T+L’s Hotel Review of Wilderness Magashi Peninsula

The sun, vermilion like molten glass, rose through a mist over Rwanda’s capital, Kigali. We began our drive to the remote Magashi Peninsula in the country’s northeast corner, where Wilderness has recently opened its newest camp. We passed through valleys tiled with rice paddies and villages with hand-painted murals advertising local beers and boasting of their community spirit.

Everywhere along the road, women in batik-printed kikois wraps were carrying loads atop their heads. Young boys pushed bicycles laden with banana harvest up one hill and then another. The landscape here heaved and rippled in tides of emerald, Kelly green, and sage, before bursting into bloom.

Next up, we boarded a small Cessna and, upon landing in Akagera National Park, I climbed into an open Land Cruiser for a game drive. About an hour later, we left the national park for an even more remote private conservancy and the Magashi Peninsula at the edge of Lake Rwanyakazinga. I hopped on a small ten-seater speedboat for the final approach to the new lodge and was joined by a couple, guests of the only other suite at the two-suite camp, who mentioned this was the most remote and secluded place they had ever been.

As the sun set in fiery crimson, casting a deep purple over the hazy hills of Tanzania on the horizon, there were no lights to be seen in any direction.

Because of Wilderness’s standing in Africa—the company celebrated its 40^th anniversary in 2023, and now operates in eight countries—and its incredible success reforesting the area around its Bisate Reserve lodge in Volcanoes National Park on the other side of Rwanda, the government allowed it to build a new camp on this land.

If we think of privacy and exclusivity as the high holies of safari camp offerings, Magashi Peninsula is truly exceptional. However, what I think safari-goers will really appreciate is the flexibility that comes with staying in a small camp on such a wild and varied terrain. Whether you book one or both of the suites—there is also a two-bedroom villa—deciding how and when to take drives or boat cruises, along with where to set your meals and drinks, can be completely free-form. Guests can spend all day with the rhinos roaming the park, opt to wait out a storm and go on a night drive, or enjoy sundowners on a boat or in the bush, allowing for a completely custom experience.

Here’s my full review of Wilderness Magashi Peninsula.

The Rooms

The two suites, designed by Luxury Frontiers, are luxurious tented rooms, each with a wooden deck, plunge pool, and a spiral staircase leading to a rooftop viewing terrace. The living, sleeping, dressing, and bathing areas are quite spacious, outfitted in modern safari-chic decor by Artichoke Interior Design. The stone-floored bathroom, with a massive tub and both indoor and outdoor showers, was a particular treat. As was the bar and coffee station, complete with a barista-level Jura coffee maker, and every other option for pour-overs, French presses, and teas I could think of. The wines and spirits, sourced mostly from Africa, are included in the nightly rate and regularly replenished. But the absolute highlight is the linen-canopy bed, with its earth-tone sheets and leather headboard, all surrounded by wood accents and jute rugs.

The thoughtful decor features pendant lamps inspired by traditional Rwandan headdresses, crafted by local fashion designer Joselyne Umutoniwase, and tasseled armchairs that riff on the traditional Rwandan shepherdess skirts.

The two-bedroom villa can accommodate up to six people. It is designed and decorated in the same style as the tented suites, and its guests have the flexibility to hire a private chef and dine in the villa.

Food and Drink

Breakfast, a tapas-style lunch, and dinner are served in the main lodge/living area of the camp. The team can also arrange for room service, breakfast in the bush, sundowners, and special occasion meals.

The menu is concise but flexible to different tastes and restrictions. It draws in part from local inspirations and ingredients, as well as from pan-African and global favorites—think harissa-rubbed chicken thighs, tabbouleh, and artichoke linguini. It is all blazingly fresh and delicious, and plated in a way that feels both modern and at home in the surroundings.

Activities and Experiences

The camp’s gym, located in a separate building, is still in the works. Once completed, it will have an expansive deck for yoga, large windows with panoramic views, a Nohrd WaterRower hand-crafted vintage rowing machine, a stationary bike, a treadmill, weights, exercise mats, stretch rollers, and skipping ropes.

Meanwhile, guests can book catch-and-release fishing experiences, nighttime game drives, scenic lake outings, picnic lunches, and sunset cocktails. Additionally, there is a bed outside every room for stargazing.

Family-friendly Offerings

Families will be most comfortable at the villa, which sleeps up to six people and offers in-villa dining and a private guide.

Kid-friendly activities include game spotting from the decks with telescopes, bird watching, baking classes in the villa, stargazing, boating, and catch-and-release fishing.

The Spa

There is no on-site spa, but guests can book a range of treatments to enjoy in their suites or villas. (Spa treatments are available at an additional cost.)

Accessibility and Sustainability

Wilderness Magashi Peninsula can accommodate guests who use walking aids; however, the camp is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for guests with major mobility issues.

The property is fully powered by solar energy and designed to minimize its environmental impact. Current initiatives include implementing systems to reduce energy and water consumption, along with waste management practices. The lodge operates in accordance with conservation principles to protect the biodiversity of Akagera National Park.

Wilderness works closely with African Parks and the Rwanda Development Board, who jointly manage Akagera National Park, to support essential conservation initiatives, including predator monitoring, invasive plant management, and educational programs for the next generation of conservationists.

Location

The trip from Kigali involves a three- to four-hour drive to the north gate of Akagera National Park, followed by a one-hour game drive, and a short boat ride to arrive at the camp. It is also possible to fly by helicopter from Kigali, which takes approximately 25 minutes, followed by a 10-minute drive from the helipad to the camp.

Wilderness Magashi Peninsula is located in the private Magashi concession within Akagera National Park, and only Wilderness guests have access to it. The area offers an opportunity for viewing the Big 5, including a host of rhinos and lions, and even some leopards.

Book Now

Wilderness does not have and is not part of any points-based loyalty program.

Planning a visit to Rwanda with Wilderness gives you access to a variety of experiences, such as pairing your stay at Magashi Peninsula with a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park.

Nightly rates at Wilderness Magashi Peninsula start from $2,587 per person, based on double occupancy. The villa’s starting rate is $12,818 per night.

Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.