The new Ruzizi Tented Lodge opened in November 2012 is tucked away in the riverine forest on the edge of Akagera’s largest lake. This small private camp offers seven en-suite tents dotted along the forested lake edge, sheltered by large trees and swaying palms. The tents are spaced either side of a thatched reception area with a lounge, bar and dining room. Each tent is accessible by a wooden boardwalk from the reception. The camp is entirely powered by solar, with a solar hot water system.
ABOUT THE LODGE
Ruzizi Tented Lodge 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. Ruzizi is built on the forested shores of Lake Ihema, Rwanda’s second largest lake.
With only 7 tents, a maximum of 14 guests, the camp is a quiet an intimate retreat. Each tent has its own en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, a dressing area and either comfortable queen or ¾ twin beds, with a private patio at the front.
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.
Entirely powered by solar, the lodge prides itself on being environmentally aware.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT
Check in is at 2pm, earlier check-in may be possible by prior arrangement.
Check-out time is at 11am on the day of departure. It is possible for the lodge to keep your luggage in a safe place if you wish to collect it at a later time however we ask that you please vacate the room by 11am so it can be cleaned. Please make prior arrangements for any late check-outs.
POWER AND WATER
The tented lodge is entirely powered by a solar system. The lights, fridges and kitchen equipment, water provision and heating, and any personal electrical items you plug in are powered by solar. The system was custom designed to provide enough power for 3 days of autonomy at full occupancy. While we encourage you to enjoy the lodge and take advantage of the clean power to charge any electrical items, we also ask that you be conscious of your power usage by not leaving lights on unnecessarily, or leaving fully charged items plugged into power points.
Water is heated using a solar hot water system. There is an estimated allocation of 40L of hot water per person per day, which should be sufficient; however we ask you to please be conscious of your water usage, particularly hot water, and do not leave taps on unnecessarily.
Water is pumped, using solar, from a borehole. Although it has been tested and is safe for human consumption, we recommend you do not drink water straight from the tap. A bottle of drinking water is provided for you in your room daily. For brushing your teeth and washing the tap water is fine.
CHILD POLICY
Children are welcome at Ruzizi Tented Lodge at any time, however we will be holding special package deals for families and actively encouraging families to visit at certain times of the year, so please keep an eye on our website for details on these.
Children must be accompanied by adults at all time during their stay. Due to the situation and design of the tented lodge, it is essential that children are not left unattended.
This policy applies to all children from 0 up to and including 12 years old.
Persons from 13 years and above are considered as adults and will therefore require their own room at the applicable adult rates.
0 – 5 Years
Accommodated at no additional cost, sharing with adults
Cost of food and drinks apply
Camp beds are provided. Cots are not available for small babies and travel cots must be brought
6 – 12 Year old
Accommodated at the child rate, sharing with adults
Cost includes breakfast and dinner
13 Years and above
Adult rates apply
Children accommodated in their own tent
MEALS
Breakfast
Breakfast is served from 5.30am onwards in the dining room.
Lodge staff will ask you approximately what time you would like breakfast in the morning.
Breakfast may differ slightly daily but generally consists of local fruits, homemade breads and condiments, and eggs made to order, fresh fruit juice, tea and coffee.
Lunch
Lunch is not included in the rate but a limited lunch menu is available, if requested.
Packed lunches can also be organized for you if you plan to be in the park, or on the road, but this must be arranged with lodge staff the night before they will be needed.
Dinner
Guests are requested to join us in the lounge for pre-dinner drinks and snacks at 7pm. Dinner is served at 7.30pm in the dining room. Dinner is a set menu, freshly prepared by our lodge chefs, and will differ daily. Examples include a braai with a selection of meats and salads, a variety of gourmet pizzas, or a selection of potjie dishes, followed by a desert of the day.
If you have any allergies please let the lodge staff know upon arrival ,if you have not already done so when making your booking.
LAUNDRY
To conserve energy and water, bed linen is changed every second day for stay-over guests and fresh towels are provided at the guests request.
A laundry service for personal items is available. Please note that it may take up to 24 hours for any washed and ironed laundry to be returned to your tent so it is not advisable to request for laundry to be washed less than 24 hours before your departure. To request for laundry, please fill in the form available in your tent and leave it on top of the laundry bag with your washing inside for collection by housekeeping staff. A set price of Rwf 5,000 per bag applies.
LODGE RULES
Please do not step off the boardwalks at the tented lodge. You are inside a National Park and there are wild animals around. It is very dangerous to walk anywhere which is not marked by a boardwalk.
Please be courteous to other guests and avoid playing loud music or anything else which may disturb the experience for other visitors.
A no smoking rule applies throughout the lodge.
We request that you put your mobile phones on silent or vibrate for the duration of your stay at Ruzizi.
Children must be accompanied by adults at all times during their stay.
Please adhere to the National Park Rules which apply to you during your stay at the tented lodge.
WHAT TO BRING
- Camera and video (if you have, please remember to bring spare batteries, although it is possible to recharge batteries at the Lodge)
- Binoculars
- Torch
- Hat
- Sun block
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses
- Reading material
- Any personal medication
- Cash for drinks bills, any additional costs such as lunch, laundry and gratuities (gratuities at your discretion)
