Embarking on a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda is an unforgettable experience and selecting the right accommodation can enhance your journey. During a gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda, visitors typically stay in lodges or camps located near Volcanoes National Park where the gorillas are found.
Here are some of the top lodges near Volcanoes National Park, each offering unique amenities and experiences:
Singita Kwitonda Lodge. Singita Kwitonda Lodge is set right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park and is part of the Singita brand of high-end stay overs in Rwanda.
Each of the 11 luxurious suites features a private heated plunge pool, wellness treatment area, in- and outdoor fireplaces and large timber-framed windows that welcome breathtaking scenery and volcano views inside. One of these units has two bedrooms to accommodate a maximum of 4 guests while the Kataza House is a self-contained villa with 4 bedrooms.
Being created in response to its dramatic setting, this luxury lodge includes elements such as woven ceilings and hand-fired terracotta brickwork crafted by local artisans. This lodge has a conservation room, on-site nursery plus a vegetable garden which provides fresh produces to the lodge’s restaurant.
Offering guests a nurturing space within which to contemplate their encounters with the gorillas, the lodge envelopes them in a sanctuary of warmth, stillness and solitude.
Being set within a landscape of wetlands and lush meadows, this lodge provides magnificent views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes. Designed around local materials, the buildings have been crafted using volcanic rock, river stone, handmade ceramic tiles and oven-red clay bricks made by surrounding communities.
A central hub with beautiful indoor and outdoor living spaces serves as the heart of Singita Kwitonda lodge. this space forms an experiential enclave with lounges, dining areas, an outdoor fire pit, an interactive kitchen, bar delicatessen and a wine cellar for guests to enjoy.
Guests enjoy a lot of amenities from the lodge such as in-room massage treatments, central fireplaces in suites and the main lodge, Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the lodge, Electricity, Wine cellar and tastings, Singita Boutique & Gallery store, Conservation Room, the on-site Akarabo Nursery and garden, Private outdoor heated plunge pools among others.
Children of all ages are welcome at the lodge though the gorilla trekking age is 15 and above.
One&Only Gorilla Nest Lodge. The Lodge is strategically set in the foothills of the breathtaking African tropical rain forest right underneath the five volcanoes. The One & Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge is located 6 kilometers from the Kinigi Park headquarters and is one of the lodges that are on the trailhead of many gorilla families and golden monkey adventures.
One & Only Gorilla’s Nest features 21 guest suites seven one-bedroom suites and fourteen deluxe rooms. The rooms are extremely spacious with en-suite bathrooms, showers and toilets.
The lodge also features well-trained employees and a restaurant that serves a variety of meals based on the client’s requests and orders. The hotel serves tasty African food that is grown right from the gardens nearby.
Gorillas Nest’s amenities include free Wi-Fi, airport transfers, free parking, a spa, a swimming pool, a health center, a fully stocked bar and a restaurant with experienced chefs that make exquisite local and international cuisine. Activities offered at One & Only Gorilla’s Nest include gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, hiking and nature walks, birding, Dian Fossey hike, cultural visits, twin lake tours, kayaking and excursions to Musanze caverns among others though at an extra free from the accommodation fee.
Sabyinyo Silver Back Lodge. It is a spectacular lodge situated at the foothills of the Virunga’s across the valley. This community owned lodge offers unforgettable views of Mt Sabyinyo.
Sabyinyo Silver back Lodge stretches over about 17-acres of property offering exceptional views of the Mountain Volcanoes and verdant green fields and farmlands at a distance. The Lodge comprises of 9 cottages and suites situated at a distance and these feature Rwandan terracotta tile roofs, open patios for relaxing in hammocks and seating area.
The Lodge includes a family suite that has two bedrooms, each opening onto the shared patio.
The lodge has stone cottages and suites, each with a large sitting room, stylish bedroom, private veranda and fireplace. While at the lodge, you can enjoy an excursion to see golden monkeys or visit the lava flows outside Ruhengeri town.
Bisate Lodge. Bisate Lodge. It is situated in the amphitheater of an eroded volcanic cone and it is owned by wilderness safaris. The lodge sits on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park and derives its name from a Kinyarwanda word “Bisate” which means ‘pieces’ describing how the once-whole cone was worn away by natural erosion.
The 6 luxurious suites encompass warmth, comfort and panoramic views whilst retaining the environmental principles and culture of Rwanda.
The villas were designed by traditional Rwandan craftsmen, each measuring nearly 100 square feet. Inside showers with hot and warm water, a dressing room, luggage storage, a lounge area, a library, a minibar, a fireplace, and a private butler are all available in the villas.
The villas also have large private balconies with views of the park and the Virunga mountains. Bisate Lodge offers free parking, free breakfast, laundry service, airport transfers, Wi-Fi, and a bar and restaurant.
The food and juice are served fresh and got from the lodges’ own gardens. The staffs are very friendly and will do everything to ensure that guests have a memorable time
The Bisate Lodge was the first lodge in Rwanda to combine world-class luxury with once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventures. It is also a perfect base for those going for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, bird watching, nature walks, golden monkey trekking, village tours, and visiting Musanze caves.
The location offers spectacular views of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes rising above the park’s Afro-alpine forests, and the lodge’s architecture reflects rural Rwandan culture. Bisate Lodge is dedicated to responsible eco-tourism and the preservation of Rwanda’s incredible natural heritage.
Virunga Lodge. Virunga Lodge. It is set on a stunning hillside. Virunga Lodge boasts panoramic vistas of the Virunga Volcanoes and the beautiful lakes of Ruhondo and Burera.
Each of 10 luxurious Banda’s named after the Rwandan lakes features a spacious bedroom with a cozy fireplace, as well as private terrace with sweeping views of the breathtaking surrounds.
This remarkable lodge is filled with Rwandan design and culture reflecting the traditional building style of Rwanda and offers almost 360-degree views of the surrounding area. The lodge has won international awards because of the quality services it offers.
Activities that you can participate in while at the lodge include trekking gorillas and golden monkeys, hikes to the top of the volcanoes, scenic walks through the picturesque villages surrounding the lodge, or day trips to the lively towns of Kigali.
Go Lux Lodge. Go Lux Lodge is an eco-lodge perched on the edge of a forest close to the entrance of Volcanoes National Park famous for mountain gorillas. Go Lux Lodge is located within comfortable walking distance to Volcanoes National Park headquarters where guests assemble early each morning to be briefed about the gorilla treks and later afterwards transferred to the base of the volcanoes when the gorilla trekking trailheads begin. Go Lux Lodge offers a sophisticated blend of modern luxury and Rwandan charm.
Go Lux Lodge is an ideal accommodation option for visitors to Kinigi Ruhengeri and for those going for gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, guided forest walks, community walks, visiting the Musanze caves, bird watching, mountain climbing of Mt Bisoke, Sabyinyo or Karisimbi.
Go Lux Lodge is a boutique lodge with only 4 cottages keeping it fairly private and unique. The lodge was constructed with locally sourced materials and built by local tradesmen and craftsmen. At Go Lux Lodge, guests enjoy stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes and thick forested mountains into Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Guests at Go Lux Lodge can soak in great views of the Mgahinga and Muhabura Volcanoes of Uganda.
Each of the cottages features a spacious bedroom area, en-suite bathrooms with walk-in shower and separate lounge. Each cottage has a verandah with great outdoor views and chairs for you to relax/chill. Go Lux Lodge has fireplaces to keep you warm on cold evenings and nights. The lodge has a bar that is open all day to guests.
Go Lux Lodge has a panoramic open deck where guests can relax as they talk about their experiences and adventures in the Volcanoes National Park. The lodge’s chef prepares delicious meals with organic ingredients fresh from the garden or purchased from local market in Kinigi/Musanze. Meals are served in front of a roaring fire in the dining area or in the privacy of your cottage.
Go Lux Lodge is a boutique private lodge with a rustic feel and great African ambiance with bespoke service for each guest in a relaxing atmosphere.
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel. This lodge sits on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park in the town of Kinigi. Kinigi town is at the foothill of the park entrance and headquarters, so from an accessibility point of view, the hotel makes the perfect base for gorilla trekkers. It is an affordable lodge with simple and cozy accommodation. The Hotel is just over 80 kilometres from Kigali International Airport. The lodge comprises of 13 rooms. Each facility is air conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator and kettle. The lodge’s staff is looking forward to make your stay a pleasant one.
The lodge is constructed from timber, stone and thatch. The communal lodge contains the lounge, restaurant, and bar area and comfy sofas. The restaurant is set up with separate tables for fine dining while the bar has a rustic style with its line of high wooden chairs.
Guest accommodation at Five Volcanoes comes in five categories; Standard Room, Deluxe Room (Double), Deluxe Room (Twin), Family Suite and VIP Cottage.
The en-suite facilities include flush toilet, washbasins (single for Standard Room), and walk-in shower. All options bar the Standard Room also have air conditioning. The Family Suite boasts two large bedrooms, both en-suite, and a shared lounge. And the VIP Cottage also has two big en-suite bedrooms, together with a living area that includes a dining table for a maximum of six persons.
Its location on the outskirts of the national park invites almost all guests (over 15 years) to trek the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees of Rwanda. The lodge also offers bike riding, trekking to see the golden monkeys in the bamboo forest and canoe trips through the Rwandan countryside, at an additional cost.
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. It is one of the luxury lodges in Musanze District on the outskirts of Volcanoes National Park near Kinigi headquarters. It is an eco-lodge constructed from the local materials and supports local communities by using farm fresh products in its restaurant.
Accommodation at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge comes in the form of 30 stone-and-thatch cottages, well-spaced apart for privacy and with dazzling views as soon as you step outside onto their verandas.
The cottages are spacious and comfortably furnished. They have a small lounge with a tea-and-coffee station plus a fireplace that is lit for you on your return from what might have been a cold and wet day trekking for gorillas. Each cottage has an en suite bathroom with a basin, shower and flush toilet plus a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
The main lodge has a bar and a restaurant serving home cooked and delicious food.
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge runs on mains electricity with a generator backup, ensuring you can recharge your camera batteries and devices after a day in the rainforest.
Meals at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge are served buffet or a la carte, depending on guest numbers at the lodge. Dining is at individual tables with room service available if requested in advance.
The lodge also has a children’s play area and hence favoring travelers who move around with their kids. Shuttle services are also available on request.
Davinci Gorilla Lodge. Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge is located in Volcanoes National Park in the shadow of Karisimbi Mountain. The lodge has about 5 cottages. The rooms are spacious and designed in an African safari style, each also have spacious windows. Everywhere from the lodge you have an amazing view of the volcanoes and the mountains in the national park.
At night the staff will light a fireplace where you can enjoy the sunset. Family rooms, hot water showers, 24hr room service and free Wi-Fi are available. It is one of the finest safari lodges offering comfortable accommodation to travelers visiting Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda.
The lodge is a perfect base for those going for gorilla trekking, hiking the volcanoes and also those interesting in Biking tours. From the lodge, it is just a 20 minutes’ drive to the park headquarters where the gorilla trek starts from. The lodge is pet friendly. Facilities at the lodge include; free parking, free breakfast, car hire, conference facilities, BBQ facilities, bar / lounge, restaurant, snack bar, special diet menus, baggage storage, TV area, 24-hour front desk, laundry service, ironing service, shoeshine, newspapers among others.
Tiloreza Eco Gorilla Lodge. The lodge is located just next to the main road to volcanoes national park and it is about a 20-30 minutes’ drive to the park headquarters in Kinigi.
Tiloreza Eco Gorilla Lodge is a classic boutique hotel with a distinctive lodge set up to provide maximum comfort during your gorilla trekking experience in volcanoes national park. The lodge is perfectly set in an eco-friendly environment with a perfect swimming pool. The lodge considers excellent service during your stay.
All 14 rooms offer free Wi-Fi, balconies and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Other amenities available to guests include sitting areas, room service and rainfall showerheads. Tiloreza Eco Gorilla Lodge offers 14 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and complimentary bottled water.
Apart from gorilla trekking, you can as well participate in other activities such as visiting Musanze town, bike riding via the Africa rising stars, enjoying community walks in Kinigi, hiking Diana Fossey grave among other activities when you’re at this lodge.
The only and easiest way to get to this lodge is by driving by road using a 4×4 safari vehicle for those aiming to trek the Mountain gorillas. The lodge is located 115 km from Kigali via Musanze town and the drive is just about 2 hours from Kigali.
Lebambou Gorilla Lodge. Lebambou Gorilla Lodge is located strategically near the Volcanoes National Park which is home to the rare species of mountain gorillas.
This property is situated 02 hours and a half minutes’ drive from Kigali International Airport and only 10 minutes’ drive from the park headquarters. The lodge offers mid-range accommodation for gorilla trekkers.
Lebambou Gorilla Lodge as a safari lodge comprises of 23 self-contained private cottages with an individual fireplace. The rooms were built and properly designed to offer you comfort.
The property was constructed all from environmentally friendly items as well as local materials such as bamboo. The attractiveness of this property is seen by its comfort, price, convenience as well as location.
At the lodge there is a local cultural dancing troupe that entertains guests to showcase Rwanda’s lifestyle and culture to the visiting guests and thus promoting sustainable tourism through cultural exchange, local community interactions and experiencing real Rwandan cultural welfare.
Facilities at the lodge include; Free Wi-Fi, free Parking, free coffee, guest laundry, free breakfast and soft drinks, free room service, cable TV, fridge among others.
Wilderness Sabyinyo Lodge. It is nestled in the foothills of the mist-shrouded Virunga Massif. The lodge encourages the spirit of conservation and rehabilitation.
Accommodation at Sabyinyo comprises 6 charming stone cottages, two luxurious suites with king-size four-poster beds and one spacious family unit with two separate bedrooms. Each elegant cottage features large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms and a sheltered veranda with cinematic views over the volcanoes.
Meals at Sabyinyo are designed with sustainability in mind, using healthy, flavorful recipes that tread lightly on the Earth. Daily harvests from the organic vegetable gardens inspire our menu of traditional dishes sprinkled with cosmopolitan flair.
It goes without saying our meals are served with warm Rwandan hospitality in this dreamy, mist-cloaked setting. Besides gorilla and golden monkey trekking, there is a lot of things to see and discover at Sabyinyo Lodge.
Muhabura Hotel. It is situated in Musanze District about 20 minutes’ drive from the park. This lodge has 30 rooms divided into single rooms, double, twin, flats and triples.
The lodge also has meeting facilities, balcony, bar, swimming pool, restaurant and gardens.
Muhabura hotel has a room which was used by Dian Fossey after she left her gorilla camp. After her death the management decided to leave the room just as she had left it in her memory.
The hotel’s front desk is open 24 hours a day therefore, you can walk in any time and book a room though it is always advisable to book in advance to avoid any kind of disappointment.
Kinigi Guest House. It is located just few kilometers from Kigali. Kinigi Guest House stands merely 500 meters from Volcanoes National Park’s headquarters. This proximity makes it one of the most strategically positioned lodges near Volcanoes National Park for early-morning gorilla treks.
Kinigi guest house boasts simple yet comfortable rooms equipped with essential amenities, including hot water showers and reliable Wi-Fi. This accommodation also has a beautiful garden setting where guests can enjoy stunning views of the Virunga Mountains while sipping their coffee.
The dining experience at Kinigi Guest House is a delightful blend of local and international cuisine. Their restaurant serves hearty breakfasts perfect for energizing before a trek and their dinner menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The dedicated staff often prepare packed lunches for guests heading out for mountain gorilla trekking. The guest house has 20 rooms and can accommodate up to 40 people.
