Location
In the heart of central Africa, Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda in Musanze city the second biggest city in Rwanda,106.4 kilometers from the capital city”Kigali” Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range – home of the endangered mountain gorilla and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.
Activities
There are many activities to do in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, including:
- Gorilla trekkingThe only place in Rwanda where you can go on a gorilla tour. You might also see other animals, like golden monkeys and birds.
- HikingHike to the summit of Mount Bisoke, which has a crater lake. You can also hike to Mount Karisimbi, the second highest volcanic peak in the Virunga Ranges.
- Visit the Dian Fossey MuseumLearn about the work of the primatologist who lived in the park until her murder in 1985. You can also pay your respects at her grave.
- Explore Musanze CavesThese ancient tunnels were once used to store food supplies for Rwanda’s rulers.
- Visit Iby’iwacu VillageLearn about the history and culture of the Rwandan people. You can also enjoy traditional meals, drinks, music, dancing, and folklore.
- Visit the twin lakes of Burera and RuhondoHike to the top of Mount Muhabura to reach these lakes, which were formed by a volcanic eruption. You can enjoy activities like canoeing, fishing, and visiting the islands on the lakes.
- BirdwatchingVolcanoes National Park is home to over 178 bird species.
- Golden monkey tracking a unique experience that’s easier than gorilla trekking.
ACCOMODATION
11 Best Places to Stay Near Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Discover a selection of gorilla trekking lodges near Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, catering to every traveler’s preferences, from super luxury escapes to mid-range comfort and budget-friendly options, ensuring an unforgettable experience amid stunning landscapes and captivating wildlife.
- Destinations
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park is a testament to the natural beauty and abundant wildlife that this region has to offer. For those seeking an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, choosing suitable accommodation is paramount. Especially after factoring in the high gorilla trekking costs. Whether you’re a discerning traveler seeking luxury, a mid-range explorer looking for comfort, or a budget-conscious adventurer searching for value, this gorilla habitat has something for everyone. Join us as we unveil the most exquisite options for your stay in Volcanoes National Park, the best Rwanda gorilla trekking lodges offering tranquility and jungle enchantment.
Super Luxury Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Lodges Outside Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda’s super-luxurious gorilla trekking lodges offer opulence and exclusivity amid the country’s breathtaking landscapes. Bisate Lodge, nestled in the Virunga Mountains, is a bush-chic haven with panoramic views, indulgent amenities, and an immersive connection to nature.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest symbolizes extravagance with its grandeur architecture, top-notch services, and proximity to gorilla habitats. Kwitonda Lodge boasts eco-luxury at its finest, combining sustainability and elegance, while Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge enchants with its intimate stone cottages and breathtaking vistas. Volcanoes Virunga Lodge is perched on a ridge between lakes, offering both rustic charm and sophistication, and Bishop’s House captivates with personalized tranquility near Volcanoes National Park.
These super luxury gorilla trekking lodges in Rwanda redefine indulgence, promising an unparalleled fusion of comfort, nature, and extraordinary experiences.
Wilderness Bisate Lodge
Price: from 1,830 per person
Nestled in Rwanda’s forested mountains of Volcanoes National Park, Wilderness Bisate Lodge is an award-winning eco-chic retreat. It offers a haven amidst an intriguing volcanic landscape. The lodge’s six Forest Villas, like magnificent birds’ nests, provide a sublime base for mountain gorilla treks in the Virunga Mountains.
Set within an amphitheater shaped by eroded volcano cones, the thatched forest villas blend with the surroundings, offering verandas with sweeping peak views. Suites honor Rwandan culture, prioritizing comfort and vistas. Culinary delights marry local flavors with global cuisine, sourced from the lodge’s kitchen garden. The wine cellar hosts romantic dinners. After trekking, spa treatments offer rejuvenation.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Price: from $7,100 per person
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is one of Rwanda’s most exclusive luxury gorilla trekking lodges nestled in the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The lodge offers a rare opportunity for visitors to connect with majestic mountain gorillas as they roam freely in their natural habitat. The freestanding cottages and suites are suspended above expansive gardens and in harmony with the lofty eucalyptus trees and volcanic surroundings, providing a secluded haven.
The sanctuary also has captivating local Imigongo art, a library of books, and binoculars. Guests can also indulge in the essence of Rwanda’s natural rhythms with cuisine crafted from locally sourced seasonal produce. One&Only Gorilla’s Nest offers a truly immersive experience where visitors can find inspiration and solace in the inherent beauty of Rwanda’s ever-evolving nature.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Price: from $2245 per person
Nestled on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, Singita Kwitonda Lodge in Rwanda offers an intimate and luxurious experience for those seeking gorilla trekking adventures. With its eco-conscious design, the lodge blends harmoniously with its surroundings, featuring volcanic-stone pathways, locally sourced materials, and spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the forest.
The richly designed rooms boast vibrant colors, tactile textures, and thoughtful amenities—the culinary experience centers on plant-based small plates and bowls, complemented by an impressive wine selection. Guests can expect the erudite and well-traveled establishment, as gorilla-trekking fosters introspection and personal connection.
Singita’s renowned service ensures a seamless and proactive experience, while the local staff, though reserved, offer warm hospitality. The lodge is part of a community that thrives on gorilla trekking. Singita Kwitonda Lodge provides a unique opportunity to engage with nature, support local communities, and create lasting memories in Rwanda.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
From $1,200 per person
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is a hidden gem nestled in the foothills of the magnificent Virungas, a chain of volcanoes that form the legendary landscape of King Solomon’s mines. Surrounded by the lush tropical forests of Rwanda, this enchanting lodge offers a choice of stone cottages or suites, each boasting a spacious sitting room, a cozy fireplace, a stylish ensuite bathroom, and a private veranda.
The stone buildings exhibit traditional terracotta tile roofs and polished wooden floors, exuding a rustic yet elegant charm. Delightful culinary experiences await in the intimate dining room or on the outdoor deck, where you can savor delectable dishes while gazing at the glowing vistas of the Virunga volcanoes.
The lodge’s prime location provides easy access to many adventures, including treks into the Parc National des Volcans to see the gorillas of Africa and the fascinating golden monkeys.
Volcanoes Virunga Lodge
Price: from $1730 – $2490 per person
This remote sanctuary at an elevation of 2,300 meters offers a bush-chic experience with stunning views, plush sofas, a fireplace, and an intimate bar. Guest retreats are discreetly tucked away and exude an enchanting aura with Kitenge quilts and handcrafted teak furnishings. This Rwandan gorilla trekking lodge offers refined amenities, including complimentary massages, laundry services, and in-person wake-up calls with hot beverages.
Enjoy an all-inclusive culinary journey with traditional Rwandan dinners. Noteworthy are the expansive bathrooms affording captivating views of the lakes and mountains, the secluded patios offering ample space for relaxation, and the elegantly appointed communal area that serves as a hub for communal dining. However, the journey to the gorilla trekking center requires a 45-minute drive.
The Bishop’s House
Price $730 – $1240 per night
The Bishop’s House is a noteworthy choice for those looking for exceptional gorilla trekking accommodation near the renowned Volcanoes National Park. This lodge delivers remarkable value for your money in a destination often associated with high expenses. With its nine cozy rooms, The Bishop’s House offers an intimate and serene stay catering to your needs. Situated in the charming village of Ruhengeri, it’s a mere 30-minute drive from the iconic Volcanoes National Park, ensuring accessibility without compromising tranquility.
Your stay at The Bishop’s House is comprehensive, encompassing all meals, a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, 24-hour room service, a convenient laundry service, and Wi-Fi accessibility. The property’s distance from Volcanoes National Park requires a 30-minute drive, which may not be ideal for some travelers seeking immediate proximity. Also, please note that The Bishop’s House is unsuitable for children.
Mid-Range Comfortable Lodges Close Volcanoes National Park
These reasonably priced mid-range gorilla trekking lodges near Volcanoes National Park offer a perfect blend of comfort and affordability. Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel provides a budget-friendly charm with a restaurant, pool, and gardens; Tiloreza Eco Lodge provides access to guided gorilla tracking. Mountain Gorilla View Lodge combines design, vistas, and local ambiance; Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge offers rustic charm for gorilla tracking. Lebambou Gorilla Lodge merges tranquility and sustainability, while Amakoro Songa Lodge intertwines conservation and tourism in a serene village.
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Price: from $640 per night
Nestled on the outskirts of Volcanoes National Park, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel is a strategic and inviting haven, perfectly positioned for travelers seeking both comfort and affordability. The hotel hosts a delightful restaurant, a refreshing pool, and meticulously tended gardens, providing an idyllic retreat in Rwanda. Its advantageous location and easy access to the park entrance make it an exceptional choice for budget-conscious adventurers.
Tucked on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, this boutique gem is one of the top mid-range accommodations in Rwanda. Amidst the lush gardens is an inviting pool alongside a massage hut, sauna, and steam room for ultimate relaxation. The stone cottages embody a distinctive Rwandan style, with outdoor seating that frames vistas of the surrounding volcanic mountain range. While the room design is modest, it provides all the essentials for a restful night’s sleep after a thrilling day of gorilla trekking and adventure.
Amakoro Songa Lodge
Price: from $450 per night
Tucked away in a charming village just beyond Kinigi, Amakoro Songa Lodge masterfully weaves together conservation and tourism, creating an immersive haven for all who seek it. The lodge showcases eight luxurious cottages, carefully crafted to harmonize with the tranquil milieu. Drawing inspiration from the distinctive black volcanic rocks that define this mountainous realm—home to the revered Mountain Gorillas—the lodge rests on a seven-acre expanse embraced by meticulously manicured lawns and the regal Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo mountain volcanoes.
Every cottage at Amakoro Songa Lodge is thoughtfully adorned with rustic elegance, seamlessly merging local elements with modern flourishes that emanate both comfort and warmth. The spacious rooms, complete with inviting fireplaces, provide a tranquil space for post-trekking relaxation, perhaps followed by a soothing massage. The unmissable outdoor fireplace serves as a captivating backdrop for savoring evening libations while witnessing the captivating performances of the traditional Intore Dance Troupe.
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Price: from $240 per person
Nestled gracefully on the slopes of Rwanda’s renowned Volcanoes National Park, a short drive from its entrance gate, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is a perfect choice for those seeking uncomplicated yet comfortable accommodations for the truly sustainable gorilla-trekking experience in Rwanda. With a conscious design that employs local, sustainable resources, the lodge’s 30 cottages are thoughtfully spaced, each graced with fireplaces and en suite bathrooms. The vistas, a canvas of rugged, mist-wreathed mountains veiled in the forest, unfold from both the lodge and your room. While, the gardens host playful birds and monkeys, inviting leisurely strolls amidst captivating scenery.
Daily displays of Rwandan songs and dance enhance a harmonious blend of tradition and ambiance, immersing guests in a peaceful African country. Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, a serene sanctuary at the nexus of natural wonder, promises not just comfort but an unforgettable immersion in Rwanda’s profound beauty and wildlife legacy.
Davinci Gorilla Lodge
Price: from $140 per person
As one of the premier gorilla trekking lodges in Rwanda, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge welcomes travelers to comfort and luxury in the gorilla forests of Volcanoes National Park, northern Rwanda. Nestled ideally in Kinigi, Musanze, the lodge offers an optimal vantage point for those hoping to go gorilla viewing in Africa and captivating exploratory tours within the Volcanoes National Park. Immerse yourself in opulent natural rooms, savor culinary excellence in the outstanding restaurant and lounge, and bask in exceptional hospitality service, all meticulously designed to cater to your every desire.
A stay at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge in Kinigi ensures you’re within a short 15-minute drive from Volcanoes National Park and the Cathedral of Ruhengeri, while the lodge’s backdrop rests beneath the towering presence of Karisimbi Mountain—one of the distinguished Virunga volcanoes.
Tiloreza Eco Lodge
Price: $183 – $961 per person
Nestled in the heart of Ruhengeri, within the captivating Virunga Mountains region of northwest Rwanda, Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco-lodge offers a modest yet attractively priced option for travelers. With a selection of 22 guest rooms, the lodge provides an inviting gateway to various guided activities centered around gorilla tracking. With a mere 15-minute drive from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, it grants convenient access to watching the great apes of Africa while affording remarkable vistas of the surrounding volcanoes and picturesque countryside.
Although it may lack some distinctive charm in other lodges, Tiloreza compensates with its clean, well-maintained rooms and comfortable amenities. Ideally suited for those inclined towards a more conventional “hotel” style of accommodation, Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco-lodge offers a comfortable and practical retreat.
