Magashi Camp
rwanda, rwanda · ★★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
Magashi is Wilderness Safaris' Akagera National Park camp — a six-tent retreat on a private peninsula in Lake Rwanyakazinga, in the only Big 5 ecosystem in Rwanda. The water-loving wildlife (hippos, crocs, elephants on the shore) and the open savannah game drives create the perfect 2–3 night counterpoint to a Volcanoes-park gorilla trek. Akagera was reintroduced lions in 2015 and rhinos in 2017 — the comeback story of African conservation.
- ✓Trust couples-verified reviews
- ✓Are willing to invest in once-in-a-lifetime
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Have a budget under $1,000/night
- →Want a direct beachfront
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
91/100
Book Your Stay
Check availability
We compare Magashi Camp across partners and redirect to the cheapest option.
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
All six tents are 75 m² with king beds, private decks looking onto Lake Rwanyakazinga, and outdoor showers. Tent 1 has the most secluded position at the end of the boardwalk. There are no inferior tents — the camp is engineered for symmetry.
No Surprises
True cost breakdown — 7 nights for two
Based on mid-range rooms, premium-economy flights from Europe, full dining and signature experiences. Adjust for your actual travel profile.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Room (7 nights avg $2,100/nt) | $14,700 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $1,800 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $22,050 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $300 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $2,940 |
| Total estimated | $42,690 |
Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Bisate to Magashi transfer
Wilderness-arranged scheduled flight from Musanze airstrip to Akagera (1h, ~$600 per couple). Game drive transfer to camp. Arrival sundowners on the lake deck — sunset over Tanzania, hippos surfacing. Welcome dinner under the stars.
Morning game drive + boat safari
5:30am pre-dawn game drive — lions, eland, zebra, giraffe, buffalo. Brunch back at camp. Afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema or Rwanyakazinga — hippos, crocs, fish eagle, sitatunga antelope. Evening sundowner drive.
Full day in Akagera
Packed lunch, full-day game drive deeper into the park. Magashi guides know the Mutumba Hills lion pride. Possible black rhino sighting in the rhino sanctuary (10 introduced from South Africa). Return at sunset.
Bush walk + spa afternoon
Guided 2-3h bush walk with armed ranger — track signs, plant identification, butterfly diversity. Brunch on return. Afternoon massage in your tent. Sundowner cocktails at the Magashi viewing deck — best sunset in the park.
Departure to next leg
Final morning game drive. Brunch. Scheduled flight to Kigali or onward to Volcanoes (Bisate / One&Only) for the gorilla portion of the trip. Or: extra night here.
Volcanoes Park (transition day)
If extending into the gorilla loop: arrive at Volcanoes-area lodge late morning. Acclimatise. Evening briefing for tomorrow's trek.
Farewell options
Either extra game drive at Magashi, or first gorilla trek if you continued the loop. Drive or fly to Kigali for departure.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
Akagera is the secondary safari destination (gorillas are the primary draw); recommend 2–3 nights here on top of 3+ at Volcanoes.
No pool or full spa — in-tent massages and the lake (no swimming due to crocs/hippos) are the wellness options.
Six tents — books out 9 months in advance for July–September.
Wet season (Mar–May) makes some game-drive roads impassable; camp stays open but routes shorten.
Hot climate (28–32°C) compared to Volcanoes Park — pack accordingly.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon booking inquiry — Magashi Camp Dear Wilderness team, We are planning our honeymoon and are interested in staying at Magashi Camp from [DATE] to [DATE]. Could you advise on availability and any honeymoon inclusions, and price the joint Magashi + Bisate flight transfer? Thank you, [Names]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Good for honeymooners?
Yes — six tents create a quiet, intimate camp; private decks face the lake; lions roar at dawn from your bed. The combo with a Volcanoes lodge gives the most varied honeymoon possible.
Best time to visit?
June–September long dry season is peak game-viewing. January–February short dry is also excellent. Avoid March–May heavy rains.
Book in advance?
9 months for July–September. Wilderness will arrange the joint Magashi+Bisate flight package.
Adults-only?
No, but the safari product naturally skews adult-couple.
Best room type?
Tent 1 for the most secluded position at the end of the boardwalk; otherwise all six tents are equal.
How to get there?
Fly to Kigali (KGL). 2.5h drive to Akagera, OR 1h scheduled flight from Musanze airstrip if combining with Volcanoes.
Same Vibe, Different Destination
