Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Location: Located on the relaxing, tree-lined shores of Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park, Ruzizi Tented Lodge sits just about 6km from the park's reception gate, a short 15-minute drive into the southern sector. Surrounded by swaying palms and fig trees, the lodge is deeply rooted in riverine forest. Elevated wooden boardwalks connect the tents to a thatched reception, dining lounge and a veranda that stretches over the lake above a central fire-pit - a perfect spot for an early morning coffee or evening sundowner.

Rooms: The lodge features nine luxury safari tents (including a tree-top tent and a family tent), hosting up to 20 guests for an intimate experience. Each tent offers a queen-size/twin bed, a dressing area, and an en-suite bathroom with both hot and cold running water, powered entirely by solar energy. Outside, a shaded veranda with chairs, a tree-trunk table and hammock is the perfect place to relax, take in lake views - or spot passing wildlife - and connect with the forest surroundings.

Amenities: Ruzizi is designed with simplicity, sustainability and local craftmanship in mind. The lodge is entirely solar-powered, including lighting and solar hot-water systems that deliver up to 40 litres of hot water per guest per day - carefully allocated to minimise environmental impact. Water comes from a borehole powered by solar pumps and is safe to drink, though bottle water is provided as well. Public areas include a central lounge, dining area, and al-fresco deck with fire-pit - all tastefully furnished with hand-crafted local teak and co-operative - made decor. Daily laundry service is also offered, with towels replaced on request and bedding changed every two days to minimise resource use.

Activities: Ruzizi offers an engaging range of park-led experiences. Guests can enjoy guided game drives - day and night - to explore Akagera's savannah, wetlands and hills in search of elephants, buffalo, lions and more. Boat safaris on Lake Ihema bring you close to hippos, crocodiles and diverse waterbirds like shoebills and African fish eagles, especially during morning and afternoon sessions. For those wanting to stretch their legs, walking safaris or the unique 'walk the line' fence-tour (a 7km guided walking along the park's boundary) offer an intimate wildlife and ecosystem awareness experience. Cultural excursions include visits to nearby communities - such as honey-makers or banana-beer producers - where guests learn how park revenue supports local livelihoods and conservation efforts.

Sustainability: Sustainability is at the heart of Ruzizi's philosophy. Built in 2012 by Akagera National Park itself, with local artisans, the lodge was designed to leave minimal ecological footprint - most existing trees remained untouched and local materials were incorporated throughout the design and furnishings. The lodge is fully powered by solar electricity and hot-water systems; water use is consciously managed with daily hot-water limits and strict laundry policies to reduce waste. Importantly, all profits go directly back into park conservation - supporting ranger teams, reintroduction programmes like rhinos and lions, and community development initiatives.