The history of recreational camping is often traced back to Thomas Hiram Holding, a British traveling tailor, but it was first popularised in the UK on the River Thames. By the 1880s, large numbers of visitors took part in the pastime, which was connected to the late Victorian craze for pleasure boating.
Over the years, Camping has become an important aspect in team building, recreation and survival training especially for scouts. It is one of the recommended activities to help you escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and reconnect with nature.
Fortunately, Rwanda has a number of campsites that will give you an unforgettable camping experience and these include but not limited to the following.
Mutumba Campsite
Located in the North of Akagera National Park, Mutumba campsite is one of the few camps to visit especially when you’re on a budget. It is situated in a remote area on the highest point of the park; Mutumba Hills, giving you an exclusive view of the entire park, the lakes and you can take a glimpse into Tanzania at this point.
It is famous for its high concentration of animals that usually gather in areas near the campsite for instance buffalo’s, antelopes and elands. Because of this, the campsite has an electric fence around it to ensure the safety of the campers .
The camp provides basic camping facilities like bathrooms and toilets but campers are advised to carry their own foodstuffs, tents , toiletries, cooking aids, flashlights, pillows, blankets among others.
Take part in game drives around Akagera, hike the Mutumba hill, watch birds and take guided nature’s while at Mutumba campsite. The rates per day is 25USD per person.
Muyumbu Campsite
South of Akagera National park is another budget camping site close to the entrance of the park. It is situated on a the ridge overlooking Lake Shakani and Ihema and it is also possible to take a glips3 at Tanzania from this campsite. The sunrises are beautiful and it also costs 25USD for locals and international visitors.
It has a spacious pitch for RVs and tents. For those who enjoy a communal atmosphere, Muyumbu Campsite often hosts group activities and gatherings, allowing travelers to share stories and experiences around the campfire
In addition to the wildlife, the cultural richness of the surrounding communities offers a unique opportunity to learn about local traditions and customs, enhancing your overall experience in this beautiful region.
Shakani Campsite
This one is located south of Akagera National Park on the shores of Lake Shakani. It is the only camping site in Akagera National park with running water and flush toilets. Visitors are encourages to bring their own bottled water for health purposes, and also basic camping gear.
Lake Shakani is the only place in Akagera where fishing is allowed and sport fishing is an important activity here. If you’re interested in this activity, you’re required to carry your own fishing gear. The fish caught is either grilled or deep fried for you to enjoy.
Other activities include game drives, nature walks and bird watching. Enjoying all these activities also costs 25USD per day.
Mihindi Campsite
This is the newest budget camping site in Akagera National Park. It has a great view of the park and is surrounded by a fence to keep out animals. There is a coffee shop Barbeque spot and solar heated showers.
Enjoy a game drive and see the big five among other animals at only 50USD for adults and 30USD for children.
Visitors are advised to bring essential camping gear with the exception of tents which are provided by the campsite.
Karenge Bush Cam
The campsite is also located in Akagera National Park and was named after the area where the camp was first established. Karange is a Rwandese word that means small footprint which represents the cost commitment to leaving nothing more than a light ecological footprint.
The main area comprises a dining tent with a small lounge and outdoor fire pit surrounded by chairs, all providing that view looking out over the vast Kilala Plains.
Community Guides are also only available on request and at an additional fee that covers the guide’s accommodation and food while staying at the camp.
The camp can host a maximum of 12 guests at a time. There are six canvas tents each containing 2camp beds, reed mats, camp chairs and solar lights. Each tent has its own private outdoor bathrooms for privacy.
For anyone seeking comfort in the wilderness, Karenge is the place to be. It is open all year round with the exception of April. The rates range between 95USD to 265USD depending on the number of people and their age.
All rates include accommodation, dinner, breakfast and lunch. Rates do not include transport, park entry fees, activities, gratuities and drinks.
For an ultimate camping experience on your one way rental trip in Rwanda, ensure to pack camping essentials, take time to select a camping site that best suits your needs and while there, make a few friends over the campfire.
