When you choose to go on your gorilla tours in Rwanda mind about also the accommodation stay in Rwanda, and we can suggest a variety of places to stay that range from luxury properties to family-run guesthouses and hotels in restored historic buildings. They all come recommended by our specialists from their own experience of staying there.
Sabyinyo Silver back Lodge is in enviably close proximity to the Parc National des Volcans, whilst Volcanoes Virunga Lodge is an eco-friendly option in one of the most stunning locations in the continent. Mountain Gorilla View Lodge also offers a mid-range choice with close proximity to the park.
Throughout the rest of Rwanda, accommodation varies with the majority of investment having been made around the gorilla park. Please take a look at some of our favourite options below, or contact us for more details on what to expect from your accommodation in Rwanda.
Bisate Lodge
This is a new, luxurious lodge in Rwanda’s Virunga Volcanoes region, opened in mid-2017. This sumptuous eco – lodge aims to provide guests with more than just a “gorilla express” experience, rather immersing you into the local atmosphere, giving you a greater understanding of the conservation work that helps to protect the gorillas, eco – systems and the local community.
With just six forest villas spaced across the large but private Bisate site, you will feel as though you are actually staying within the national park itself.
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Located near Kinigi on the outskirts of the Volcanoes National Park, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel accommodates a select number of guests in comfortable bedrooms with all the necessary amenities for a pleasant stay.
This is one of the best locations from which to track the gorillas and knowing you have a spotless bathroom, comfortable bed and delicious cuisine to come back to after your hard day trekking is a definite bonus.
Kigali Serena Hotel
It is a large and luxurious hotel close to Kigali Airport and the City’s Commercial Centre. Built with polished granite, the hotel is centered on a lounge and bar area which opens out on to a wide sundeck overlooking the pool. The hotel exudes luxury, with 148 rooms and suites, 2 restaurants, bars and a spa all in a pan-African style starring some Rwandese cultural art.
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Surrounded by extensive tropical gardens, on the shores of the massive Lake Kivu, this Serena Hotel is in a beautiful spot to enjoy the area. A myriad of activities are available on the waters of the lake, and back at the hotel there are some sublime facilities to take advantage of. Relax by the pool, sip cocktails at the bar or head to the ‘Maisha’ Health Centre for a range of health and beauty treatments to help you to relax. This is a great place to stay after some hard going gorilla trekking.
One & Only Resorts – Gorilla’s Nest Lodge
It is a comfortable premium lodge located at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes and only a 5-minute drive from the park headquarters. Rooms have hot and cold water and electricity. The lodge is mid-range but hut has great access to the park for gorilla tracking. If you do return early from gorilla tracking why not spend the afternoon playing a round of golf on the locally constructed course! Gorilla’s Nest is situated close to the entrance to Parc National des Volcans in northern Rwanda and set within a grove of trees with the rooms set around a large courtyard. On a clear day the views across to the volcanoes and surrounding area are spectacular.
Jack Hanna’s Cottage
At the base of the Virunga Volcano Range, Jack Hanna’s cottage is a luxury, private guesthouse boasting beautiful views. Recently renovated to five-star standards, this cottage provides guests the highest standard of accommodation in the area. Sleeping up to 4 people across two rooms, the cottage is perfect for families or a small group of friends who enjoy exclusivity and privacy.
The Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
It is a new, mid-range lodge, perfectly situated for gorilla tracking in Rwanda. The 30 individual stone and thatch cottages have been built on 4 acres of land on the slopes of Mt Sabyinyo and each have en-suite facilities, a small lounge with a fire place and a private veranda. The cottages are of a good size and are well positioned to give them privacy from one another.
There is a separate restaurant and bar area where meals served to the guests. Located very close, about 15 minutes, from the main headquarters of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park (Parc National de Volcans), this is a very handy base from which to explore the area and organize treks to see the golden monkeys and the mountain gorillas.
Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Blending into the local environment – with its natural structural appearance – the lodge overlooks the tea plantation and rain forest, a unique view and spectacular area to stay. Aimed at the Western market, lodges have contemporary fittings and interiors, with traditional touches and large windows. Fantastic for tracking chimpanzees, there is a total of 13 primates in the area, as well as 275 bird species, including the striking giant horn bills, great blue turaco’s and red-breasted sparrow-hawks.
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
It is a small private luxury tented camp made up of seven en-suite tents on the beautiful shores of Lake Ihema. The camp surrounds a grass-thatched main structure that houses the reception area, the lounge, dining area and bar. The camp is fully powered by solar energy and has hot running water throughout. With a capacity of slightly over 20 people, the camp is an intimate retreat allowing for a relaxing stay while remaining immersed in the wildlife. Proceeds from the lodge go towards conservation and supporting the communities around the park where many of the staff come from.
Sabyinyo Silver Back Lodge
Located close to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park, this luxurious lodge allows travelers to acclimatize to the altitude of the Virunga Mountains while preparing for a life-changing experience: tracking the mountain gorillas of Rwanda. Spacious rooms, sheltered balconies, 24-hour electricity, hot and cold running water and the choice of a bar, restaurant, library and games room ensures every guest is well catered for, no matter how they’d like to spend their stay. Thanks to its proximity to the gorillas’ habitat, Sabyinyo is a fantastic choice for safari-goers who wish to combine their gorilla trekking experience with rest and relaxation.
Virunga Lodge
It is a comfortable eco – lodge located on a hillside overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes and Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. 360-degree breath-taking views make this one of the top lodge destinations in Africa. Ten Banda’s with private verandas offer views over the lakes and volcanoes; open fire places in the lounge and dining room are a warm welcome after a day tracking the mountain gorillas. Volcanoes Virunga Lodge is built around eco-friendly concepts with solar lighting and use of local materials. Approximately a 45-minute drive from the gorilla park of Parc National des Volcans.
