Camping in Rwanda
Rwanda is one of Africa’s premier tourist destinations, often sought after by many adventure lovers. Usually known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda has outstanding scenery, a warm climate, friendly people, and the best experiences, it is one of the most exceptional countries in the world. Rwanda boasts incredible wildlife in its volcanoes, vast savanna grasslands in Akagera National Park, and thick tropical rain forests in Nyungwe National Park.
One of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Rwanda’s diverse ecological systems on a budget / lesser cost is through camping in the natural environment. Welcome to Rwanda and experience the wilderness by camping in the following places in the beautiful gems.
Camping sites in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park offers three camping sites for overnight stays in the park. These sites are Muyumbu and Shakani located in the southern sector of the park and Mutumba Campsite in the northern sector of the park.
Mutumba campsite
This campsite is located in the north sector which has the highest concentration of wild animals roaming in the beautiful savanna hills and grasslands. It is located at the highest point of the park in Mutumba Hills. It’s at an elevation that provides breathtaking views of Akagera’s large lakes Lake Ihema and Lake Shakani, and provides distant views of Tanzania.
The camp is well protected with an electric fence to ensure the safety of the campers. Basic facilities like a pit latrine (toilet) and bathrooms are offered at the facility.
Campers to this site are advised to carry their personal camping supplies like food, enough bottled drinking water, toiletries, camping equipment like tents, sleeping bags, flashlights, cooking aids, and other necessary essentials.
While at the site, you can spot some animals like elands, impalas, roan antelopes, zebras, and many other animals grazing outside the fence.
Shakani campsite
This campsite is located close to Lake Shakani in the southern part of Akagera National Park. The camp offers basic facilities for a comfortable stay in the park. The facilities include washrooms, clean toilets, tap water, and firewood. Travelers staying at this campsite are advised to carry enough bottled drinking water or make sure tap water is boiled before drinking.
Visitors can hire tents at the reception of the camp offices and bring their camping equipment.
From the camp, you can easily access Lake Shakani for fishing activities, move out for game drives, and other activities that can be done in the park. Lake Shakani boasts of a large concentration of hippos and several bird species. Animals that can be spotted at the lake shores and nearby places include impalas and bushbucks among others. Fish species commonly caught in the lake include tilapia and catfish. This campsite gives a comfortable stay as you enjoy the cool breeze and the scenic lake waters.
Muyumbu campsite
This is a mid-range campsite and accommodation for travelers who wish to have a wonderful relaxation and adventure safari in Akagera National Park. The campsite is located on a hill rim overlooking Lake Shakani and Lake Ihema in the southern part of Akagera National Park.
The camp has over ten camping tents and ample space for more tents for travelers who come along with their camping materials. The tents can accommodate all persons who visit as individuals, couples, and families. Provision of a tent comes with a mosquito net, showers, toiletries, and complimentary bottled water.
A fireplace is there for visitors to relax in the evening and night hours and share stories as they interact with one another.
Other facilities at the campsite include a restaurant where meals are served, though you can have meals at any place of your choice on the camping grounds,
A well-stocked bar with a variety of drinks like soft drinks, wines, and spirits that you can sip as you enjoy festive evenings and relaxation after game drives.
WIFI internet hotspot is available to enable visitors to keep in touch with friends and families.
From here, you can start your game drives, go birding activities, and visit the lakes for boat cruises and fishing. Rates at the facility are $25 per person per night for adults and $15 for children per day.
This campsite is one of the best places to enjoy adventure and relaxation while in Akagera National Park
Mihindi campsite
This is another important camping site in Akagera National Park located in the northern part of the park. The former research building in this place has been turned into a coffee shop and there is a picnic area for day guests.
The campsite is surrounded by an electric fence to protect campers from animals like hippos and elephants. The facility offers solar-heated showers, BBQs, and flushing toilets in addition to a comfortable camping ground. Rental rates for adults are $50 per person per night and for children $30 per person per night for all internationals, regionals, and locals.
Camping sites in Nyungwe National Park
Camping is one of the activities done in Nyungwe National Park that brings you closer to the wilderness. It is usually done by low-budget visitors or those who don’t wish to spend much on accommodation. Camping sites always provide accommodation at lesser costs, some of the camping sites in Nyungwe National Park include:
Uwinka reception camping site.
This is a camping site found at the park visitors center. Though found at the park headquarters, the camp is privately owned by Nyungwe Top View Hotel. At the site, guests are provided with tents, sheltered within a wooden platform that protects them from the rain. The location of the camping site offers stunning views of the thick green rainforest that houses several wildlife creatures.
The facility has shared bathrooms with bucket showers where you can choose to have cold or warm water. A fire pit is lit every evening hours to provide warmth in the cool evenings and during the rainy season. Guests who reside at the camping center are free to bring their own food and drinks, though there’s a small cafeteria where meals can be got. Sleeping bags and mats are available at the center for hire if you do not have one.
Camping at Uwinka provides quick access to the reception center where most of the park activities start.
Mount Bigugu camping site
Camping on Mount Bigugu is done on top of the mountain. The camping ground can only accommodate five people who can carry their water and all the camping equipment to the summit. Being at an altitude of 2950 meters above sea level is something so incredible that it gives you lasting memories after viewing at different altitudinal levels as you sight different creatures like birds, plants, and animals.
Camping along the Congo Nile Divide trail
The Congo Nile trail is one of the main hiking trails in Nyungwe National Park. The trail is so long that it takes three days to finish. It is over 227 km long. It’s a long trail where three camping sites were set up to accommodate the hikers as they are going through their expedition. The campsites are marked by signposts Hikers are expected to carry their camping gear to whichever resting point (night spot). The park only provides tents and ranger guides to accompany the hikers along the trail but doesn’t have any equipment for hire at the camping sites.
Kitabi Eco-Center camping
Kitabi is a cultural village set on top of Mount Kitabi, a small mountain of about 300m from the main road leading to Nyungwe National Park in the Nyamagabe district. This place provides scenic views of green tea plantations, the beautiful green natural vegetation of Nyungwe Park, and an amazing look at the sunrise and sunset. The eco-center has eight camping grounds where you can camp in their tents or use your tents. Rented tents cost $5 to $20 depending on the number of people. The center provides activities like visiting the king’s palace, coffee plantations, and birding and has quick access to the park headquarters.
Gisakura campsite
This is another camping accommodation found on the western corridor of Nyungwe National Park near Gisakura Visitor Center. Set on six wooden platforms distant from each other, the campsite provides accommodation for 24 campers. Visitors are advised to come along with their camping gear though some are available for rent at the facility. The site provides a campfire to maintain warmth at night and during cool weather. Guests are allowed to prepare their food at the facility in case they have the materials, if they don’t have them, meals are provided at a cost in the dining area. Gisakura camping site is a perfect place to start your activities in the park like hiking, canopy walking, colobus monkey tracking, chimpanzee tracking, and interacting with the locals in the surrounding coffee plantations.
Camping sites along Lake Kivu
Camping at Izu Lodge: Izu Lodge is a budget accommodation with tents located in Rubavu on the shores of Lake Kivu. The rooms at the facility were designed traditionally to reflect African culture. Tents are available for hire at $10 and a spacious comfortable camping ground.
There are fireplaces to maintain warmth and the guests can gather in the evening hours for interaction and relaxation.
The facility provides meals of both local and international cuisines, both in-door and outside dinners depending on your choice. A well-stocked bar with hard and soft drinks for refreshment. There’s free ample parking space for clients, a craft shop for souvenirs, and quick access to recreational activities like swimming, hiking, beach games, and many others.
Inzozi Eco Camp
This is another secret accommodation that provides camping and a cafe. It is found in Kibuye, Rishita on the shores of Lake Kivu. The location of the camp provides clear views of the Virunga volcanoes. It has a well-designed sitting area, dining, and kitchen with all necessary kitchenware. Campers are allowed to use the kitchen for meal preparation. The campsite offers activities like hiking and cultural encounters with the local community where you will have the banana beer experience, farmers on their gardens and animal farms, visit the local schools, engage in preparing local dishes with the native women, and enjoy entertainment from the Intanana Dance Group.
Macheo Eco Lodge – camping
This is a midrange and budget facility that provides both lodging and camping. It is found in Kibuye, Bwishyura on the shores of Lake Kivu. For the camping section, the facility provides camping tents, but the guests always come along with other camping gear and packed meals. The fireplaces are available to provide a warm environment and act as relaxation areas where guests gather to enjoy the clear lake waters and the surroundings. Camping at the accommodation rates from $20 per night depending on the number of people
Camping in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s major tourist destination, as it is the prominent home for the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The park is scenic and adventurous, visited by people from around the world. It is surrounded by many accommodation facilities that fit all travelers with varying budgets. There are luxurious, midrange, and budget accommodations. Among the budget accommodations are the camping sites, some of which include
Red Rocks campsite
The Red Rocks Rwanda Campsite is located a short distance from Musanze. It is just a 30-minute drive to the head of mountain gorilla tracking. Red Rocks is a hotel that offers single, and double rooms in cottages or suites. Camping is provided for budget clients, but all guests are entitled to use the facilities at the accommodation according to the payment. The accommodation provides dining options, free internet, and conference facilities and has caring staff with good customer care skills.
If clients want to prepare a special meal for themselves, they are given space and cooking equipment to use, BBQ is provided in the garden, and clients can participate in meat roasting.
The facility is so convenient for all kinds of guests.
Bisoke Beer Garden Campsite
This is an accommodation in Ruhengeri close to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park. the camping site has no limitations to the number of days one can stay, it provides free Wi-Fi, a garden for relaxation, pool tables, a restaurant, a bar, and a fireplace.
Tents at the campsite accommodate a maximum of five people. While at the campsite, a guest gets clear views of the Virunga ranges and the landscape beyond.
Kinigi campsite
It is a camping accommodation located close to the park headquarters. It is a convenient place to stay as you await to get involved in any park activity. The location of the camping site gives you spectacular views of the Virunga mountains.
All things considered, camping in different tourist locations in Rwanda provides an amazing experience as you get closer to nature and enjoy the breathtaking countryside, national parks, lakes, and other memorable indoor and outdoor adventures. As you prepare for camping, ensure to pack enough stuff for the best experience and memorable safari.