April 7, 2026by mvhuyssteen

Rwanda reimagined: Discover the wild heart of Akagera

The land of a thousand hills Rwanda – a conservation success

I fell in love with Rwanda the moment I saw those verdant, rolling hills rise up beneath the wings of the plane as we descended toward Kigali airport ~ Naomi Benaron

For many travellers, Rwanda is synonymous with one extraordinary experience: Gorilla trekking in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park. But, beyond the mountains lies myriad landscapes of this country known as ‘the land of a thousand hills’ and one of Africa’s most remarkable conservation success stories: Akagera National Park.

Home to Mantis Akagera Game Lodge, the Park located on the eastern border of Rwanda, is 1 100 km² of highlands, savannah plains, wetlands, woodlands and Lake Ihema. And it is here, in this revitalised wilderness, that the country has quietly reclaimed its place as one of the top African travel destinations.

Recently Rwanda has emerged as a global leader in sustainable tourism. It demonstrates how responsible travel can protect endangered wildlife, preserve natural ecosystems, support local community and drive economic development. All of the pillars on which the Mantis brand was founded and why we chose to have three properties in the country. The tourism sector in Rwanda currently generates about 10% of the country’s GDP but this is steadily growing.

The spirit of the lion is a symphony of strength, grace, and power

Conservation worth travelling for

At one stage Akagera National Park faced an uncertain future. Wildlife had dwindled and the ecosystem had been disrupted. But, thanks to a visionary partnership between the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks, Akagera has been restored into a thriving sanctuary.

The return of the King of the Jungle – the lions – in 2015 after nearly two decades, marked a turning point. Rhino followed, in one of the most ambitious translocation efforts in Africa. Now, Akagera is proudly Rwanda’s only Big Five reserve: Home to lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo.

A safari in Akagera is an opportunity to see conservation in action.

A softer side of safari

What sets the Park apart is its diversity. Game drives traverse a tapestry of habitats: Open savannahs, acacia woodlands, papyrus swamps and lakes that shimmer under the African sun.

Lake Ihema (recognised by Ramsar at a protected wetland) – at 100km² – is the country’s second biggest body of water and guests at Mantis Akagera Safari Lodge, are fortunate to have it on their doorstep. Boat safaris give you a front-row seat to honking hippos, basking crocodile, buffalo herds or elephant at the water’s edge.

The lake is also rich in birdlife. From the call of an African fish eagle to African darters, pied kingfishers and osprey … nearly 500 species have been recorded. For birders, Akagera is paradise. It feels undiscovered, with unhurried sightings and uninterrupted landscapes.

At the edge of wilderness

Set on a ridge and overlooking Lake Ihema is Mantis Akagera Game Lodge, that has one of the most enviable positions in the park, from its elevated vantage point you have sweeping views across the savannah

Days begin with early morning game drives, tracking wildlife while afternoons can be spent beside the pool, watching the light shift over the lake or exploring further afield on a boat safari. Evenings bring a slower pace, with dinners inspired by local cuisine, giving you time to pause and reflect on the day’s encounters.

The lodge embraces sustainability and rejuvenation with an organic kitchen garden and indigenous landscaping. Thoughtful touches include beautiful, sustainable guest slippers, carefully woven from banana leaves by local communities. This award winning ‘Banana Leaf Project’ is another Rwandan success story of resilience.

In all my travels, I’ve never seen a country’s population more determined to forgive
and to build and succeed than in Rwanda ~ Rick Warren

A rising star

Rwanda is known as one of Africa’s cleanest and safest countries and, together with its sustainable tourism, it has become an increasingly accessible destination. To visit Akagera is to experience a different side of Africa, where wilderness and purpose are deeply intertwined.

The Mantis Akagera Game Lodge is also ideally positioned to kick-start additional adventures and journeys that dovetailed with stays at other Mantis properties: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel and Mantis EPIC Hotel & Suites. These include:

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest. The rainforest is home to 13 different types of primates, including the incredible chimpanzees. Watching them in the wild is an unforgettable experience
Suspended 70 metres above the Nyungwe Forest is the canopy walk, East Africa’s first and only suspended bridge that stretches 160 meters
Try a zipline adventure and soar 50 to 80 metres above the ground. There are three to choose from measuring 320m, 550m and 1020m in length
Visit a coffee plantation at Lake Kivu where you can pick ripe coffee cherries and watch the transformation as the beans going through hand sorting, washing and drying beds under the open sky, before enjoying the aroma of a perfect brew

Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, conservation and community upliftment is evident and one Mantis embraces completely. Responsible tourism plays a vital role in supporting local livelihoods, while protecting the natural heritage. It’s what makes the country truly unique.

Visit us at Mantis Akagera Game Lodge. Be part of this story of renewal and experience an inspiring conservation success.