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Best places to Stay when Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda’s popularity for its gorilla trekking experiences has allowed visitors to have up-close encounters with the endangered apes in their natural habitat. If you are planning an adventurous safari in Rwanda, you may be interested in the variety of gorilla trekking lodges available.

There is nothing more peaceful than waking up in a rainforest to the sounds, textures, and sheer immensity of these primate-infested jungles, which are a stunning reminder of the beauty of nature. These pristine forest resorts are often adorned with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and jungle canopies that transport visitors to exquisite enchantments. However, the list of unique experiences available doesn’t end with searching for gorillas in rainforests. Chimpanzee tracking, sighting the Big 5, and hiking up ancient dormant volcanoes are some of the things you may do besides gorilla trekking when visiting the Land of a Thousand Hills.

We’ve put up a list of our favorite places to stay on each leg of your adventure through this African safari jewel to help you get a head start on planning your African adventure:

1. One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Let One & Only Gorilla Nest’s charming getaways awaken your untamed adventure spirit on your gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda. Enjoy the creature comforts of the glistening infinity pool, delicious cuisine made with local seasonal ingredients, and stimulating spa. The lodge’s ostentatious wooden design combines native volcanic stone in the decor with a brown color scheme and traditional Rwandan black and white Imigongo designs (geometric patterns originally made from cow dung).

Some rooms feature bathtubs or showers on their wooden decks, while others have baths that look out onto the vegetation so closely that it makes visitors feel part of the jungle environment. The rooms are designed to let in as much natural light as possible. Each room has a cozy gas fireplace as well. Four spacious suites that mushroom over the expansive, aromatic gardens with enchanting amenities and 14 free-standing forest hideaways make up the resort’s stunning collection. The rooms feature observation terraces, cozy fireplaces, outdoor showers, and independent baths.

The One & Only Gorilla’s Nest is more than simply a safari lodge; it is one of Africa’s most opulent forest resorts. From your own private sanctuary, where swaying eucalyptus trees are surrounded by stunning volcanic panoramas, you can become one with nature.

2. Bisate Lodge

The most recent addition to Rwanda’s collection of opulent safari lodges for gorilla trekking is Bisate Lodge. With chic conical chalets and replicas of former Rwandese royal residences, its ultra-funky architecture portrays a hint of glitz. The distance between the lodge and the gorilla trekking trailhead is 8 kilometers (16 minutes by car).

Six conically formed thatched forest villas are exquisitely snuggled into the thick forest environment, with spacious porches giving out onto breathtaking views of the Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Mikeno volcanic peaks.The suites’ traditional designs pay homage to Rwandan culture, and the superb interior design maximizes coziness and warmth while maximizing the ambience of the jungle. The villa comprises a spacious bedroom, living area, and bathroom, all of which are heated by a central fireplace, while the breathtaking views from the private balconies are ideal for peaceful vacation days.

The lodge’s menu combines traditional Rwandan flavors with cutting-edge international cuisines and healthful farm-to-table fare. After the gorilla safari excursion, you can spend a romantic evening at the wine cellar, which has an amazing collection.

3. Virunga Lodge

The magnificent Virunga Lodge, situated on breathtaking hillside farmland above Musanze Valley, offers panoramic views of the Virunga Massif and the lovely lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera.

Since 2004, the legendary safari lodge has set the standard for the best bush resorts in Africa, defining Rwandese Afro-chic. It features twelve opulent bandas with spacious bedrooms, cozy fireplaces, and exclusive verandas. The interior is a blend of classic, hand-made style with contemporary interior design to offer guests a comfortable yet distinctive familiarity in the jungle. Unwinding in the main boutique lounge is incredibly restorative. In the Dian Fossey Map Room, spend some time studying and learning about significant advancements in gorilla conservation. Additionally, each guest receives a complimentary massage, which they’ll find to be quite soothing after their gorilla trekking experience.

Virunga Lodge therefore stands among the best lodging options in Rwanda for gorilla trekking excursions thanks to its fantastic food and outstanding personalized service.

4. Singita Kwitonda Lodge

A 10-minute drive from the park office, Singita Kwitonda Lodge’s unrivaled location makes life-changing gorilla trekking experiences easily accessible. The lodge features eight exquisite suites with fireplaces, a private heated plunge pool, a wellness treatment area, and wide timber-framed windows that let in spectacular countryside and volcano views.

Kwitonda Lodge, built in response to the striking landscapes around it, features distinctive features like hand-fired terracotta brickwork and woven ceilings designed by local artisans. Fresh ingredients are provided by the on-site vegetable garden for Kwitonda’s farm-to-table dining experience. Guests to Kwitonda have a nurturing environment in which to reflect on their encounters with the remarkable “gentle giants of the forest”, enveloping them in a haven of warmth, serenity, and seclusion.

5. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

This classic vacation resort by Governors Camp is tucked away in the Virunga Mountains’ foothill jungles, not far from the park’s headquarters. Guests can swiftly walk from this location to the briefing point to begin their gorilla trekking excursions.

The lodge is a favorite pick for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The incredibly cozy terracotta cottages surrounded by tropical vegetation in front of the majestic Virungas make Sabyinyo an utterly charming place.

The exquisitely designed cottages made of solid, rustic stone feature spacious living areas, fireplaces, sophisticated ensuite bathrooms, and private porches. Private suites feature traditional terracotta tile roofs and polished wooden flooring. The in-house chef prepares meals that may be enjoyed in the cozy dining area or al fresco on the deck outdoors while taking in the magnificent Virunga vistas.

6. Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is a fantastic location for gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and nature hiking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. It is tucked away at the foothills of Mount Karisimbi, a 10-minute drive from the park entrance.

The lodge features 30 individual forest cabins, each of which is made of local materials and has a spacious living area, a fireplace, an en-suite bathroom, and a sitting area outdoors. The chef prepares local gourmet meals using fresh ingredients from the farm.

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is the best lodging option if you’re looking for decent, laid-back, and reasonably priced gorilla trekking accommodations near Volcanoes National Park. Although less opulent than the lodges previously described, it provides competitive services at a lodging rate that won’t break the bank.

7. Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel is located on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in the town of Kinigi. The hotel serves as an ideal home base since the town is at the foothills of the park’s headquarters and entrance. 13 stone chalets and one deluxe cottage are situated on the grounds of the meticulously maintained gardens and the inviting pool. The main lodge contains a separate bar, dining room, and lounge area for guests’ convenience. The well-maintained gardens feature a pool, a massage hut, a sauna, and a steam room for those looking to unwind entirely.

The stone cottages, which are decorated in a typically Rwandese sense of style, each feature a private bathroom and a balcony with breathtaking views of the surrounding Volcanoes Mountain range. The rooms’ layout is straightforward but provides everything needed for a restful night’s sleep after a day of trekking and adventure.

8. Kinigi Guesthouse

Kinigi Guesthouse is a non-profit organization for the “Association de Solidarité des Femmes Rwandaises” (ASOFERWA), which constitutes mainly widows and orphans. It is situated on the foothills of Virunga’s volcanoes in Kinigi district, a 10-minute drive from Ruhengeri town.

Kinigi is a convenient starting point for exploring the panoramic, imposing majesty of the volcanic mountain ranges of Virunga, which serve as the natural habitat of the endangered mountain gorillas. It sits at the bottom of Sabyinyo Volcanic Mountain. Over 40 people can be accommodated at Kinigi Guest House, and each room has power and hot water. There is one VIP suite available for more discerning travelers. The early morning gorilla trekking departures from the office are significantly more convenient due to Kinigi’s proximity and perfect location. It is well maintained, and on a clear day, the Virunga and Volcanoes offer spectacular views.

The revenue generated from this project goes to paying school fees for local orphaned children, purchasing land for agricultural projects, supporting groups of widows, and marketing art pieces created by local artists.