Karenge Bush Tent overlooking the mountains

Karenge Bush Camp

Remote, charming and scenic, Karenge Bush Camp’s early-morning access to the game-rich Kilala Plains offers excellent wildlife viewing.

Welcome to Karenge

Named for the area where the camp was first established, Karenge means ‘small footprint’ in Kinyarwanda. The word also expresses Karenge Bush Camp’s simple rustic charm and its commitment to leaving a light ecological footprint and allowing guests to be immersed in nature.

The main area comprises a dining tent with a small lounge and outdoor firepit surrounded by chairs, all providing that view looking out over the vast Kilala Plains.

A maximum of 12 guests makes a stay here an intimate wilderness experience. The six charming canvas tents contain two cosy camp beds, camp chairs, reed mat floors, and solar lights for reading before bed, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Each tent also enjoys its own private, outdoor bathroom.

Karenge is a seasonal camp (open year-round, except April) that makes for a wonderful combination when paired with a stay at Ruzizi Lodge in the southern sector of the park.

Wild dogs running on the road
Woman sitting on the deck looking out at the valley and mountains in Akagera National Park
Dining area overlooking the forest and mountains in Karenge Bush Camp
Two cots inside a tent in Karenge Bush Camp
Outside view of accommodations at Karenge Bush Camp

Experiences

A game drive vehicle with tourists watching over giraffes.

Community Guide-led Game Drive

At Karenge Bush Camp, Community Guides are only available on request and at an additional fee that covers the guide’s accommodation and food while staying at the camp.

A vehicle path way through grass bushes at sun set.

Night Drives

Night drives are available for guests staying overnight at Karenge on a six-seater jeep. The drive takes in Kilala Plains, where grazers can be seen taking advantage of the relative safety of the plains – while the predators take advantage of the night.

View of the Outside of a Tent with two camp chairs and wooden table on the deck

More about Karenge

– 6 Meru tents (all twin)

– Each tent has 2 camp beds with mattresses and bedding

– Private (but not en-suite) bucket shower and flush toilet per tent

– Warm water provided daily

– USB charging points in tents

– All lighting by solar-powered lights, lanterns and torches

How to Get There

Karenge is in the north of the park – a four-hour drive from the south entrance and a one-hour drive from Mutumba Gate.

Map with a Yellow Icon for the Location of Akagera National Park

To reach the camp, take the Lake Shore Road to Junction 36 and turn left, follow this road to Junction 35 and turn right. Continue for approximately 12km until a turnoff on the right-hand side. Karenge Bush Camp is located approximately 4km along this road.

Rates

Please download the latest rates here.

Wooden walkway inside Akagera National Park

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