Mantis Akagera Game Lodge

While the location of this hotel in Akagera National Park is beautiful, our stay did not fully meet expectations.||We experienced a delayed check-in, long waiting times for meals, and several room issues, including lack of air conditioning, no hot water, and cleanliness concerns. There also seemed to be some internal communication challenges among the staff.|The full board arrangement was not clearly handled, and unfortunately, we missed dinner due to the room issues. Although we appreciated the apology, the compensation did not fully reflect the inconvenience.||This property has great potential, and with better coordination, maintenance, and service consistency, it could offer a much stronger guest experience.

ÑI had very high expectations for this hotel in Akagera National Park, especially given the location and the images shown on the website. Unfortunately, the reality was extremely disappointing and affected what was meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip.||Check-in was unacceptable. Our official check-in time was 1:00 pm, yet we did not receive our room until 3:00 pm, with no proper explanation or proactive communication.||While waiting for the room, we ordered lunch 30 minutes in advance, yet it took 1.5 hours for the food to arrive at our table. This level of delay is not acceptable, especially in a remote lodge where timing and logistics should be well managed.||Once we finally got to the room, the problems continued:| • The air conditioning was not working on our side of the building.| • There was no hot water in our room, forcing us to shower in the neighboring room and then return to ours.| • The room was not properly vacuumed, which is basic housekeeping.| • Internal communication between staff was very poor, with different employees giving conflicting information.||Despite having paid for full board, we were told we would be charged for the lunch we had while waiting for our room — an unpleasant and unnecessary discussion after everything that had already gone wrong.||Because of the lack of hot water, we were unable to shower properly and had to skip dinner altogether, which was extremely frustrating.||To make matters worse, at around 11:00 pm, staff came to our room to apologize — waking us up instead of respecting our rest. They also sent a fruit tray at 11:00 pm as compensation, which was far too late and not appropriate considering we had missed dinner and needed real food, not fruit.||The photos on the website look beautiful, but the actual experience does not match what is advertised.||This trip was meant to be something very special, and unfortunately, this hotel ruined our first impression of Akagera National Park. The location may be incredible, but service, organization, and guest care need serious improvement before this property can justify its reputation or price.||I would not recommend this hotel until major operational and service issues are addressed.

Very Disappointing Experience – Ruined First Impression of a Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip I had very high expectations for this hotel in Akagera National Park, especially given the location and the images shown on the website. Unfortunately, the reality was extremely disappointing and affected what was meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Check-in was unacceptable. Our official check-in time was 1:00 pm, yet we did not receive our room until 3:00 pm, with no proper explanation or proactive communication. While waiting for the room, we ordered lunch 30 minutes in advance, yet it took 1.5 hours for the food to arrive at our table. This level of delay is not acceptable, especially in a remote lodge where timing and logistics should be well managed. Once we finally got to the room, the problems continued: • The air conditioning was not working on our side of the building. • There was no hot water in our room, forcing us to shower in the neighboring room and then return to ours. • The room was not properly vacuumed, which is basic housekeeping. • Internal communication between staff was very poor, with different employees giving conflicting information. Despite having paid for full board, we were told we would be charged for the lunch we had while waiting for our room — an unpleasant and unnecessary discussion after everything that had already gone wrong. Because of the lack of hot water, we were unable to shower properly and had to skip dinner altogether, which was extremely frustrating. To make matters worse, at around 11:00 pm, staff came to our room to apologize — waking us up instead of respecting our rest. They also sent a fruit tray at 11:00 pm as compensation, which was far too late and not appropriate considering we had missed dinner and needed real food, not fruit. The photos on the website look beautiful, but the actual experience does not match what is advertised. This trip was meant to be something very special, and unfortunately, this hotel ruined our first impression of Akagera National Park. The location may be incredible, but service, organization, and guest care need serious improvement before this property can justify its reputation or price. I would not recommend this hotel until major operational and service issues are addressed.

I loved everything about my experience at this lodge! 😀 My room was beautiful with a great view! The food was fantastic! The service was everything! The safari was awesome! I would love to go back when I visit Rwanda again! ❤️🇷🇼

Stayed one night at the beginning of December, 2025. Arrived late after the evening game drive and was leaving at 6.15am the following morning on safari. All I wanted was a good night's sleep and an early breakfast. The room was hot and stuffy, the air conditioning did not seem to work and the power kept cutting out. Tried to leave the window open but the screen was banging in the wind. I went for breakfast as soon as the restaurant opened at 6am and immediately ordered an omelette with toast and coffee, nothing else. There were 3 other guests in the restaurant, the guest at a nearby table told the staff she was leaving for her safari at 6.30 and needed a quick breakfast. By 6.25 I had received a basket with a croissant, a slice of bread, slice of sponge cake and a stale donut but no jam, tiny cups of fruit and cornflakes (but no milk) and a French press of undrinkable lukewarm coffee. None of the guests had received their hot breakfasts. I had to leave for a 5 hour safari having eaten only starch. Both the restaurant staff and front desk staff appeared bemused that I was leaving. How long does it take to cook an omelette or plate 4 cooked breakfasts? Why was I brought a whole series of food items I had not ordered? Surely the staff know that guests eating at 6am are not there for a casual 90 minute breakfast but have early morning activities, this is a national park after all? I am an Accor gold member and have stayed in Accor hotels across 6 continents. This was possibly the worst experience I've had at any of their hotels

Try the cocktail master Jean de Dieu (Muyco) new invention at the pool bar. The stay was great the food was great and the service was wonderful. The baboons kept us entertained scaring my daughters

We’ve just returned from a six night stay at Akagera game Lodge and I can’t praise it enough. The staff were so helpful, friendly and nothing was too much bother.||The food in the restaurant was incredible and we enjoyed a brilliant game drive seeing so many animals. I would highly recommend..||The only drawback was that it is difficult to return to the hotel after 6 pm due to the park closing, you can apply for a park escort back to the hotel but this has a cost associated. This is a restriction by the park, not the hotel.

Stayed here during a National Geographic Journeys tour of Rwanda. The room, bed, and pillows (!) were comfortable, and the staff was efficient, helpful, and friendly. The food in the restaurant was so good and a highlight on this trip!