Karenge Bush Camp
Karenge Bush Camp | Akagera National Park
Karenge Bush Camp is an eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable camp that is found in Akagera national park in Rwanda. The camp is situated in the northern part of the national park and is among the luxurious lodging facilities in the park. The national park is located in the North-eastern part of Rwanda, spanning over a radius of 1,122 square kilometers.
It is the largest national park in Rwanda and the only haven for savannah wildlife animals in Rwanda. The national park is currently managed by the Akagera Management Company, following a joint partnership in 2010 by the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks, an NGO that manages other national parks on the African Continent.
Karenge Bush Camp in Akagera national park derived its name from a local Kinyarwanda word which means ‘small footprint.’ Coincidentally, the word ‘Karenge’ is also the name of the area where the camp was first established. The camp echoes the aim of the bush camp to leave a light carbon footprint on the earth. The camp is a seasonal one, which is set up bi-annually for three months at a time.
Karenge Bush Camp in Akagera national park was first opened in 2016 from June to August and later in 2017 from December to February. The camp does not use non-renewable construction materials like cement, thus it leaves nothing behind at the end of each season. One could say that the camp leaves no trace of its existence in the area where it was set up.
The camp is a simple, serene, and low impact accommodation facility in the national park. The camp is fully staffed and has six tents and can accommodate a maximum of 12 guests. It offers its guest beautiful and stunning views of wildlife in the national park.
Each of the tents in the camp can accommodate two people on comfortable camp beds. The tents are raised on simple decks, with solar lights and lanterns to provide lighting during the night.
Guests staying in the camp are provided with warm water on a daily basis. The bathrooms in the camp are en-suite, next to each tent which has bucket showers and toilets.
There are also solar fridges in the bar at the camp, thus making sure that you can sip a cold drink while chilling and relaxing at the camp.
Karenge Bush Camp in Akagera National Park in Rwanda provides its guests with full board meals which are served hot. Get to enjoy your meal under the stars or with beautiful views of wildlife roaming the vast savannah grasslands of Akagera National Park.
The camp does not accommodate children less than 6 years of age. Children between 6 and 15 years can stay in the camp with their parents, although they will be charged as well. Children who are 16 years and above are regarded as adults and thus will be charged full price.
The rates on Karenge bush camp in Akagera national park do not include expenses such as; transport, park entry fees, activities, drinks, gratuities and any other expenses of personal nature. 100% of the profits made by Karenge Bush Camp goes towards the conservational and management of Akagera National Park.
A lot of improvements have been made in the national park such as; the introduction of an anti-poaching unit, acquisition of a helicopter for aerial surveillance in the national park, the establishment of a solar powered electric fence to keep intruders away and wildlife in the national park, and lastly, the employment of more park rangers to enforce the rules and regulations in the park and monitor all activities carried out in the national park.
In addition to this; in May 2017, 18 black eastern rhinoceros were translocated from South Africa to Akagera National Park, in Rwanda. This translocation, covering a distance of 2,485 miles, saw the reintroduction of rhinos back to the national park, after 10 years of their absence. This was a great achievement for conservationists and staff at Akagera national park; all thanks to a joint collaboration between Rwanda Development Board, African Parks and the Howard Buffet Foundation.
Visitors staying in Karenge Bush Camp in Akagera National Park in Rwanda can take part in a number of activities offered by the national park, and these include; guided game drive, boat cruise, guided nature walks, birding, community visits, walk in the line tour, fishing, and behind the scenes tour among others.
Visitors can combine their stay in Karenge Bush Camp with a night or two in Ruzizi Tented Camp which is located in the southern part of Akagera National Park. The national park is the ideal destination for a wildlife safari in Rwanda as visitors stand a high chance of seeing the Big Five animals which include lions, Cape buffalo, leopard, savannah elephants and hippos.
Conclusion: So when planning your trip to Akagera national park do consider spending a night or two in Karenge Bush Camp in the northern part of the national park. This is a very good option especially for visitors who wish to explore the northern sector of Akagera national park.
