Mantis Akagera Game Lodge — Hotel in Mwiri

It’s the best and really only full-service option in or near Akagera. The convenience is unbeatable. We rated it 4 stars because the meal service for dinner was so strange. It rotates between buffet ($45 per person), a set menu (for $25 per person) and supposedly sometimes an a la carte menu. But every night is decided the day of based on the whims of the hotel. It’s strange, and given the very good breakfast buffet, we never wanted a buffet for dinner. We ended up ordering food from the pool bar at lunch and then kept it for our dinners in the evening. The a la carte food and breakfast are both great and the a la carte prices are super reasonable. The dinners just make no sense and are priced way too high compared with room rates and the other parts of the hotel. The hotel is slightly run down, but the gym has everything you need for a good workout. It’s strange though — the gym was never really cleaned. There were always glasses and towels left out from previous days they remained the entire 4 days we were there. The pool was refreshing, but not heated. The small kids pool was nice, but also not heated. Our room was always serviced when we returned midday from Safari which we really appreciated having kids who were ready to nap after rising early. The location within the park lets you get out the door after breakfast and start catching the animals early in the day (when they’re out!). We stayed 4 nights, which I think is the right amount of time. We self-drove the whole time, getting a guide on day one, doing the community farm tour through the park on day 2 and self-driving the park on day 3. I think this series of 3 days is the best way to see the park and we saw almost everything the park has to offer. Mantis is a perfect option to anchor yourself and you won’t regret staying there, though you’ll find service to be slightly confused and inconsistent at times. The breakfast staff were super kind to our two young daughters, always offering a hand and a smile. With training and some maintenance, the hotel could be a proper 4-star hotel. But compare this hotel with the thousands of dollars for tented camps in Kenya and Tanzania and you’ll find you’ve gotten an amazing deal and experience here for a fraction...

In general, we had such a lovely time. This is such a beautiful location. The view, the pool, the scenery, everything was exquisite. You guys thought of various details such a playground and a playroom for kids, amazing scenery, packed lunched etc.. It so great. The staff was also quite nice in every way. I gave a score of 8 because of my below concerns.

1- On Saturday we were heading early on a Safary, due to this I only took a plate of muffins, croissants and two pieces of prosciutto. Well, my 3-year-old son only had that prosciutto and immediately got seriously ill. That's the only food he put in his stomach that morning and he threw up 15 times in about 2hrs or less. We had to cut our safari short and run to the village for a pharmacy to get anti-vomiting medication. In summary, our whole day was ruin because of that piece of meat that was clearly not fresh but served to us. Please ensure that food served to clients is at the highest quality of freshness, especially meat, dairy product. This clearly was not the case.

2- Please let people know in advance (before booking), that dinner option is only a buffet and the cost. The buffet was overpriced. I understand $20US, but $30US is way too much for what we got. Additionally, non-alcoholic drinks should be included in that $30US price.

3- I got stung by a bee in the kids' playroom and my whole arm swelled up as I developed an allergy. It's necessary that you have a health kit or at least have the number of a doctor on call if a client get sick. Lucky, I knew another get who gave me some medication and cream. This could have been more serious and it's unacceptable that the front desk had no...

Akagera Game Lodge, situated within the stunning Akagera National Park, offers a unique experience surrounded by the beauty of nature. The location alone is a remarkable selling point.

The rooms are clean and comfortable, providing a pleasant and relaxing environment to return to after a day of adventure in the park.

One of the highlights is the buffet, which offers a variety of delicious options. It's a great way to refuel before or after exploring the park. Additionally, the option to have a packed lunch for your safari is a thoughtful touch, ensuring you don't miss out on the wildlife while dining.

The standout feature of the lodge is its incredibly friendly and helpful staff. Their warm hospitality enhances the overall experience and makes guests feel welcome and well-cared for.

On the downside, the lodge is on the pricier side, which might not be suitable for budget travelers.

One aspect that left me with mixed feelings was the use of insecticide to deter insects. While I understand the need to ensure guests' comfort, there might be more eco-friendly and less intrusive ways to achieve this. It's worth considering alternative methods that are both effective and environmentally responsible.

In summary, Akagera Game Lodge is a lovely place to stay for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Akagera National Park. The clean rooms, tasty buffet, and friendly staff make it a worthwhile choice, although the price and insecticide use are aspects to...