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BEST 15 SAFARI LODGES IN RWANDA

Best 15 Safari Lodges In Rwanda

The best 5 safari lodges are found in national parks and reserves are; Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park , and Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Republic of Rwanda, is a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley of Central Africa, where the African Great Lakes region and Southeast Africa converge. Located south of the Equator, Rwanda is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is highly elevated, giving it the sobriquet “land of a thousand hills”, with its geography dominated by mountains in the west and savanna to the southeast.

Also with numerous lakes throughout the country. The climate is temperate to subtropical, with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons each year. Rwanda has a population of over 12.6 million living on 26,338 km of land, and is the most densely populated mainland African country; it is the fifth most densely populated country in the world. One million people live in the capital and largest city Kigali.

Hunter-gatherers settled the territory in the Stone and Iron Ages, followed later by Bantu peoples. In the 15th century, a chiefdom, under King Gihanga, managed to incorporate several of its close neighbor territories establishing the Kingdom of Rwanda. The Kingdom of Rwanda dominated from the mid-eighteen century, with the Tutsi kings conquering others militarily, centralizing power, and enacting anti-Hutu policies.

Rwanda has been colonized by a host of countries. Germany colonized Rwanda in 1897 as part of German East Africa, followed by Belgium, which took control in 1916 during World War I. Both European nations ruled through the Rwandan king and perpetuated a pro-Tutsi policy. Rwanda has been governed as a unitary presidential system with a bicameral parliament ruled by the Rwandan Patriotic Front since 1994.

The country has been governed by a centralized authoritarian government, since precolonial times. Although Rwanda has low levels of corruption compared with neighboring countries, it ranks among the lowest in international measurements of government transparency, civil liberties and quality of life. Rwanda has one of the youngest populations in the world.

Rwandans are drawn from just one cultural and linguistic group, the Banyarwanda. However, within this group there are three subgroups: the Hutu, Tutsi and Twa. The Twa are a forest-dwelling pygmy people and are often considered descendants of Rwanda’s earliest inhabitants. Christianity is the largest religion in the country; the principal and national language is Kinyarwanda, spoken by native Rwandans, with English, French and Swahili serving as additional official languages and the the best 15 safari lodges in Rwanda are explained below.

Rwanda - Wikipedia
Rwandan cultural dances

History of Rwanda - Wikipedia

The best 15 safari lodges in inn Rwanda are situated both in and out of the different national parks, reserves  found in Rwanda and they are as follows below;

Nyungwe Forest National park

The Nyungwe Forest is located in southwestern Rwanda, on the border with Burundi, where it is contiguous with the Kibira National Park to the south, and Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. The Nyungwe rainforest is probably the best preserved montane rainforest in Central Africa. It is located in the watershed between the basin of the river Congo to the west and the basin of the river Nile to the east.

Nyungwe National Park was established in 2004 and covers an area of approximately 1,019 km of rainforest, bamboo, grassland, swamps, and bogs. The nearest town is Cyangugu, 54 km to the west. Mount Bigugu (2,921 m) is located within the park borders. In October 2020, the Rwanda Development Board signed an agreement with African Parks to assume management of Nyungwe National Park for an initial 20 years.

Safari Lodges in the Nyungwe national park

1. One&Only Nyungwe House

Set on a tea plantation surrounded by rainforest, this upmarket all-inclusive resort is on the edge of Nyungwe Forest National Park and 3 km from the RN6 road. In a forest rich with flora that has thrived for millions of years, within the lush green expanse of a working tea plantation.

One&Only Nyungwe House is a transformed, Eco retreat offering once-in-a lifetime experiences in the heart of magical Rwanda. Offering suites, non-smoking and family rooms at UGX 6,777,803 with features that accompany them as follows;

– Bathrobes
– Air conditioning
– Room service
– Safe
– Minibar

These features are all added to the different amenities at the accommodation that include;

– Free parking
– Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
– Pool
– Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
– Free breakfast
– Hiking
– Airport transportation
– Business Center with Internet Access

2. Nyungwe Nziza Eco lodge

Having a beautiful position at the entrance of Nyungwe Forest National Park and an amazing view on the tea plantations, the mountain and the Nyungwe forest. Wood cottages with fire place inside, double rooms and twin rooms with private bathrooms and hot water. From the rooms, the view on the Nyungwe Forest National Park, the tea plantations and the mountain is amazing.

Restaurant and a big menu, an outdoor fireplace and a private parking. Security guards 24/7.Also offering Mountain view, Landmark view, Non-smoking rooms, and Family rooms at a price of UGX 244,542 with including room features like;

– Bathrobes
– Room service
– Seating area
– Bottled water
– Clothes rack
– Cable / satellite TV
– Flat-screen TV
– Bath / shower among others.

These are also accompanied by different amenities provided at the accommodation including;

– Free parking
– Free internet
– Free breakfast
– Bicycle rental
– Bicycle tours
– Kids stay free
– Children’s television networks
– Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly).

3. Nyungwe Forest Lodge

The lodge is the only five star establishment within the Nyungwe National Park area. It lies in a tea plantation on the edge of the Nyungwe closed canopy rain forest and comprises of 20 luxurious rooms and two Presidential Suites with 2bedrooms, luxurious suites, one with a Jacuzzi, each equipped with private decks with views overlooking the vast forest terrain.

Lodge facilities include an outdoor heated swimming pool, a restaurant with private terrace, a tea lounge and bar, a relaxation retreat with two treatment rooms, plus a fitness center with treadmill, cycle and weights. The lodge also offers the latest in WI-Fi technology with exclusive conferences facilities. It also offers suites, family and non smoking room types at a price of UGX 6,792,595 combined with features that include;

– Room service
– Minibar
– Flat screen TV

These features are also joined with different types of amenities provided at the lodge that include;

– Free parking
– Free internet
– Pool
– Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
– Free breakfast
– Business Center with Internet Access
– Meeting rooms
– Spa among others.

4. Nyungwe Eco Village

The Eco lodge is located in  an eco friendly village located in Kitabi sector, Nyamagabe district, Southern province in one kilometer from the eastern entrance of Nyungwe National national park. Staying here and doing nature walks is a great support to the local communities around Nyungwe National Park. They offer services and rooms like  Living Rooms, Restaurant and Bar, Nature walks and Hiking.

⦁ Educating the youth to access finances and capital
⦁ Integrating biodiversity conservation and development projects, Improving soil quality.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is a protected area in eastern Rwanda covering 1,122 km along the international border with Tanzania. It was founded in 1934 and includes Savannah, montane and swamp habitats. The park is named from the Kagera River which flows along its eastern boundary pouring into Lake Ihema and several smaller lakes. The complex system of lakes and linking papyrus swamps makes up over a third of the park, which is the largest protected wetland in Eastern-Central Africa.

Safari lodges in Akagera national park include;

5. Akagera Game Lodge

Akagera Game Lodge is situated in the southern section of the Akagera National Park. Built on a ridge overlooking Lake Ihema , the Lodge was designed so that the rooms and terraces take full advantage of this view. Breakfast and dinner are served in the Shoe bill Restaurant , and a more casual menu is served for lunch in the Elephant Bar. Facilities include a pool ( and kiddies pool), a play area for the children. Board games and outdoor games are also there. They also offer room features that include;

– Air conditioning
– Desk
– Housekeeping
– Interconnected rooms available
– Refrigerator
– Cable / satellite TV
– Extra long beds
– Walk-in shower

These are also accompanied with different amenities that include;

– Free parking
– Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
– Pool
– Free breakfast
– Tennis court
– Board games / puzzles
– Kids stay free
– Children’s television networks among others.

6. Akagera Rhino Lodge

Akagera Rhino Lodge is located on the edge of Akagera National Park, Akagera Rhino Lodge is a unique Eco-tourism experience and the perfect place to sit back, relax and soak in magnificent views of central Africa’s largest protected wetland system. The lodge is rustic in nature and has been curated to include the distinctive hallmarks of Rwandan hospitality.

Their rooms have a breathtaking view of the Lake Ihema in the National Park, and wide terraces to relax after your trip. Dine in open-air restaurant and enjoy international cuisine and traditional African dishes. These are complemented by a selection of home-baked breads, fresh juices and garden-fresh fruits and vegetables. Offering Mountain view, Ocean view, Landmark view, Non-smoking rooms, and Family rooms with room features that include;

– Blackout curtains
– Housekeeping
– Walk-in shower
– Bath / shower

These features are accompanied with amenities that include;

– Free parking
– Yoga room
– Free breakfast
– Bicycle rental
– Boating
– Car hire
– Business Center with Internet Access
– Meeting rooms

7. Ruzizi Tented Lodge

This tented lodge is the first of its kind in Rwanda. Ruzizi is built on the forested shores of Lake Ihema, Rwanda’s second-largest lake. With 9 tents, a maximum of 20 guests, the camp is a quiet and intimate retreat. A thatched central lounge area is accessible by boardwalks from each tent, and a large deck under a shaded fig tree.

Entirely powered by solar. Meaning it is environmental friendly. Offering Non-smoking rooms and Family rooms that contain features like safety and also having other amenities offered on the ground that include;

– Free parking
– Parking
– Free breakfast
– Bar / lounge
– Gift shop
– Mosquito net
– Outdoor fireplace
– Laundry service

Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati Mukura is made up of two separate forests, the larger Gishwati and small Mukura, forming a total of 34 square kilometers plus a buffer zone. The forests sit on the ridge which divides the Congo and Nile water catchment areas, along the incredibly bio-diverse Albertine Rift in the west of the country. It is made up of 60 species of tree, including indigenous hardwoods and bamboo.
Gishwati is home to a group of 20 chimpanzees which live alongside golden monkeys and Blue Monkeys. Birds are well represented too, 232 species have been seen at Gishwati and 163 at Mukura, among them Albertine Rift Endemic species and forest specialists. Activities in the park started in 2019 and include a guided nature hike, guided chimp and monkey tracking, bird watching and a visit to the waterfalls.
Safari lodges in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

8. INZU Lodge

INZU Lodge mission is to provide ecological accommodations and a unique tourism experience while respecting Rwanda’s traditions and which will also benefit the local community. Nyamyumba Rubona, Gisenyi 136 Rwanda. Offering Non-smoking rooms, with the staff speaking different languages that include English and French. With all other amenities that include;

– Free parking
– Free internet
– Bar / lounge
– Bicycle rental
– Boating
– Highchairs available
– Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
– Currency exchange among others.

9. Sawa Sawa Gisenyi

Sawa Sawa Motel in Gisenyi, you’ll be near the beach and 5 minutes by car from Université Libre de Kigali. This hotel is (2 km) from Gisenyi Beach and (2.4 km) from Rwanda Tourism University College. Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless Internet access. At Sawa Sawa Motel, enjoy a satisfying meal at the restaurant.
Relax with your favorite drink at the poolside bar or the bar/lounge. A complimentary local cuisine breakfast is served daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Free self parking is available onsite. Stay in one of 19 guestrooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms with bathtubs or showers are provided. Conveniences include complimentary bottled water, and housekeeping is provided on a limited basis.

10. The Palm Beach Resort Lake Kivu

Pamper your senses with the bewitching beauty of our lush gardens and endless views of the lake and surrounding hills. This resort is an ideal getaway far from the maddening crowd. Sunrise champagne breakfasts, sunset tequila cruises and shoreline dinners will be just what you are looking for.
Swaying palms, rolling hills, private beachfront and blend of colors in the beautiful garden all combine to offer you a slice of paradise. Offering family and suites room types with features like; room service among others.

The feature is accompanied with all other amenities like;

– Free parking
– Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
– WiFi
– Free breakfast
– Beach
– Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
– Shuttle bus service
– Laundry service among others.

11. Rushel Kivu Lodge

Rushel Kivu Lodge is a bed and breakfast guest house located on the shores of Lake Kivu, nestled between palm trees and a sprawling coffee plantation. Sleep in Rushel Kivu Lodge is the most profound and enjoyable as you have never experienced, nurtured by the lake’s waves and only interrupted by bird songs in the morning. They offer non-smoking, family and suite room types that have features including Kitchenette, microwave and refrigerator.

They are accompanied by other amenities like;

– Free parking
– Internet
– Free breakfast
– Bar / lounge
– Restaurant
– Beach
– Laundry service among others.

12. Muhabura Mountain Lodge

Situated 10 km from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Mt.Muhabura Climbers Rest Camp features accommodation with a restaurant, a bar and a 24-hour front desk for your convenience. The bed and breakfast features both WiFi and private parking free of charge. Some units are fitted with air conditioning, a TV, washing machine and a kettle, as well as a kitchen. A continental breakfast is available each morning at Mt.Muhabura Climbers Rest Camp.

Mt.Muhabura Climbers Rest Camp has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 31 Jan 2019. Offering services and amenities like BathroomView, Outdoor fireplace, BBQ facilities, Pets Parking, and Reception services. Entertainment and family services, Baby safety gates, Daily housekeeping, Ironing service, Auditory guidance, Full body massage, Hand massage, Head massage.

13. Stipp Hotel Gisenyi

Stipp Hotel Gisenyi, a nice option for travelers like you. Guest rooms there offer a refrigerator, a minibar, and a desk, and Stipp Hotel Gisenyi makes getting online easy as free internet access is available. You can also take advantage of some of the amenities offered by the small hotel, including a 24 hour front desk, baggage storage, and newspaper.

In addition, guests can enjoy a pool and a lounge during their visit. As an added convenience, there is free parking available to guests. Stipp Hotel Gisenyi puts the best of Gisenyi at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable. Offering family room types that have features that include,

– Additional bathroom
– Desk
– Safe
– Seating area
– Minibar
– Refrigerator
– Complimentary toiletries
– Hair dryer among others.

– They are amenities like

– Free parking
– Pool
– Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
– Bar / lounge
– Business Center with Internet Access
– Spa
– Baggage storage
– Newspaper among others.

14. Hakuna Matata

Hotel Akuna Matata is a great place. The highlight is the beautiful garden directly on Lake Kivu. The staff is friendly, the room nice and great food. I recommend the local fish tilapia and the banana flambé for desert. Shower is hot, WI-Fi is working. Good location. And altogether a great value for money.
The accommodation is an Eco friendly environment that clean compounds, great atmosphere, breakfast and bathroom amenities among others. All other amenities like free WiFi, restaurant and also children friendly. From Kamembe airport to the lodge, there’s a 4 hour and 26 minutes drive.

In conclusion

The accommodations in Rwanda are to die for because of the comfort and luxuriant conditions provided in them. At Kubwa Five Safaris, all this information can be given to you in more details.