Camping Safaris in Rwanda: Wilderness Safaris & Adventures

On any safari in Africa, a camping safari experience is sure to be an unforgettable one, and so is the case with Rwanda camping safaris.

Rwanda is a very beautiful country, naturally blessed with vibrant vegetation and favorable climatic conditions setting ground for a memorable visit to the country.

There are a couple of campsites in Rwanda located in some of the best tourist destinations in the country like Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park.

The campsites are easily accessible, offer views, they are safe for campers to spend nights out in the wild, expect sunrises and sunsets on clear days, a melodious wake-up call from the birds and more outdoor living bliss.

Best Tented Camps in Rwanda

Rwanda has excellent tented camps most of which are located in Akagera national park in the East of Rwanda and of course, that is where you will find the best tented camps that will add a touch of uniqueness to your safari in Rwanda.

Wilderness Magashi Camp

Wilderness Magashi Camp is a very luxurious tented camp located in the wildlife rich Northern region of Akagera National Park over looking the beautiful Lake Rwanyakazinga providing the camps guests with views of the lake.

The camp features 6 very spacious en-suite safari tents that are stylishly decorated with a beautiful ambiance.

Guests of Magashi camp can explore Lake Rwanyakazinga on a boat safari.

Ruzizi Tented Camp

This is the best luxury tented camp in Akagera National Park, situated in the Southern region in Kayonza on the shores of Akagera’s largest lake, Lake Ihema.

The camp features 9 well equipped en-suite luxury tents strategically placed along the lake banks.

Guests of Ruzizi Tented Camp can go on boat rides of Lake Ihema and also explore the rest of the park on a game drive among other activities.

Karenge Bush Camp

Featuring 6 canvas tents, Karenge Bush camp is located in the North region of Akagera National Park.

The camp offers an intimate wilderness experience to its guests with breathtaking views of Akagera’s open Savannah plains.

Karenge Bush Camp is an ecological pocket-friendly seasonal accommodation facility.

The camp is always closed during the long rains season, that is in April.

Guests of Karenge can take part in guided night game drives in the popular Kilala plains.

Other tented camps in Rwanda include Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge and Red Rocks Rwanda.

Rwanda also has well put together camping grounds with basic facilities for those who would like to add some adrenaline to their Rwanda safari sleeping in a tent pitched out among the wild animals, no worries at all, your safety out there is assured.

These campsites include Mihindi Campsite, Shakani Campsite, Muyumbu Campsite, Mutamba Campsite, Uwinka Campsite among others.

Visit Rwanda any time of the yea to experience its natural beauty, stunning landscapes, wildlife, culture and friendly people.

Best Campsites in Rwanda

Here are the best campsites in Rwanda:

Uwinka Campsite

Uwinka Campsite is located in South West Rwanda in Nyungwe forest national park, a top tourist destination in Rwanda.

The campsite features a camping ground shaded with a wooden platform overhead.

Visitors get to pitch their tents under this shade during their stay at Uwinka campsite.

Campers are advised to carry their own camping supplies and essentials to Uwinka camp.

Shakani Campsite

Shakani campsite is located at the shores of Lake Shakani in Akagera national park in the Southern region of the park.

The campsite features flush toilets, bathrooms with solar heated water and running water.

Campers are highly advised against drinking the running water at Shakani campsite and should carry their own camping gear and supplies.

To stay at Shakani campsite, campers pay $25 per night, per person.

Muyumbu Campsite

Muyumbu Campsite is the nearest campsite to Akagera national park’s main entrance in the South.

It is situated on an elevated ridge providing its visitors with views of Lake Ihema and Lake Shakani and a glimpse of neighboring Tanzania in the far East.

The campsite offers just the basics, that is a toilet and bathrooms, plus wood for your campfire. Camping at Muyumba campsite is $25 per night, per person.

Mihindi Campsite

Mihindi Campsite is located within the borders of Akagera National Park in the North East not far from Lake Mihindi.

The campsite is sounded by low lying fence to keep the campers safe from the wild animals like buffalos, hippos, zebras, elephants as the northern area of the park is known for its huge population of animals providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Camping at Mihindi campsite costs $50 per night, per adult and children pay $30 per night.

Mutumba Campsite

Mutumba Campsite is another campsite located in the North are of Akagera national park surrounded with an electric fence to keep out the wild animals from the camping grounds thus ensuring the campers’ safety.

The North of Akagera is a game rich area, so expect to see animals around the camp during your stay like hippos, zebras, buffalos, different antelope species, giraffes and more.

Toilets and bathrooms are available; however, campers are advised to carry camping gear and supplies enough for their stay at Mutamba campsite.

Other campsites in Rwanda include Red Rocks Campsite and Macheo Ecolodge camping among others.

Packing list for your Rwanda camping safari adventure

Most of the notable campsites in Rwanda only offer the basic camping facilities; bathrooms and toilets plus firewood for your campfire.

A few have running water. Therefore, you need to pack right, wisely and efficiently for your Rwanda camping safari.

So, you are planning on a Rwanda camping safari adventure and wondering what to pack and what not to pack?

This might be your first ever Rwanda camping safari or not, whichever it is, hope the following list helps you to get packing and ready for your camping safari.

Camping equipment, gear and essentials:

• Good quality camping tents and their required components
• Flashlights / Headlamps and extra batteries
• Comfortable sleeping bags
• Camping pillows
• Cooking equipment like a portable camping stove, fuel, pocket knife, lighter / matches and utensils (eating and cooking)
• Food that is easy and quick to prepare, snacks
• Power bank / pack
• Reusable water bottles and or water purification tablets
• Daypack to carry around with you during other activities outside the camp
• Personal toiletries like shower gel / soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, Vaseline / lotion, toilet paper, hand wash, wet wipes.
• Menstrual products for female campers
• Sunscreen, sanitizer and insect repellents
• Personal first aid kit
• Rubbish bags

Other items to include on your packing list include:

To mention but a few, appropriate clothing according to the climate conditions during your time of travel. Light weight quick dry clothing, comfortable walking shoes/hiking boots, camera, binoculars, extra batteries, sunglasses, sunhats, towel, rain coat/waterproof poncho, fleece jacket, sleepwear, identification and travel documents among other things you personally need during your Rwanda camping safari.

Staying safe on your Rwanda camping safari

The best Rwanda camping safaris are done in Akagera National Park in Eastern Rwanda just about 2 to 3 hours by road from Kigali city, the capital of Rwanda.

The park has 4 different campsites, 2 of which are fenced these are Mutumba and Muyumbu campsites, then there is the Shakani campsite and the Mihindi campsite.

Those visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park can camp at Uwinka campsite.

Staying safe on your Rwanda camping safari should be you number one priority so as you ensure that you have a comfortable, enjoyable and memorable incident free camping experience in Rwanda’s wilderness.

Camping in the wild in close proximity with the wild animals is an exciting adventure, so satisfying to those who love the outdoors and the wildlife.

Choose a reputable local tour operator

Employing the services of a local experienced tour operator will enhance your camping safari in Rwanda.

Reputable tour operators usually have experiences tour guides with good safety records and their accustomed experience with their homeland will ensure your safety and that you have the best experience camping out in the wilderness.

Camp at designated camping grounds

Make sure you set camp at designated camping grounds established for camping within the national parks in Rwanda.

Make your bookings with the park authorities so that they can prepare for your stay and be a call away in case you need anything at while at the camp.

While at the campsite:

• Stay inside your tents at all times during the night.
• Be aware of the presence of wild animals at the campsite and keep your distance.
• Do not feed the animals you see near your campsite.
• Securely store your food stuffs while at the camp to avoid attracting the wild animals to your camp. If you can, do not leave food in your tent when you leave the camp to go explore the park.
• Do not set up campfires close to your tents and do make sure the fire is completely out before you sleep off in the night.
• Carry bottled drinking water enough for your entire stay at the campsite.
• Keep your tent closed at all times, especially when you are not inside the tent.

Adhere to the park’s rules and regulations

You are staying among wild animals in their natural habitats, for your own safety and that of the wildlife, the park authorities set guidelines to be followed by all visitors to the park.

Follow the set guidelines for a safe and enjoyable camping safari in Rwanda.

Carry a first aid kit

Pack a personal portable first aid kit for your Rwanda camping safari with essential items and any specific prescription you might need while out in the wild.

Do not forget insect / mosquito repellents, hand sanitizer, wet wipes and other personal toiletries.

Keep a safe distance from the animals

Keep a safe distance from the wild animals while at the camp and during your wildlife game viewing game drives within the park.

Stay on the designated game drive tracks. While at the fenced campsites in Akagera national park, do not approach or feed the animals that come close to the fence.

A Rwanda Camping safari can be a rewarding and thrilling adventure with excellent wildlife sightings and views.

Take precaution, follow your safari guide’s guidelines and you will have a camping adventure to remember and talk about.

Tips for planning a sustainable camping safari in Rwanda

Responsible travel is taking center stage around the world especially in Africa where the popular tourist destinations are national parks, forest reserves and conservation areas surrounded by local communities who directly benefit from sustainable tourism.

Use the services of reputable local tour operators

As you plan, make your research and choose a Rwanda local tour operator that knows the local-know how of how the tourist destinations you plan to visit operate.

A tour operator who is is committed to sustainable and responsible tourism will understand your need for responsible travel and recommend the best eco-friendly facilities and activities for you for your camping safari.

Plan to stay at community owned camping sites or eco-friendly tented camps

Staying at community owned camping grounds is one way of supporting the local communities.

There are good eco-friendly tented camps in Rwanda and choosing to stay at these camps during your visit to Rwanda is a sustainable way to spend your camping safari.

Visiting Akagera National Park, plan to stay at any of the available campsites within the park.

Follow the campsite rules and general park regulations

There are different rules and regulations laid out to protect not only the wildlife and environment, but also the visitors to the national parks and the guests at the camping grounds.

Following and adhering to these guidelines is a sustainable way of spending your camping safari in Rwanda.

Do not disturb the peace of the wild animals, remember you are in their home, show them respect, keep your distance, do not feed them and do not litter their home.

Engage in activities outside your tour vehicle

For a sustainable camping safari in Rwanda, get out of your tour vehicle/van and take up activities like guided nature walks, forest walks and canopy walkway and in this way, you help reduce on the gas emissions from the car and you get a closer wildlife experience experiencing the smaller wildlife up close like the birds, butterflies and plant species.

You will also encounter the big game like mountain gorillas doing your gorilla trekking experience.

Buy gifts and souvenirs from the locals

During your guided community cultural tours on your camping safari, support the local businesses of the local people in the villages by purchasing gifts, souvenirs and crafts from their stalls or shops.

This is one of the ways you can support the communities directly.

There is a lot more you can do to ensure you have a sustainable camping safari experience in Rwanda.

Take your time to do research and learn about the different conservation efforts and initiatives in Rwanda, the animal and bird life, the forests, lakes and rivers and see how best you can help to maintain, protect and promote the natural environment during your camping safari.

What to expect on a Rwanda camping safari

The first thing that comes to anyone’s mind on the mention of Rwanda is, well, Gorilla trekking and rolling hills, leaving one to wonder, “Where will I pitch my tent?”.

Well, the best destination to go camping on a Rwanda camping safari is in Akagera National Park, the largest park in the country and the only Savannah park where you will get a chance to see the famous African Big 5 animals among others.

Akagera National Park has about 4 designated campsites offering basic camping facilities; that is bathrooms, toilets and camping grounds, firewood is also provided for your campfire.

The camping grounds are well maintained and safety measures like electric fences around 2 of the campsites ensure safety of the campers.

The campsites in Rwanda (Akagera) include Shakani campsite (has running water), Muyumbu campsite (low lying electric fence), Mihindi campsite and Mutamba campsite (surrounded by an electric fence).

There are also luxury tented lodges in Akagera national park including Ruzizi tented lodge and Magashi camp.

Visitors to Nyungwe forest national park can camp at Uwinka campsite which features a shop with snacks and simple foods.

On a Rwanda camping safari, campers should expect the following;

Carry own camping equipment and supplies

Planning to camp in Rwanda, it is advisable to bring your own supplies and equipment for your camping adventure in the wild as only basic facilities are provided.

There is an option for hiring of camping tents from the Akagera receptionist for those staying at the camps in the South of the park.

Beautiful views, sunrises and sunsets

Rwanda is a beautiful country with amazing scenery and those camping in Akagera national park, should expect beautiful views of the national park, its lakes and the wildlife from their respective campsites.

The sight of the rising sun and setting of the same is to die for in the wilderness. All this is possible with clear skies.

Sights of animals around the campsites

The campsites are located within the national parks, so campers should expect pleasant visits from the wild animals that they will be able to see just outside the fence surrounding the camp.

Frequently seen animals include hippos, zebras, buffalos, and different antelope species. Talk about an amazing camping experience seeing those animals up close.

Expect to hear sounds of the nocturnal animals during your time around the campfire and as you sleep away in your tents at night and in the early morning, you will wake up to the beautiful music of the birds.

Activities to engage in during your Rwanda camping safari

There is a lot you can do during your Rwanda camping safari.

• Go on a game drive in Akagera National Park with an expectation of see the lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, impalas, elands, waterbucks, topis and more. You can also take park in a night game drive.
• A boat cruise on Lake Ihema in Akagera will get you close to the aquatic and semi-aquatic wildlife of the savannah park. Hippos, Nile crocodiles and the numerous water birds.
• A birding expedition will be rewarding on your Rwanda camping safari as Rwanda is home to a vibrant and rich birdlife and Akagera alone is home to over 500 different bird species.
• Visit Rwanda’s nature and get closure to the wildlife, go on guided walking safaris, hiking one of the volcanoes in the North of Rwanda or forest walks in Nyungwe forest during your Rwanda camping safari.
• If you are interested in fishing, you can do so on Lake Shakani in Akagera National Park.
• Hot air balloon safaris in Akagera national park.

Pack your bags and head out to Rwanda for a rewarding camping safari.

Remember to double check your camping packing list to ensure you have all the equipment, gear and supplies you need for your Rwanda camping safari.

Best time to visit Rwanda for camping safaris

The best time we recommend to visit Rwanda for camping safaris is during the dry season in Rwanda.

June to September and December to February are the best months to travel to Rwanda for your camping safari as these dry months offer favorable conditions for most activities.

Rwanda can be visited anytime of the year as its pleasant weather provides conducive and favorable conditions to carry out most of the country’s tourist activities.

Just like most African countries, Rwanda has 2 distinctive seasons, that is the wet season and the dry season which most visitors base on or look at when planning their Rwanda travels.

The best season for you would depend on the activities you want to carry out while in Rwanda.

The 2 seasons at a glance:

Dry season (June to September, December to February)

June to September is the long dry season which also coincides with Rwanda’s peak season, so expect high rates and December to February is the short dry spell between the 2 rainy seasons.

• Expect clear skies and less rain on your camping safari during the dry season.
• It is the best time to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
• Nature walks, forest walks and hiking expeditions are best done during the dry season as the trails are much drier, less muddy and less slippery.
• Best time for a game viewing safari in Akagera national park.
• The clear skies of the dry season offer favorable conditions for wildlife photography.
• Most activities like gorilla trekking should be booked in advance during the dry season.
• To ensure availability, accommodation should also be booked in advance.
• Take precaution and protect yourself from the hot sun. Carry sunscreen, sunhats and reusable water bottles to keep hydrated.

Wet season (March to May, October to November)

March to May is the long rains period with April being the wettest month and October to November is the short rains period.

The wet season is considered the low season in Rwanda.

• Expect beautiful vegetation cover and greener forests.
• Best time to go birding in Rwanda.
• Best time to go chimpanzee trekking during your camping safari in Rwanda.
• Expect sightings of newborn animals is Akagera national park.
• Expect sudden afternoon rainfall.
• Expect lower rates as compared to the dry season.
• The long rains make trails quite muddy and slippery making hiking and trekking challenging.
• For a quitter camping safari experience in Rwanda and if you do not mind getting a little mud on your shoes, you can visit during the wet season preferably during the short rains period.

Ready for your camping safari in Rwanda, use the above information to guide you as you consider your expected experience.