Located within Rwanda's only Big Five reserve
Incredible lake views and easy park access.
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.
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Best places to stay in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park Trip Inspiration
When to go to Rwanda
Find out the best time to visit Rwanda with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is the dry season in Rwanda, making it a popular time to visit - meaning prices are higher, so it is important to book in advance.
February
February is the dry season in Rwanda, making it a popular time to visit - meaning prices are higher, so it is important to book in advance. The sunny and warm weather makes it a perfect time to go tracking for gorillas in the highlands and enjoy activities across Rwanda.
March
The beginning of the long rainy season is the prime time to trek to see chimpanzees, fruit begins to ripen bringing them to the reaches of the forest canopy. Gorilla trekking can still be undertaken, with discounts on permits often given.
April
Continuing rains throughout April means chimp sightings are still at their best. April is a good time to track gorillas as you may be able to take advantage of deals and discounts.
May
Rains ease and Rwanda's parks and reserves are lush and bountiful, with newborn animals making their first journey through the parks.
- The Kigali International Peace Marathon takes place, with three events, full, half and a 10k marathon.
June
It is dry season in Rwanda, the peak time to travel. Wildlife sightings become more common, making a popular time of year to travel.
Top Tip - there is always the chance of showers so make sure you pack your waterproofs especially for the rainforest.
July
It is dry season in Rwanda, the peak time to travel. Wildlife sightings become more common, making a popular time of year to travel.
Top Tip - there is always the chance of showers so make sure you pack your waterproofs especially for the rainforest.
August
It is dry season in Rwanda, the peak time to travel. Wildlife sightings become more common, making a popular time of year to travel.
Top Tip - there is always the chance of showers so make sure you pack your waterproofs especially for the rainforest.
September
It is dry season in Rwanda, the peak time to travel. Wildlife sightings become more common, making a popular time of year to travel.
Top Tip - there is always the chance of showers so make sure you pack your waterproofs especially for the rainforest.
October
Photographers it is an excellent time to travel, rain showers clear as quickly as they came clearing to reveal beautiful clear skies. It is the ideal time to admire Rwanda's incredible mountainous scenery.
November
Photographers it is an excellent time to travel, rain showers clear as quickly as they came clearing to reveal beautiful clear skies. It is the ideal time to admire Rwanda's incredible mountainous scenery.
December
December is the dry season in Rwanda, making it a popular time to visit - meaning prices are higher, so it is important to book in advance. The sunny and warm weather makes it a perfect time to go tracking for gorillas in the highlands and enjoy activities across Rwanda.
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