The luxurious lodges in Rwanda make a gorilla safari to be on a luxury demand. These lodges include
Kwitonda Lodge
Set in Rwanda’s northwestern reaches, right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, Singita Kwitonda Lodge’s unparalleled position puts life-changing gorilla-trekking experiences within easy reach.
In response to its exquisite location, each of the lodge’s eight luxurious suites features a private heated plunge pool, in- and outdoor fireplaces and large timber-framed windows that welcome the breath taking scenery and volcano views inside. Elements like woven ceilings and hand-fired terracotta brick work crafted by local artisans highlight the authentic East African appeal of this remarkable lodge.
Further raising the bar on sustainable luxury ecotourism, Kwitonda’s farm-to-table food journey celebrates Rwandese cuisine and fresh produce from the on-site garden, while the Akarabo Nursery is a fundamental part of Singita’s ambitious undertaking to contribute to the long-term conservation of endangered mountain gorillas by increasing their habitat through reforestation.
Affectionately known as “The land of a Thousand Hills”, this tiny country in the heart of the continent offers a range of other attractions too, and unspoilt forests, lush meadows, picture-perfect lakes and the vibrant streets of the capital Kigali all contribute to the increasing demand for Rwanda on East African itineraries.
Bisate Lodge, which opened in 2017, is right next to Volcanoes National Park. It provides a high-end base to visit the famous mountain gorillas as well as the lesser-known, but very beautiful, golden monkeys.
Is new and exclusive place to stay in the Volcanoes area. The Bisate Lodge has been built in an area with some beautiful views, fairly close to the park’s HQ, and its engaging and impressive managers are focused on a high level of personalized service.
Bisate Lodge is planned as a lavish sanctuary, with six forest villas in a secluded location, just outside the southern border of Volcanoes National Park. The lodge is be close to the town of Kinigi, just a 20-minute drive from the park headquarters, putting Bisate in a great position for trekking access.
As the lodge and all its villas face Bisoke Volcano, we understand that it has some remarkable views. Some of the villas also have a view of two other prominent volcanoes, Mikeno and Karisimbi. The lodge itself has been built within a very small volcanic cone of its own, which thankfully has been extinct for a long time!
Sabyinyo Silver back Lodge
Nine comfortable and luxurious chalets made out of local stone are dotted throughout the lush gardens of Sabyinyo Silver back Lodge. Dinner on your private veranda, morning tea and cookies served to the indoor sitting area in front of the fireplace and very spacious bathrooms.
Set in beautiful, and vast, landscaped gardens, the lodge’s buildings are made from local stone, with terracotta roof tiles, creating a contemporary Rwandan ambience and blending in well with the local surroundings. The gardens are well-maintained, and include a garden of calla lilies: Sabyinyo Lodge grows its own flowers to stock the large vases found throughout the rooms.
Each room comes with large double or twin beds (complete with very snug bedding), a dressing room (with plenty of hanging space and shelving, which houses a safe) and a minibar, pre – stocked with bottled water and bottles of wine, should you wish to relax in your room rather than head to the bar.
Virunga Lodge is currently one of the area’s top lodges. It certainly has one of the most spectacular locations of any camp in Africa high on a ridge overlooking the twin lakes of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo.
The lodge has ten spacious stone rooms – eight standard rooms and two ‘deluxe’ rooms each named after an African lake. They have a rustic design with a neutral colour scheme, and have been finished to a high standard. All have wooden floors, chunky wooden furniture, large verandas and following a recent facelift – a fireplace to keep you warm in the evening. They also now have flushing toilets (rather than the original eco – toilets). The ‘deluxe’ rooms are a little larger than the standard rooms, and each has an adjoining lounge with a number of comfy sofas.
The communal areas of Virunga Lodge are set at the top of the hill. Here you’ll find a cozy lounge with sofas, coffee tables and bookshelves arranged around a central stone fireplace. There’s a bar in one corner, with friendly staff on hand to serve you a drink.
A new addition to Virunga Lodge is the Dian Fossey Map Room. This is a light, airy space with lots of windows giving panoramic views of Lake Ruhondo and the volcanoes beyond. The room was built in tribute to Dian Fossey, who was instrumental in establishing the gorilla conservation and research programme in the Virunga. The walls are covered in prints featuring old maps, famous explorers and gorilla conservationists. The map room functions as a second lounge, and is a great place to relax and take in the afternoon sun.
