Luxury and Mid-range lodges near Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda

There is no accommodation facility within the Volcanoes National Park and overnight camping is strictly prohibited, however, several lodges catering to all budgets are situated within a few kilometers of Kinigi, Gisenyi, and Musanze town.

Lodges near Volcanoes National Park

Bisate Lodge

Set in a unique handful of otherworldly, dome-shaped villas, sprinkled on a 106 acres hillside property overlooking Virunga range and Bisate village, this new lodge single-handed raises the bar for accommodation in Rwanda and the world rightfully rank among the finest lodges anywhere in East Africa. The architecture is inspired by traditional Rwandan building methods and everything here has been built from local materials, the pointy-roofed, dual dome villas are widely spaced and every bit as opulent as you might expect, with jaw-dropping views of the Virunga Chain from the sizable balconies and a designer interior of lava stone, wood, leather, thatch, and locally fired bricks. All rooms come with a dual sink, shower, and deep soak tub, along with king-size beds, lounge area, fireplace, and a tablet computer packed with information on the Park, surrounding areas, and a profile of all the lodges’ employees.

There is also a radio in every room so you can order food and drinks from the comfort of your bathrobe. The main building is home to the restaurant, bar, fireplace lounge, and library, the flush fur-lined seats, and twinkling sea glass chandeliers make a rather compelling case to put your feet up and stay awhile. In keeping with their mission to engage with the neighboring community, much of the produce served in the restaurant is grown locally, guests are encouraged to join a guided visit to Bisate village, and they’ve planted nearly 25,000 trees in the area so far. Getting to the lodge requires climbing many steps but it is a piece of cake.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

This is one of the swishiest lodges near Kinigi, set on community land at an altitude of 2,515m on the footsteps of Mount Sabyinyo only a 10 minutes drive from the park headquarters. Accommodation consists of 5 stone cottages, 2 suites, and a 14-bed family suite, all spread out across the grass slopes. The stylish and well-equipped rooms were fully redecorated in 2015, and combine ethnically influenced décor with something of a country house feel, and come complete with log fire, mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, mini-safe, telephone, Wi-Fi, 24-hour electricity, and a fabulous bathroom with shower and tub.

The restaurant and lounge area is in the main building and serves a choice of 23 – course set menu every day. The steep climb from the car park to the exclude makes this lodge highly unsuited to disabled travelers, though it should be perfectly manageable to anybody fit and supple enough to track mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Virunga Lodge

Boasting one of the most stunning locations in Africa, this superb lodge lies on a 2,175m hilltop above Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo and a perfect base for gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda. In addition to superb views of the lakes, the panorama stretches northwest to embrace 4 of the Virunga Volcanoes, providing magnificent views of the wild Virunga volcanic landscape. The Lodge comprises of 8 chalets that are both spacious and stylish, with hardwood floors, ample wood, and bamboo in the décor, 8 private verandas offering superb views either to the volcanoes or to the lakes depending on which side you are on. All rooms have 2 Queen Size double beds, and a walk-in net, a spacious bathroom with hot water 24 hours, sensor lights at night, and a selection of current magazines for reading. The food is excellent, as the selection of complimentary wine is usually served, and guests eat dinner at one large table.

Amakoro Songa Lodge

Built with an eye to sustainability, this bright and modern new lodge opened at the end of 2016, sits about 3 km off the road to the Kinigi park headquarters, and consists of 2 standalone cottages and 2 rooms in the main building with the restaurant and lounge.

All rooms are internationally furnished with rustic elegance, fusing local and modern pieces that create a good warmth and comfort. The spacious rooms each equipped with a fireplace allow guests to opt for a post trekking massage. Our most experienced outdoor is not to be missed and it allows all guests to enjoy an evening drink while watching the traditional Intore Dance Troupe.

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

This lodge stands on the breeze open saddle that connects Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Bisoke and offers superb views to 6 of the volcanoes in the Rwandan part of the Virungas. Accommodation is in large and attractive free-standing cottages with twin beds, tea/coffee making facilities, private balconies, fridge, and mini-safe, Wi-Fi, spacious bathroom with hot shower, and dual sinks. The restaurant and bar is a big thatched building with stone floors, where there’s a fireplace inside for cool nights and a big wooden terrace outside for hot days.

Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

The stone bungalow lodge was designed by the Italian masters; they’re all certainly comfortable enough and come well equipped with King Size bed, fireplace, and kettle, and phone, safe and sitting area. The first-floor bar and restaurant is a bit hodgepodge in feel, but the staff is eager to please, and there is a good menu of good food.

Villa Gorilla

Just a few steps down the road from the craft center you visit after gorilla tracking, this friendly place opened in 2014 and offers high quality but unpretentious accommodation in a pretty garden with views of the mountains. The colorful rooms are carpeted and spotlessly clean, and they come in either a standard configuration style rooms connected by a wooded walkway outback. The garden is host to sundowners, campfire, and intore dance nightly, should you so desire and the engaging owner and staff are happy to take you out on free village tours.