Ruzizi Tented camp is a small private luxury tented lodge and has 7 en suite tents with a spectacular waterside located adjacent to Lake Ihema, and is one of only four lodges located within Akagera National Park. Ruzizi Tented Lodge construction was started in January 2012 and completed for opening in November 2012. This tented lodge is the first of its kind in Rwanda, although a well proven concept elsewhere in Africa, built on the shores on the forested shores of Lake Ihema.
This flourishing wilderness area is a microcosm of Rwanda’s inspiring and rapid growth in conservation, and after the reintroduction of rhino, Akagera will once again be home to the Big 5 wildlife. The tents were also placed on both sides of the grass thatched main structure that homes the reception area, the lounge, bar and dining area. There are walk-ways with wooden boards that connect each of the tents to the reception area. Powered using solar energy the camp has electricity and hot running water.
Each of the tented suites is separately located among lush foliage and is accessed via wooden walkways. The spacious suites have an en suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, a dressing area and a queen-sized or twin beds. Outside is a small patio where you can sit and enjoy the utter peace and tranquillity of the forest, savour views of the lake and even sight fish eagles and other birdlife.
A thatched central lounge/dining area is accessible by boardwalks from each tent. And a large deck under a shaded fig tree overlooks Lake Ihema, with a fireplace for cooler evenings. Solar energy entirely powers the Lodge, and the lodge prides itself on being environmentally conscious.
Meals offer at Ruzizi Tented Camp.
Breakfast
Breakfast at Ruzizi Tented lodge is served starting from 5.30 in the morning on-wards within the dining room. The staff at the lodge will ask you the previous night the time you wish to have your breakfast. It comprises of coffee, tea, local fruits, fresh juice, home-baked bread, and eggs prepared on order.
Lunch
Ruzizi Tented lodge offers a simple lunch menu on a daily basis. Also packed lunch can be organized at the Lodge, however a request has to be put in a night before.
Dinner
Normally from 6-7pm, most guests gather in the lounge to enjoy some pre-dinner snacks and some drinks. At 7.30pm they serve dinner. Dinner is normally a set menu, which differs on a daily basis that is prepared by the lodge chef. Some common Examples include a variety of potpie dishes, braai with a different meat plus salads, different tasty pizzas, and lastly followed by the desert prepared for the day. In case of any food allergies, please inform the staff on your arrival to enable them to prepare for you adequately.
About the Child Policy at Ruzizi Tented Camp
This tented lodge of Akagera national park also welcomes children. Though, the kids should always be accompanied by adults throughout their stay. Basing on the location and the design of the lodge, we also recommend that you never leave your kids not attended to. These lodge policies also apply to all age groups of children 1-12 years old for those 13 years and above are considered adults and are charged adult rates. The children below 5 are also accommodated at no rates.
The lodge doesn’t have baby costs as a result the infants share with the adults at no extra costs. The meal fees also apply for the kids under 5 while the children rates apply for those between the age of 6 and 12. The pupils above the age of 13 are also charged adult rates; the costs on drinks and food apply, and the children are also accommodated in their own private tents.
Power and Water
Ruzizi tented lodge entirely runs on a solar system. The lodge’s lights, fridges plus kitchen equipment, as well as water heating provisions are all powered by solar. Also, when charging your electrical gadgets, they are plugged into solar power. Their system was tailor designed to run independently for 3 days of full occupancy without recharge. Much as you enjoy your stay at this lodge and even charge your electrical gadgets, it is especially relevant that you take heed to the way you use the power by not leaving on the lights you are not using or even leaving any fully charged gadgets plugged in the power points.
Water is heated by the solar hot-water system and each guest is allocated 40 liters of hot water each day. This is assumed to be enough and also as a way of conserving water hence recommended for guests not to be extravagant when using water. Pumped from a borehole using solar energy, water used at Ruzizi Tented Lodge has been tasted ad thus safe for consumption. Despite how safe this water is, it is advisable to drink only bottled water that is provided in the rooms.
Laundry at Ruzizi Tented camp
In order to conserve water and energy, it’s the lodge’s policy to change bed linen every two days and fresh towels are always provided on request by the guest. The lodge offers laundry services of a daily basis, and most noteworthy, laundry requires a minimum of 24 hrs. to be completed. Therefore, it is advisable to order your laundry 24hrs before. Planning a luxurious safari in Rwanda especially in Akagera National Park, well this is the perfect place to stay as it gives you the feeling of living in the wilderness.