Wilderness Magashi Concession – April newsletter 2026

This was a quieter period for guests, and the team used the time to focus on staff development, operational training, creativity, and improving the overall guest experience. This was a month of culinary training and service mentorship, walking safari training, and included many excellent wildlife sightings.

One of the highlights of the month was the return of Nathalie and Gordon for refresher culinary training and menu development with the Kitchen team.

Working closely with the chefs and kitchen staff, they focused on improving cooking techniques, food presentation, consistency, and introducing new menu ideas to enhance our dining experiences.

At Wilderness, dining is an important part of every safari experience. From breakfast overlooking the lake to dinners around the fire, every meal adds to the lasting memories guests take home.

The training sessions encouraged teamwork, creativity, attention to detail, and bolstered confidence within the kitchen team. Staff members enjoyed learning new preparation methods while testing and discussing the updated dishes together.

Guests visiting during April had the opportunity to experience some of the refreshed menu items, and the feedback was very positive. The Kitchen team is now preparing for the upcoming high season, where these improved dining experiences will be ready for guests from around the world.

April also provided valuable operational refresher training led by Benjamin from our Wilderness Bisate Concession, and he spent several days working closely with the service team.

The sessions focused on guest engagement, service standards, teamwork, operational excellence, and the principles of the Wilderness Way.

The training reminded staff that Wilderness is more than a workplace – it is a family built on teamwork, passion, respect, and shared purpose. Team members were encouraged to continue creating genuine and memorable experiences that make guests feel welcome, comfortable, and connected to nature.

The collaborative atmosphere strengthened relationships between departments and renewed the team’s commitment to delivering excellent service throughout every stage of the guest journey.

Another important highlight during April was the visit from Tendayi from Botswana, who conducted practical walking safari training sessions with the guiding team across the concession.

The training was both educational and inspiring. Guides improved their knowledge and skills in guest safety procedures, animal behaviour interpretation, tracking techniques, guiding confidence, and storytelling during walking safaris.

Walking safaris offer guests a more personal and detailed way to experience nature. By moving slowly through the environment, guests observe animal tracks, bird calls, plant life, and the smaller details of an ecosystem that are often missed during game drives.

Tendayi’s professionalism, knowledge, and passion created an engaging learning environment that motivated the entire guiding team.

Special appreciation goes to the Magashi Rangers, whose support during the walking activities ensured safety and smooth co-ordination throughout the training sessions. 

 
The walks also produced excellent wildlife and birding experiences, including sightings of the rare Papyrus gonolek, together with informative discussions about the balance and biodiversity of Akagera’s ecosystem.

Although April was a quieter tourism month, wildlife sightings remained exceptional throughout the concession. Guests, guides, and staff enjoyed memorable encounters with several of the Big 5, including lions, elephants, rhinos, and leopards.

One particularly exciting sighting involved a leopard moving around up in the branches of a tree. Leopard sightings are always special, but seeing one confidently positioned overhead created an unforgettable experience for both guests and guides, and the sighting quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the month.

Meanwhile, the Magashi Peninsula area – especially between Tent 1 and the main lodge area – has become increasingly active lion territory. Guests experienced remarkable sightings only moments after leaving their rooms.

In some cases, guests drove less than a minute before encountering a lion pride resting beside the road. These close sightings continue to demonstrate the wild and untouched nature of Magashi Concession.

On one occasion, the lions were found resting near a zebra carcass after feeding, while the remains awaited either the pride’s return later in the evening or scavengers such as hyenas during the night. Experiences like these provide guests with a genuine understanding of predator-prey relationships and the natural cycles of the wild.

At Magashi, wildlife experiences are not limited to safari drives.

One memorable morning, guests enjoying breakfast before their departure were surprised by a herd of elephants that appeared quietly near the main area.

The elephants moved calmly through the property while guests and staff watched from only a short distance away. What began as a normal breakfast quickly became a magical and unforgettable farewell experience.

As April comes to an end, we extend our sincere appreciation to the entire Magashi Concession team for the dedication, teamwork, professionalism, and passion.

From the kitchen and service teams to the guides, rangers, housekeeping, maintenance, and management, every team member plays an important role in creating the warm hospitality and high standards that define the Magashi Concession experience.

We also thank our guests for choosing Magashi Concession and for supporting conservation tourism in Rwanda. Every visit contributes directly to the protection of Akagera National Park and supports the continued growth of sustainable conservation efforts.

As the green season slowly moves toward the busy months ahead, we look forward to welcoming more unforgettable wildlife sightings, meaningful guest experiences, and special moments in the wilderness.

A lot of thanks to all of you team for the great moments and memories and not at least for the nice stay full with kindness. Wishing you all the best till our next meeting. 
D – Bulgaria

We did not know such a paradise existed both outside and with the team. Thank you for making this the dream it was for us 
A & O – London

Thank you for an amazing experience, the people views and adventures are something I will never forget.
Z – New York City

Thank you for the most magical stay! We have loved every minute at your incredible lodge, made even better by such wonderful and welcoming staff and guides.
S & M – RSA

Thank you for everything! But I will have to say that I love the bush babies more than my future wife! The safari tours are amazing as well. 
R – Kenya

What a beautiful camp setting, the staff are so friendly and professional. The food outstanding. Thank you so much for a wonderful stay. All the best to everyone.
F & J - Zimbabwe