Overview
Rustic lakeside retreat
Ruzizi is a luxury eco-lodge located on the banks of Lake Ihema. Its nine tents are set back from Ihema’s serene shores and hidden among swaying palms and fruiting fig trees.
Each tent boasts an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, a dressing area, and a cozy queen bed. They flank a thatched reception and dining area, and wooden walkways lead to a stunning deck that hangs over the lake. It contains a central fire pit and is the perfect spot for a morning cup of coffee or post-dinner digestif.
The lodge was designed to blend in with its surroundings to ensure guests connect with nature. During construction, trees and vegetation were left undisturbed when possible. Some natural elements have been incorporated into the structure, and many of Ruzizi’s decorations and furniture were hand-crafted by local artisans and cooperatives. The lodge is powered by solar energy and prides itself on being environmentally conscious.
Facts
At a glance
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Nine tents
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Dining area
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Lakeside fire pit
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Features
Experiences
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![Elephants in Akagera National Park]()
Game drives
Explore Akagera in a 4X4 vehicle as you search for its resurgent wildlife. Now home to large herds of plains game, the park also has a healthy lion population. They were reintroduced in 2015 after an absence of two decades. Two years after the lions, black rhinos were also reintroduced.
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![Wade lambert hippo unsplash]()
Boat safaris
Head out onto the water to see the various water birds and aquatic animals that live in the lake. Look out for wallowing hippos, large crocodiles and even rare sitatungas.
Community & Culture
Proceeds from the lodge go towards conservation and the communities around the park and many of Ruzizi's staff come from the local villages. The Community Freelance Guides was created to train and employ local guides and proved immensely successful, giving guests an insight into local culture as well as wildlife.
Conservation
Akagera the region's largest protected wetland and the last remaining safe haven for many savannah-adapted species in Rwanda. Facing certain collapse in the 1990s, the park has been transformed thanks to focused conservation efforts and reintroductions by NGO African Parks, with lions, giraffes and black rhinos now thriving here. Tourism is a key to supporting the park's long term success, with Ruzizi Tented Lodge being a pioneer here.
Footprint
The lodge was designed to blend in with its surroundings to ensure guests connect with nature. During construction, trees and vegetation were left undisturbed when possible. Some natural elements have been incorporated into the structure, and many of Ruzizi’s decorations and furniture were hand-crafted by local artisans and cooperatives. The lodge is powered by solar energy and prides itself on being environmentally conscious.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
