Wilderness Magashi Concession Newsletter – January 2026

This dual-lodge offering has added remarkable value to the guest journey. Many visitors staying at one lodge enjoyed site visits to the other, allowing them to experience the different landscapes, architectural styles, and atmospheres of each camp.  

The year began exceptionally well, with high occupancy at both Magashi and Magashi Peninsula. This strong start allowed the team to display the unique character of each lodge while maintaining the same high standards of service excellence, safety, warm hospitality, and Wilderness values. 

Nature delivered breathtaking performances throughout the month. One of the most remarkable highlights was witnessing a large herd of elephants swimming along the shores of, or across Lake Rwanyakazinga. Guests and staff watched in awe as these majestic animals moved confidently through deep water, using their trunks as snorkels while crossing. Guests asked in amazement whether elephants could truly swim such distances, and nature answered beautifully. This extraordinary behaviour was observed over three consecutive days, and after a short break, the herd returned once again, offering repeated moments of wonder and excitement.  

The magic extended beyond game drives. Some guests returned from activities or woke early in the morning to find elephants calmly and peacefully feeding in front of their rooms, quite unbothered.  

Guests enjoyed sitting on their private decks soaking up the warmth of the afternoons, watching hippos slowly emerge from the water, yawning wide and stretching just metres away. In these peaceful moments, guests truly felt the rhythm of nature. Listening to animal calls, feeling the gentle breeze, and enjoying an environment far removed from busy streets and city life encouraged a reconnection with the natural world in the most meaningful way. This uninterrupted access to nature is what makes our Magashi Concession so grounding, so special, and impossible to forget.

F9 is one of the female offspring of Mahoro, who was one of the seven lions (three males and four females) that were reintroduced to Akagera National Park from South Africa in 2015, an important conservation milestone for the park.

The continued presence of F9 and her four cubs was another extraordinary highlight of January. The cubs are estimated to be four to five months old, and were seen with their mother, moving confidently through the concession. F9’s older daughter was also discovered to have very small cubs that had not been seen before by either guides or guests. Observing this extended lion family offered a powerful insight into lion social structure, motherhood, and survival. The experience became even more dramatic with sightings of the pride feeding on a buffalo kill, giving guests a face-to-face understanding of predator-prey dynamics, and the realities of life in the wild.   

Throughout January, the Magashi Concession welcomed guests from many different countries and cultures, all of whom consistently shared one common feeling: a sense of belonging. With the support of passionate, attentive, and caring staff at both lodges, guests truly felt at home. While the wildlife sightings were exceptional, their feedback confirms that it was the warmth, kindness, and dedication of the Magashi Concession team that made each stay truly meaningful.

As January 2026 ends, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Wilderness for its vision, trust, and continued support, to the entire Magashi Concession team for their passion and dedication, and to our wonderful guests for choosing to begin their year with us. Together, we continue to make Magashi Concession a place of connection, conservation, renewal, and unforgettable safari memories. 

No words to describe how wonderful Magashi is – the people, and surroundings, we have been blessed, thank you so much! God bless you all!
W – Virginia, USA

We have been on several (10) safaris but never like this one, it was absolutely the best, big thanks to whole staff, especially to Innocent. Thank you all so much! Warmest. 
G F – Netherlands  

We are full of gratitude + wonder. Everything was even more beautiful & fascinating than expected! And whole staff made us feel so happy & at home – Murakoze cyane.
B & J -German

We had most incredible stay perfect start to the New Year. The animals, views and food were all beyond what we can imagined, huge thank you to everyone!
L F – USA

Absolutely beautiful staff amazing team, wildlife, service. Thank you.
A - Russia

Our first safari was a dream come true. Thank you to the most amazing staff for unforgettable memories.
M & R – Brazil