Wilderness announces Magashi Peninsula in Rwanda

This.  Is.  Cool.

Until now, most people head to Rwanda, tick off the gorillas, and hightail it out of there faster than those escaped lab monkeys in the US. Sure, a few venture over to One&Only Nyungwe House for some chimpanzee action, but most safari-goers book a quick exit to Kenya or Tanzania. Well, Wilderness has decided it’s time to end this blatant Rwandan safari snobbery that you all seem to have (definitely not me, of course).

Enter Wilderness Magashi Peninsula, opening September 2025.

Set in Akagera National Park, this eight-bed camp offers just two twin suites and a private-use four-bed villa, all with private plunge pools and Star Beds for stargazing. The villa comes with two en-suite rooms, a communal lounge, dining area, kitchen, and a flexible-use third room that can be a gym, kids’ room, or office.  Why not all three, I say?  Make the kids work for their supper.

Akagera is Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and Rwanda’s only savannah ecosystem. There’s lion, leopard, buffalo, white and black rhino, giraffe, zebra, and even a ridiculous amount of birds (apparently over 520 – pity the person that counted that) including the rare shoebill.  It’s a pretty impressive comeback story, thanks to species reintroductions and a conservation partnership between the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks.

There’s plenty on offer too  Game drives cover the entire park, with limited off-road access in the private Magashi Concession. Night drives are on offer, which is one of the coolest ways to experience nature. If you prefer water-based adventures, hop aboard one of the two pontoons or the swamp cruiser for scenic lake outings, picnic lunches, or sunset cocktails. Birding and wildlife tracking add to the mix, while year-round catch-and-release fishing—gear provided—lets you test your luck on the water.

Getting there is as easy as downing a few pints of wine and waking up four hours later wondering where you are. If you prefer to stay awake for the journey, it’s a 3-hour drive from Kigali to Akagera’s entrance, followed by an hour-long game drive to the camp.  If patience isn’t your thing, opt for the 25-minute helicopter transfer that drops you right at the Magashi helipad, leaving just a quick 10-minute drive.

The four-bed villa, is priced at USD 12,500 per night. For those staying in the twin suites, the rate is USD 3,000 per person per night.  In other words, this is a premium camp.