Magashi Peninsula in Akagera National Park: Rwanda’s Latest High-End Safari Retreat

Published on December 9, 2025

Wilderness Rwanda has officially opened Magashi Peninsula, a new high-end safari retreat on a private peninsula in Akagera National Park. This exclusive camp is managed in collaboration with African Parks and the Rwanda Development Board. It aims to become a top choice for luxury travelers looking for a unique safari experience. Magashi Peninsula started welcoming guests on 4 December 2025. This marks an important step in Rwanda’s luxury tourism market and supports conservation and community efforts in the park’s savannah ecosystem.

A Luxury Safari Experience in Akagera National Park

Magashi Peninsula offers an exceptional level of seclusion and luxury, with accommodations designed by renowned designers Luxury Frontiers and Artichoke Interior Design. The camp consists of a private four-bedroom villa, along with two standalone suites, each featuring a plunge pool and a Star Bed, ensuring an intimate and exclusive experience for visitors. The Star Bed allows guests to sleep under the African sky, offering an unparalleled stargazing experience from the comfort of their suite.

The design of the camp emphasizes low-impact luxury, blending seamlessly into the landscape of Akagera National Park, which is known for its rich biodiversity and dramatic landscapes. The retreat’s location on the Magashi Peninsula provides guests with panoramic views of the park’s savannahs, home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, and the endangered black rhino.

Strengthening Conservation and Community Initiatives

Wilderness Rwanda’s new safari camp is not just about luxury; it also plays a critical role in conservation efforts within Akagera National Park. The camp’s operations are closely aligned with the park’s broader goals of wildlife protection and environmental sustainability. One of the key conservation programs supported by Magashi Peninsula is predator monitoring, which helps track and protect the park’s large carnivores, including lions and leopards. Additionally, efforts to manage invasive plant species are crucial for preserving the integrity of the park’s diverse ecosystems.

The lodge also contributes to local communities by hiring staff from nearby areas, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared. The camp promotes skills development among the local population, with four Rwandan guides from the sister camp at Magashi becoming the first in the country to earn FGASA (Field Guide Association of Southern Africa) qualifications. Notably, one of these guides is also Rwanda’s first female FGASA-certified guide, marking an important milestone for gender equality in the tourism sector.

These initiatives are part of Wilderness Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable tourism, ensuring that the development of luxury accommodations like Magashi Peninsula has a positive and lasting impact on both the environment and the local community

A Unique Safari Offering

Magashi Peninsula offers an array of exciting activities for guests, including boating on Lake Rwanyakazinga, night drives through the park, and catch-and-release fishing. The variety of activities enhances the guest experience, offering a deeper connection to the environment and wildlife of Akagera. Guided by highly trained, FGASA-certified guides, guests can explore the park’s diverse habitats, from savannahs and woodlands to wetlands and lakeshores, all teeming with wildlife.

In addition to traditional game drives, the camp’s boating and fishing activities provide an alternative way to experience the park. The catch-and-release fishing experience, conducted on Lake Rwanyakazinga, is a highlight for guests who wish to enjoy the serenity of the water while contributing to conservation efforts by ensuring fish populations remain healthy.

Night drives offer a thrilling way to discover the nocturnal wildlife of Akagera National Park. These drives are carefully managed to minimize impact on the park’s ecosystems while giving guests the chance to witness elusive species that are difficult to spot during the day, such as bush babies and various species of owls.

Supporting Rwanda’s Growing Tourism Industry

The opening of Magashi Peninsula marks an important step for Rwanda’s tourism sector, particularly in the luxury safari market. Rwanda, known for its stunning landscapes and the renowned mountain gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park, is increasingly becoming a key destination for high-end travelers. The addition of Magashi Peninsula provides more options for those seeking exclusive and immersive safari experiences in a less-visited part of the country.

Rwanda’s growing reputation as a luxury tourism destination aligns with its broader development goals, which include supporting sustainable tourism, boosting local economies, and preserving natural resources. By combining luxury accommodations with impactful conservation and community programs, Wilderness Rwanda is helping to position the country as a leader in responsible and high-quality tourism.

Future Prospects for Akagera National Park and Rwanda’s Tourism

As Rwanda continues to develop its tourism infrastructure, the opening of Magashi Peninsula is a clear indicator of the country’s growing appeal as a destination for eco-conscious travelers. Akagera National Park, once heavily impacted by poaching and human activity, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, with support from African Parks and the Rwanda Development Board. Today, the park is not only home to a diverse range of wildlife but is also a thriving example of how sustainable tourism can contribute to conservation.

Looking ahead, the opening of Magashi Peninsula will undoubtedly help to raise the profile of Akagera National Park, attracting more visitors to experience its unique wildlife and landscapes. It also contributes to the broader efforts of Rwanda to increase the value of its natural resources and enhance the livelihoods of its citizens through tourism.

Conclusion

Magashi Peninsula offers an exceptional safari experience in Akagera National Park. It combines luxury accommodations with a strong focus on conservation and community development. As Wilderness Rwanda expands in the country, opening this camp strengthens Rwanda’s status as a top choice for high-end safari tourism in East Africa. For travelers looking for an exclusive and meaningful safari experience, Magashi Peninsula allows them to enjoy Rwanda’s natural beauty while supporting important conservation efforts.