Wilderness Magashi Newsletter – August 2025

Perhaps the most extraordinary highlight this month was the reappearance of Jasiri, an Eastern black rhino female that was introduced in 2019 from the Czech Republic. She had last been seen near Magashi Peninsula, heavily pregnant, and often accompanied by her older male offspring. His independence was a clear sign that Jasiri was preparing for the arrival of her next calf.

Though she had once favored our Peninsula, increased activity in the area prompted her to move north, closer to the park’s exit gate. For several months, both guests and guides missed her presence. Then, in July, park rangers confirmed the joyful news that Jasiri had given birth and was carefully keeping her calf hidden.

In August, our guides and guests were among the lucky few to witness Jasiri with her newborn. The sight of a black rhino calf is exceptionally rare – far rarer than seeing young white rhinos in this region – making this moment profoundly moving for all who experienced it. It was a reminder of the incredible conservation success unfolding here in Akagera, and of the resilience and hope embodied in each new life.

Our lion prides also gave us thrilling encounters this month. Mahoro’s cub and her grandchildren are now venturing confidently into the open. Guests and guides observed them feeding on buffalo, and in July they were seen successfully hunting zebra. With the cubs now more habituated, they are beginning to feed independently, a sign of strength and survival for this new next generation of lions.

However, alongside this joy came a moment of sadness. We heard of the passing of Kazi, one of the original lionesses introduced to Akagera National Park in 2015. Kazi was part of a historic group of seven lions (five females and two males) that marked the return of these big cats to Rwanda. Among the many lion stories that shape the history of Akagera, few are as touching as the bond shared by Kazi and her sister Umwari. From the moment they were released from the boma, the two were inseparable — true sisters in every sense, moving side by side through the grasslands, hunting together, and raising their cubs as one.

What made their story remarkable was not just their resilience, but also their shared motherhood. Together, Kazi and Umwari nurtured the young lions we now know so well: M7, M8, M9, as well as Ubumwe. They hunted to feed them, protected them fiercely, and nursed each other’s cubs. Watching them, it was nearly impossible to tell which cub belonged to whom.

August was not only rich in wildlife moments but also in opportunities for our team. Several staff members took part in cross training at Wilderness Bisate and Bisate Reserve in the Volcanoes National Park area, gaining valuable skills and fresh inspiration.

Special congratulations goes to Charles Nkunda (Junior Manager), who had the rare and unforgettable privilege of trekking to see the Umubano gorilla family, and whose silverback is called Charles! This encounter was more than a professional milestone, it was a deeply personal experience, one that left him inspired, grateful, and profoundly connected to Rwanda’s wild heritage.

We extend our deepest thanks to Bisate Reserve for making this possible. It’s experiences like these that remind us that learning in the heart of nature creates not just skilled staff, but also storytellers who can share the magic of Rwanda with every guest.

At Magashi, every new team member is more than just a role filled; they become another heartbeat in the rhythm of this extraordinary place. This August, we were delighted to welcome two wonderful additions to the management team: Jules Ngabo (Assistant Lodge Manager) and Fina Mugwaneza (Junior Manager).

Their arrival comes at an exciting time, as we prepare for the opening of brand-new Magashi Peninsula. With their passion, their warmth, and their enthusiasm for creating meaningful guest experiences. The new team brings fresh energy to our family.

Every year, Wilderness celebrates Heritage Day, a special occasion to honour and experience the rich traditions of Rwanda. In August, Magashi embraced this celebration with joy and pride, diving into the culture of our Eastern Province, where Magashi is located.

It was a day filled with laughter, learning, and lively participation. Our team showed incredible enthusiasm, courage, and creativity as they engaged in cultural activities and traditional dances. One of the highlights was a playful dance that mimicked the movements of cows, paying homage to the animals so central to Rwandan life, with graceful gestures that even captured the distinctive way cows carry their horns.

We also practiced Kwitira, the traditional method of smoking milk using a special yellow thatching grass we call Utwitizo. This process not only adds a unique smoky flavor and aroma to the milk but also helps preserve it. Interestingly, even those who are normally allergic can enjoy the smoked milk.

Heritage Day at Magashi was more than a celebration; it was a living reminder of the connections between people, culture, and the land. 

We believe that true hospitality extends beyond comfort – it is about creating moments of restoration, balance, and joy. August brought a special opportunity for our team to grow in this spirit of care. We welcomed Avril from Theranaka and Karin from Esse, who guided us through inspiring training sessions filled with new knowledge, products, and techniques.

Their sessions went far beyond skills – they reminded us that wellness is an experience of its own, something that can touch a guest as deeply as a game drive or a rare sighting. With gentle hands-on guidance, Avril and Karin introduced us to natural, rejuvenating spa products and creative approaches to personalising each treatment. The team not only learned new sales techniques, but also discovered ways to weave these wellness experiences seamlessly into the story of a safari.

Thanks to this training, guests can now look forward to even more memorable spa journeys – treatments that soothe the body after a day in the bush, refreshing the mind under the Rwandan skies and creating moments of quiet connection to complement the thrill of adventure.

Everything was fantastic the staff was friendly, the room was cosy and team and the guides were incredibly knowledgeable. The safari was unforgettable. We saw so many animals and the food delicious! Thanks.
D & E - Russia

Thank you to all staff at Magashi! We had a fantastic stay! Loved every minute! 
P & S - New Zealand

Thank you so much for making lovable, our Rwanda experience over the top. The whole team is just amazing. We really enjoyed our stay here and we gonna be back soon. Keep up the good work!
K, V, L & C – Croatia