Wilderness Magashi Peninsula — Akagera, Rwanda
Mountain gorillas are the most famous animals in Rwanda. Less well-known, however, are the Big Five in this park that borders Tanzania. Wilderness Magashi Peninsula, the only luxury lodge in a 23-square mile concession, is located to the north of the park. Each villa is situated on the shores where there are many animals, including rhinos and a variety of birds. The villas look like large bush homes decorated in the woody tones of the wild, and include such amenities as an outdoor shower, plunge pool, and rooftop bed, from which you can listen to the cackles of hyenas and watch the shooting stars. Rwandans, who are proud of the recent progress in their country, are eager to please. The food is varied and delicious, starting with a cake of overnight oats and fruit in the morning, followed by a chilled salad and soup under a tree. For dinner, there are three courses of lamp-lit dishes, including plant-based pasta, steak, and a well-seasoned soup. The real star of the show? Alfonse ntabana is the guide who makes every day an adventure. His dry humor, intuition and knowledge are second to none. As low as $2,490 —Lisa Grainger
