Spending a night in comfortable and safe accommodation is one of the keys to the successful and memorable safari in Rwanda. While planning a safari to the home of thousand hills – Rwanda, take a good time to choose the hotels or lodges as you are going for your desired adventure. The country has several attractions in its small size of 26,228 square kilometers that are located in different destinations including Volcanoes National Park, the home of the endangered mountain gorillas plus the cute and shy golden monkeys, Nyungwe forest national park, that houses several chimpanzee species, and then Akagera national park where the big five African games are located. To catch up all these amazing attractions, a number of hotels have sprung up close to these national parks offering only luxury facilities and among these include;
Bisate Lodge
Located near Volcanoes National Park, Bisate Lodge is known as the best luxury accommodation in the Republic of Rwanda. Beautifully designed, the lodge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanic peaks of Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno volcanoes. It consists of luxurious forest villas and provides easy access to gorilla trekking experiences. Bisate is known for its commitment to sustainability and community involvement.
During your stay at the lodge, take part in different activities like gorilla trekking, nature walking and hiking, bird watching, guided nursery visits and body massage treatments.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
The lodge is operated by One&Only resort group which also operates another luxury lodge – One&Only Nyungwe House. Surrounded by eucalyptus forest, the exclusive lodge is situated on the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, providing a serene and luxurious setting for guests. With personalized service, gourmet dining, and expertly guided gorilla treks, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is an ideal base for your gorilla trekking adventure. It serves tasty African food that are grown from its gardens and those nearby. Since it is close to the Volcanoes national park’s gate, it makes it a perfect place to stay for different experiences like golden monkey tracking, gorilla tracking, and volcanic hiking.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Part of the renowned Singita group, Kwitonda Lodge is set in the Volcanoes National Park and offers a blend of luxury and conservation. The lodge’s nine self-contained elegant suites feature contemporary designs and breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape. Singita is known for its dedication to sustainability and wildlife preservation plus a hospitable and friendly staff that plays a great role to bring a satisfying smile on the face of the client.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Nestled at the edge of Volcanoes National Park, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere with beautiful gardens and cozy cottages. The lodge is owned by a community trust, ensuring that tourism benefits the local people and supports conservation efforts. It consists 8 en-suite cottages that are categorized into standard and family cottages. The lodge also contains a main building that has a lounge area, dining room, library, game room, a shop and a reception.
Of all the lodges in and around the Volcanoes National Park, Sabyinyo lodge offers the largest selection of activities aside from gorilla trekking. These include escorted bird watching walks, mountain bike excursions, visits to the Iby’Iwacu village, the Buhanga sacred forests and the Musanze market, Nyange community walks, and climbing up mountains (Mt Bisoke, Gahinga and Muhabura)
Magashi Camp
Operated by Wilderness Safaris, Magashi Camp is located in Akagera National Park, providing an opportunity for luxurious safaris beyond gorilla trekking. The camp overlooks Lake Rwanyakazinga and offers an intimate and exclusive experience in one of Rwanda’s most diverse wildlife reserves. Operating as a private reserve, the camp rooms consist of open tents that are decorated with african art. While at the camp, take part in different experiences including game viewing since the park hosts the five big African game and other animals, boat cruise on Lake Ihema, bird watching, nature walks and many others.
Please note that the availability and quality of lodges may change over time. I recommend checking with reputable travel agencies or updated sources for the latest information and reviews before making your reservation. Also, the country has other several lodges all round that are pocket friendly ranging from midrange to budget rates. Among these include Five Volcanoes lodge, Mantis Akagera lodge, Nyungwe Nziza eco lodge and many others.