Bisate Lodge – Top Luxury Lodges in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Bisate Lodge is adjacent to Volcanoes National Park, and it combines the bucket-list gorilla trek with a pioneering vision of reforestation and community partnership.
It is located in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone, with dramatic views of the peaks of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes rearing up through Afro-alpine forests.
Bisate Lodge enjoys a truly dramatic natural setting at the heart of an amphitheatre formed by eroded volcano cones. Twelve conically shaped thatched forest villas are tucked into the lush forest setting, spacious verandas opening out onto magnificent views of the surrounding peaks.
The traditional shapes of the suites are a nod to Rwandan culture, while the sumptuous interiors maximize comfort and warmth while making the most of the scenic views. Encountering one of the gorilla groups in the nearby Volcanoes National Park is a unique experience.
Six opulent en-suite forest villas maximize comfort and views while adhering to environmentally responsible principles and reflecting the rich culture of rural Rwanda. Bisate is within easy driving distance of the Park headquarters, from where gorilla trekking safaris depart daily.
Walks on Bisate’s property offer birding and participation in the reforestation program. Bisate lodge is Rwanda’s first genuinely luxurious and eco – sensitive safari camp, centered on Africa’s most immersive wild primate experience.
MOUNTAIN GORILLA VIEW LODGE
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is a 4-star facility located in Musanze district in northern Rwanda neighboring Volcanoes National Park (home to the rare endangered mountain gorillas). The lodge is located on the foothills of the Mount Sabyinyo, a volcanic mountain that make up the Virunga ranges.
The lodge is about 15 minutes drive from the main entrance to Volcanoes National Park. Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is an eco – lodge with 30 spacious cottages which are made of stone and thatch. All cottages come with a living area with a fireplace, en-suite facilities and a private veranda.
Set on the slopes of the volcanic mountains that make up Rwanda’s famous Volcanoes National Park and only a short drive from its entrance gate, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is a great choice for a simple and comfortable accommodation at the heart of the life-changing gorilla-trekking experience.
Sensitively designed and built using local sustainable resources, the lodge’s 30 cottages are well spaced from each other and come complete with fireplaces and en suite bathrooms.
The views from the lodge and your room are amazing – rugged, forest-covered mountains steaming with mist and mystery – and you will see many birds and monkeys in the gardens as you stroll around and soak up the scenery. Daily performances of traditional Rwandan song and dance add to the uniquely African atmosphere.
The main focus at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is access to one of the 12 habituated gorilla families in the Volcanoes National Park.
Your trek to find them may be as short as 30 minutes or it may be several hours but the reward is an unparalleled wildlife experience shared by only a privileged few.
It can be tough and muddy work trekking through rain forest, hence protective gloves and gaiters are provided by the lodge – a thoughtful touch, as is the complementary boot-cleaning service.
There are also treks into the forest to search for the rare golden monkeys as well as hikes to the grave of Dian Fossey, the late conservationist who first bought the plight of the mountain gorillas to the world’s attention decades ago.
JACK HANNA’S GUESTHOUSE
The guesthouse was once a home to the American conservationist, Jack Hanna, and this private guesthouse was recently refurbished to provide smart and modern accommodation right in the heart of the Volcanoes National Park (home to mountain gorillas).
The house is located within the ground of another currently closed property (Gorilla Nest Lodge) commanding views of the nearby nine-hole golf course and the towering volcanoes beyond. With its own private garden as well, guests will really feel connected with the surrounding landscape.
The guesthouse consists of the main house and 2 en-suite bedrooms, comfortably sleeping four adults or a small family.
Constructed of local stone, with a spacious lounge and enormous fireplace, dining area and inviting living room, the guesthouse is kitted out with a blend of modern and antique furnishings and international artwork.
Bedrooms include double beds, en-suite bathroom, a seating area and access to the veranda and private garden, a relaxing spot to spend your evening enjoying sun downers in front of the mighty volcanoes national park.
The food and services are excellent, with handcrafted menus built around guests’ dietary expectations. A personal butler and private chef ensure each and every request is met.
Activities at the property include mountain gorilla and golden monkey treks, bird watching, sun downers, golf, and luxurious spa treatments.
VIRUNGA LODGE
Virunga Lodge is a fantastic and premier luxury gorilla lodge of Rwanda and one of Africa’s finest and most renowned lodges.
The lodge is perched high on a ridge with splendid views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the Musanze valley to the west and the twin lakes, Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, to the east.
It offers the finest views in Africa, uniquely decorated rooms in the Rwandese style, fantastic food and exceptional and personalized service by the lodge’s carefully trained staff.
It is the first accommodation choice for the luxury traveler tracking the endangered mountain gorillas.
The lodge comprises of ten luxurious Banda’s (2 deluxe, 6 doubles and 2 twins) and each of them has a private terrace from which the guests can watch the sunrise over the dramatic landscape of mountains and lakes.
It is luxuriously appointed with the accent on vibrant Rwandese fabrics and stylish locally inspired furniture. Each Banda has an individual fire place, a luxury shower room with a double vanity, and charging station.
The two deluxe Banda’s, Ibirunga and Ibiyaga, have their own private sitting room and more refined interiors.
The lodge offers; personal butler service for all guests, one complimentary massage per guest, complimentary laundry and boot cleaning service, the Spa, premium wine, whisky, and cocktail menus. The lodge also includes a guide cottage.
THE BISHOP’S HOUSE
The Bishop’s House is nestled in the Northern Province of Rwanda in a town called Musanze, which is well known as the gateway to the mighty Volcanoes National Park (home to the Mountain Gorilla and the Golden Monkey).
The house is just a mere 25 minutes’ drive away from the park and its plethora of inhabitants both big and small.
Its location in the rich quiet suburbs of Musanze places makes the house an ideal location for travelers wanting to explore the Volcanoes National Park, the Musanze Caves and all the other attractions that make the area a busy tourist hub. It comprises of nine luxurious guest rooms.
The colonial style architecture and furnishings of The Bishop’s House sets it apart from others and its nine luxuriously decorated rooms are available to its guests at an affordable price.
The house is a haven of tranquility, surrounded by flora and fauna along with the sights and sounds of nature, making it the perfect location for any guest looking to unwind and enjoy the calm of the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda.
All the rooms are furnished with large, antique hand-crafted four-poster beds on a wooden floor that envelopes the occupant in warmth and grandeur in the en-suite bathrooms you will be met with hot showers and bathrobes warm and soft to the touch.
The rooms have DSTV, Wi-Fi, mini-bar and tea and coffee facilities to add to the homely feel of The Bishop’s House.
SABYINYO SILVER BACK LODGE
Sabyinyo Silver Back Lodge is within a close proximity to the headquarters of the Volcanoes National Park from where clients trek on foot to see the rare endangered mountain gorillas.
Guest cottages and the main lodge building have been fantastically constructed and appointed and the lodge is the ideal base from which to explore this unique and fascinating corner of Africa.
The lodge is Rwanda’s first ever community owned lodge, which was built and is operated by Governors’ Camp Collection, but the ownership rests with a Community Trust (SACOLA) which uses rentals and community fees from the lodge to drive socio-economic and conservation initiatives in the communities adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park. The lodge has had a significant impact in uplifting the lives of its community neighbors.
Accommodation at Sabyinyo Silver Back Lodge comprises of six cottages, two suites, and one family cottage.
All are stone buildings with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs, and feature large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms finished with Venetian plaster, a dressing room and a sheltered veranda.
Heat exchanges in the fireplaces provide a plentiful supply of hot water. The family cottage comprises of two independent en-suite rooms connected by a shared verandah.
The main lodge building comprises of reception, sitting room with snug area, dining room, library/games room, a responsible tourism/community awareness room, shop and bathrooms.
Three large fireplaces provide warmth and all rooms are finished with a polished wooden floor. Two patio areas afford wonderful and dramatic views to the Virunga Volcanoes and the surrounding lowland farmland.
VILLA GORILLA
Villa Gorilla is located at Kinigi, the headquarters of Rwanda’s famed Volcanoes National Park, a mere 2 hours’ drive from Kigali International Airport.
Within the villa, there are 4 comfortable double occupancy bedrooms, each with private bath and toilet facilities.
The villa also comprises of 3 superb en suite garden bungalows, all with volcano views. The property is an ideal fit for small groups or a family looking for comfort, personal attention from attentive management, privacy and lovely views of the mountains.
The villa is a 3 stars’ accommodation offering beautiful mountain views of the Volcanoes National Park, famed stronghold of the critically endangered mountain gorillas and research site of Dian Fossey.
In addition to gorilla trekking, guests can also trek to the summit of Visoke Volcano, where giant plants, moss, and mist combine in another-worldly Afro-alpine environment. Guests will also track the golden monkeys or walk to Dian Fossey’s grave.
FIVE VOLCANOES BOUTIQUE HOTEL
The hotel is situated in Musanze (Ruhengeri), on the road going to Kinigi, on the edges of the epic Volcanoes National Park, accommodating 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 mountain 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.
The property consists of 13 double or twin bedrooms and one VIP cottage situated in preened gardens with pristine views of the surrounding Volcanoes mountain range.
The main lodge is a thatched building where you will check in and also enjoy your welcome and dining experiences. The rest of the rooms are located in stone chalets, built around the gardens and pool.
Choose from double or twin bedrooms with private bathrooms, outdoor seating and a dressing area. Besides the gardens and pool, the lodge also offers a massage hut, restaurant, sauna and steam room for all your relaxation needs.
LE BAMBOU GORILLA LODGE
Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge is strategically nestled close to the Volcanoes National Park, the only home to the rare endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
The property is located just 2 and a half hours’ drive from Kigali International Airport and only 10 minutes’ drive from the park headquarters.
Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge provides mid-range accommodation for gorilla trekkers. The close proximity to the Park headquarters is very much convenient for trekkers, whereas its location offers full breathtaking views of Mountain Sabyinyo and the rest of the Virunga chain of mountains.
Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge boasts 23 self-contained private cottages with an individual fireplace. The rooms were built and properly designed to offer you total 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 its strategic location. Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge works closely with the local community to ensure that there are job opportunities around the lodge.
A local cultural dancing troupe entertains guests to showcase Rwanda’s lifestyle and culture to the visiting guests, thus promoting sustainable tourism; through cultural exchange, local community interactions and experiencing real Rwandan cultural welfare.
The lodge can also organize tours where you will experience the thrilling pleasures of some of Africa’s most magnificent wildlife spectacles, pampered in luxury, but in synchronization with the simply rhythms of nature and life.
Hospitality, professionalism, integrity, respect and dignity for customers are the core values of the property.
Other values of the Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge are innovation, flexibility, quality customer service, community benefit and accessibility through easy and direct communication.
The property’s major facilities for its guests/customers include; free Wi-Fi, free room service, ideal location for tracking the mountain gorillas, free parking, guest laundry, free coffee, cable TVs in the all rooms, fridges, and free breakfast and soft drinks.
LA LOCANDA
This is an Italian corner in Rwanda, whereby guests will taste a lot of its Italian homemade pastas and pizza backed in the traditional brick oven. The property’s bed and breakfast are giving new life to one of the oldest brick house in Musanze, Rwanda.
Enjoy a warm and homely atmosphere surrounded by a lush garden and in the evening, after work or gorilla trekking in volcanoes, sit in front of the property’s fireplace drinking a nice herbal tea or a glass of Italian red wine.
Try the pleasure to rest in a cozy and comfortable room and in the morning enjoy your breakfast in the property’s rustic porch.
La Locanda is located in the greenest and quite area of the town, about 20 minutes’ walking distance to the center.
For the single traveler, a group of friend, families, or people around for work, for just one night, one weekend or a longer stay, La Locanda is the right place to be in Musanze and enjoy the lifetime experience of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
This adorable guesthouse comprises of nine rooms arranged under three brick villas. The rooms are simple yet impeccably clean and colorful, and the welcoming lounge area is a good place to relax. The property features free Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar, free private parking, garden and terrace, and table tennis.
KINIGI GUEST HOUSE
Kinigi Guest House is a budget accommodation located in Kinigi district, about 11 Kilometers from Ruhengeri City.
It is constructed at the bottom of Sabyinyo volcanic mountain with an altitude of 4,480 meters. It comprises of 20 guest rooms, accommodating over 40 people-all rooms have electricity and warm water.
The rooms are appointed and roomy to make your stay pleasant. Guests will also find dormitories for those traveling in groups, there are shared bathrooms to offer a memorable stay.
Those camping can do so in the gardens where they can pitch their tents. There are four VIP suites together with an ideal hall with 400 seat capacities, for conferences, seminars, weddings and other social functions.
The guesthouse is run by a local women’s co-operative, so most of the money from your stay will go into supporting the community. There is also a bar and lounge area where you can relax and chat.
The renovations have brought with them a generator, so all the rooms offer electricity and hot water. While sparsely furnished, the rooms are warm and comfortable and if it’s gorillas you are interested in, you won’t mind that this isn’t a luxury lodge!
The experienced chef uses local plus international ingredients to prepare very delicious meals. For those who like a particular dish, this can be prepared on prior request. The bar is well stocked with assorted drinks; you can choose to sit at the bar as you sip your drink of your preference.
The staff is warm and friendly, as most of them are got from the neighboring community. The food stuffs plus additional items are purchased from the local people and that is how the local community benefits from this guest house.
SNOW HOTEL
Snow hotel is located in the northern province of Rwanda in Musanze district. The hotel has everything you need to feel like home also located 20 kilometers from Volcanoes national park of Rwanda (one of the only four destinations in the world to protect the rare endangered mountain gorillas).
The hotel is situated at the entrance of Ruhengeri, or Musanze, and you can’t miss it when you arrive from Kigali. It comprises of 23 guest rooms, a restaurant and a conference center and it mainly accommodates foreign travelers and local visitors.
Since Ruhengeri has become a very popular vacation center and a big business town, Snow hotel offers a real hub to visitors: from here you can easily visit the Volcanoes National Park, the city of Musanze or you can just stay overnight with the hotel when you travel from the Congolese border to Kigali or vice versa.
The hotel’s rooms are very spacious; the backside rooms offer a splendid view on the volcanoes and from the front side you will be right in the middle of Musanze. You can visit the town on foot and the local bus station is nearby.
The hotel prices are very democratic and it basically concentrates on budget travelers, foreign and local aid workers and local business people. The hotel offers accommodation, meeting and conference room services, free internet access, and laundry services.
RED ROCKS RWANDA CULTURAL CENTER
Red Rocks Rwanda cultural center facilities include camping tents and a guest house with a local restaurant.
Nestled in the northern province of Rwanda, Musanze (Nyakinama village), the intercultural exchange offers local tours and volunteer opportunities with other local development projects and as a social enterprise, the community philanthropic work is attributed to the property’s love to better humanity of community members.
All community activities and private initiatives offered by Red Rocks work on improving the community with focus on benefiting the quality of life of community people.
The property’s philanthropic work in the rural villages will ensure you are involved in original humanistic traditional communities as well as contribute to the social life development of people. The cultural exchange campsite offers you an opportunity to be a part of community philanthropic travel with a commitment to conservation and responsible tourism in Rwanda.
Red Rocks Rwanda continues to create long-lasting relationships with the communities in the areas around the Virunga Massif (Virunga national park, Mgahinga national park and Volcanoes national park) where it operates by building long lasting relationships with the rural communities and through the work of the Red Rocks initiative identify and sponsor long-term, viable and self-sustaining projects that will have the support of its staff and visitors.
The projects that are supported by the initiative are all community collaborative and the property works closely with them to determine their needs and improve their well-being.
Come and enjoy the serene beauty of Red Rocks as your stay with the property will give you purpose in the most effective way by connecting you with communities and giving you an opportunity of serving others.
Embark on an unforgettable philanthropic journey which ensures that the property works with people to find life changing solutions to the problems faced throughout the great Virunga massif starting off at Red Rocks where you will Meet individuals from the Community and learn the traditional Rwandan way of life or discover how the local people live in harmony alongside Africa’s majestic mountains.
AMAKORO SONGA KINIGI LODGE
The exclusive luxury nature lodge is located in the Northern Province of Rwanda, in Kinigi, and it is a sustainable luxury nature resort, constructed with the latest energy efficient technology and operated in the most sustainable manner with a focus on the conservation of nature and surrounding communities.
The accommodation offers luxury accommodation for eco-tourists particularly those visiting the Volcanoes National Park in Northern Rwanda for Gorilla trekking, birding, and mountain climbing and it seeks to become the leading regional provider of luxury hospitality services and the eco lodge of choice for environmentally conscious travelers while contributing to the social-economic transformation of the local and neighboring community.
