Akagera Rhino Lodge

Set on a hill above Akagera National Park and Lake Ihema in eastern Rwanda, Akagera Rhino Lodge is a collection of stand-alone cottages and luxury tents surrounded by bushland. The park entrance is a ten-minute drive. Each unit faces the lake, and on clear days the view extends across the water to Tanzania. The cottages hold king and family configurations, some with maisonette lounges or outdoor bathrooms. Luxury tents are canvas structures with en-suite bathrooms and space for two. The largest family chalet sleeps six on a king bed, a queen bed, and bunk beds. All units include mosquito nets, tea and coffee stations, and wireless internet.

The open-air restaurant serves international and Rwandan dishes under a thatched roof. Tables on the outdoor patio overlook the park. A bar deck faces west for sunset views. The lodge runs partly on solar power and provides laundry facilities. A swimming pool, basketball court, and beach volleyball field occupy the grounds. Game drives depart in custom safari vehicles that carry up to seven passengers and are led by driver-guides who track lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino across the park. Boat safaris on Lake Ihema reveal hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds including the shoebill in the northern swamps. Hot air balloon flights lift at sunrise over the savannah. A two-hour guided walk along the park's southern edge passes beekeepers and handicraft makers in the community. Traditional canoeing with local fishermen is offered on a nearby lake.