Where to stay on a Gorilla Trek in Rwanda
Planning a gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda has never been easy! It is not something done in one or two days because, there are some formalities to follow, for example, buying air tickets, visa application, booking gorilla permits, organizing your packing list and accommodation booking among others.
As earlier noted that Rwanda offers a perfect destination for mountain gorilla trekking in Africa, the demand for gorilla permits is very high throughout the year and you should inquire about the availability of permits from RDB (Rwanda Development Board) in Kigali or through your Travel Agent. Many people from different parts of the world flock to Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorilla tracking every day of the year. Among top-selling gorilla tour packages include; 3-day gorilla trek with golden monkey tracking, 4-day tour with double gorilla trekking, and 5 day Rwanda safari with 3 gorilla treks. The fact that gorilla permits are on high demand, it means that even accommodation is also on high demand.
If you plan your gorilla tour late, you may end up missing out accommodation unit of your choice, and take up another option that is below your standard. In other words, you should always book your accommodations in time to avoid last-minute rush. There is a wide range of accommodation options around Volcanoes National Park at different standards categorized into Budget, mid-range and luxury lodges, Hotels, Inn, Guest House, and Motels. Below are some of Rwanda’s gorilla trekking lodges around Parc National Des Volcans, a home to mountain gorillas in Africa.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
This is one of the best gorilla trekking lodges around Volcanoes National Park, offering accommodation at the international level. It is a high-end lodge, strategically located on the foothills of the park, with very beautiful views of the Magnificent Virunga Mountains. Accommodation is offered in very beautiful and spacious cottages, each with fantastic view of the mountains. It is less than 20 minutes’ drive to Volcanoes National Park Headquarters at Kinigi. The rates include meals on full board and selected beverages. The lodge can organize airport transfers to clients on request, gorilla permits bookings, and other activities around Volcanoes National Park such as hiking to Dian Fossey Tombs, meet gorilla doctors, tracking golden monkeys, Mountain Karisimbi and Vishoke climbing among others. Part of the revenues to Sabyinyo Silverback lodge directly benefit the local community.
Virunga Safari Lodge
Virunga Safari Lodge is perched high on a ridge with very beautiful views of the Virunga mountain ranges as well as the beautiful twin lakes known as Lake Bulera and Lake Ruhonda. Each Banda has a view of this. This is another 5 Star luxury lodge for gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Most guests describe Virunga Lodge as having the best view in the world and as one of the finest safari lodges in Africa. It is an eco-lodge that was constructed in local materials to blend with the environment/nature.
Virunga Safari lodge info
We have 10 Stone guest bandas, each with tile roofs reflect the local building style.
We have doubles, Deluxe and Twins
En-suite bathrooms with flushing toilet, double vanity, shower with hot and cold running water.
All our rooms have mosquito nets and 240v lighting.
Tour leader rooms available.
Free Wi-Fi available in the main lodge building.
Room rates include meals on full board as well as selected beverages.
Managed by Volcanoes Safaris Limited
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Mountain gorilla view lodge is one of the most popular gorilla trekking lodges around Volcanoes national park offering deluxe accommodation at a very affordable cost. They have free Wi-Fi, independent cottages constructed from local materials to blend with nature. The lodge is strategically located on the foothills of Karisimbi mountain, and very near to the park headquarters. The lodge is managed by 3B hotels with other lodges in Rwanda such as Flame Tree Village in Kigali and Akagera Safari Lodge in Akagera National Park. The cottages are big enough, each with fireplace and coffee maker, En-suite toilets, and bath facilities with cold and hot running water. Each cottage has a private veranda/balcony.
Gorillas Nest Lodge
The Gorillas Nest Lodge recently sustained fire damage to its main public building. We therefore have limited operational capacity until the main Lounge and Dining Room are restored. However, the lodge is still open for single-family or friends groups of up to 8 persons accommodated in the famous Hanna Cottage taking a maximum of 4 persons, and adjacent Ranch Rooms also taking a maximum of 4 persons, all meals prepared by a private chef in the Hanna Cottage.
Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Offering deluxe accommodation in self-contained cottages built using local materials to blend with the environment. Electricity available 24/7, very good food, and free Wi-Fi access. The lodge organizes airport transfers and gorilla trekking permits.
Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge room info
Mini refrigerator
Fireplace to warm the room
Bed, chairs, and wardrobe
Private bath
Permanent warm water
Security safe
Coffee maker
Hair Dryer
Hotel La Palme, Musanze
Hotel la Palme is found in Musanze town, offering deluxe accommodation to all travelers around Volcanoes national park. Each room has en-suite bathrooms and toilets with a private Balcony. The restaurant server both local and international dishes. Accommodation is also very affordable.
Kinigi Guest House
Located near the park headquarters at Kinigi, offers basic accommodation and a very low price. It is owned by the local community and all revenues directly benefit the local people surrounding the mountain gorillas. Accommodation starts from US$40 for a single room and a double room at US$60, Bed, and breakfast. The Guest House is just opposite the park headquarters.
Muhabura Hotel
Located in Ruhengeri town, about 20-30 minutes drive to the park headquarters. It offers budget accommodation in modern facilities from as low as US$40. Meals are great, enjoyed by business travelers and tourists to Volcanoes national park and around Musanze. They also organize airport transfers, gorilla transfers, and gorilla permits bookings.
How to Book Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Lodges
Accommodation around Volcanoes National Park can be booked in person through the hotel/lodge website, or through your Travel Agent. Most of the lodges/hotels have websites offering detailed information about the facility, services offered, rates, and special offers.
