Lodges in Volcanoes National Park Visited by Gorillas

Lodges in Volcanoes National Park Visited by Gorillas

When organizing a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, choosing a lodge near Volcanoes National Park promises an unforgettable adventure. Imagine the rare chance of having gorillas come right to your lodge! This guide highlights the lodges in Volcanoes National Park that are frequently visited by gorillas. It allows you to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat, mere steps from your dwelling.

Gorilla safaris offer the ultimate opportunity to observe majestic mountain gorillas in their natural, unrestricted environment—the jungle. These giant apes roam freely in their habitat, allowing visitors a thrilling chance to encounter them up close and personally.

Typically, accommodations near mountain gorilla destinations (National Parks) are completely fenced to ensure the safety of both animals and guests. This ensures that your adventure is thrilling but also safe and secure. However, some safari destinations feature unfenced accommodations that provide an unforgettable gorilla viewing experience.

One & Only Gorilla’s Nest

Surrounded by lush greenery and towering Eucalyptus trees, the opulent One & Only Gorilla’s Nest stands near Volcanoes National Park, nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes. This accommodation, with its private, free-standing Treehouses and Suites elevated over lush gardens, offers breathtaking views and a sense of luxury and comfort that will make your stay truly indulgent.

While encountering mountain gorillas nearby is rare, being situated at the base of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda allows guests to enjoy the beautiful scenery and sounds of nature while taking in the views. One & Only Gorilla’s Nest offers 21 rooms, including 10 forest Treehouses, 4 Susa Treehouses, 5 Virunga Suites, 1 Silverback Suite, and 1 Virunga Suite.

During your stay, you can look forward to various activities at the Resort (some complimentary), such as nature walks, coffee tours, immersing yourself in the rhythms of Rwanda, hearing stories from local ancestors, participating in drumming circles, biking tours, nature runs, exploring the chef’s garden, and bird-watching tours.

Wilderness Bisate Lodge

For experienced gorilla trekkers, the Wilderness Bisate Lodge is a well-known destination. Nestled in a rainforest, this Lodge is a true luxury paradise, offering some of the continent’s most unforgettable gorilla viewing experiences. It features six exquisite, nest-like en-suite forest villas, each uniquely designed to honor the country’s royalty, providing a serene and exceptional stay.

Guests can admire stunning views of the majestic Virunga Volcanoes, particularly Mikeno, Bisoke, and Karisimbi. While at the Lodge, visitors can expect warm hospitality complemented by amenities such as a library, spa, wine cellar, restaurant, and tree nursery.

Those staying at the Wilderness Bisate Lodge will also delight in delectable dishes made from seasonal ingredients, mainly sourced from local vegetable gardens or nearby farmers. While mountain gorillas do not roam freely in the Lodge, guests are just steps away from the Volcanoes National Park.

Visitors eager to meet the endangered giant apes and enjoy the luxury of Wilderness Bisate Lodge can partake in various activities, including nature and bird walks, guided nursery visits, conservation experiences, massage treatments, and exquisite dining options.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Singita Kwitonda Lodge, recognized as one of the premier luxury accommodations in Volcanoes National Park, offers travelers the chance to experience thrilling adventures while providing access to exceptional facilities in the heart of the jungle.

Situated at the edge of the Protected Area in northwestern Rwanda, this lodge features seven one-bedroom suites and one two-bedroom suite, all crafted to immerse guests in nature. The spacious timber-framed windows invite stunning scenery and captivating volcano views indoors. The lodge’s prime location makes gorilla trekking easily accessible, and guests can enjoy suite amenities such as a private heated plunge pool, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and a wellness treatment area.

During your stay at Singita Kwitonda Lodge, you can partake in various activities, including visits to Akarabo Nursery, wellness treatments, yoga sessions, nature walks, hiking, cycling tours, and community engagements.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge lies on the mist-enveloped foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes within Volcanoes National Park. This community-owned lodge offers visitors a tranquil retreat and convenient access to the Park Headquarters. Featuring six charming stone cottages and two luxurious suites that embody high-end standards, Sabyinyo Silverback also boasts breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes from its sheltered veranda. It is widely regarded as one of the premier accommodations for those wishing to connect seamlessly to the Park Headquarters. Nestled in the mists of the Virunga massif, guests can immerse themselves in the rich stories of the land, wildlife, jungle, and local communities.

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

For a genuine gorilla safari experience in Rwanda, staying at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, located at the base of Sabyinyo—a member of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes—is essential. The Lodge is beautifully landscaped with natural greenery and various flower gardens.

At this Lodge, guests enjoy the comfort of one of the 25 stunning classic cottages, along with access to a restaurant and bar offering delicious home-cooked meals, complimentary Wi-Fi, round-the-clock electricity, a curio shop featuring Rwandan crafts, and laundry/valet services.

With a warm cup of tea or coffee, you can step onto your private veranda, where breathtaking views of the volcanic landscapes and the delightful sounds of chirping birds will welcome you.

Best time to explore Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda for gorilla trekking is the dry season, usually from June to September and mid-December to February. The dry season is particularly advantageous for gorilla trekking because the gorilla trekking trails are dry and easy to walk along. The weather is more stable during this period, with a lower likelihood of heavy rain. This facilitates more straightforward navigation of the forest trails and exploration of the 160-square-kilometer Protected Area while searching for the Giant Apes.

In the dry season, temperatures in Volcanoes National Park generally range from 77 °F to 81 °F during the day and drop to between 56 °F and 59 °F at night. These conditions create a comfortable environment for tracking mountain gorillas without the inconvenience of the wet season.

In conclusion, staying at one of the lodges in Volcanoes National Park, which are frequently visited by Gorillas, provides a distinctly unique safari adventure. Whether you prefer the luxurious comfort of eco-lodges like Bisate Lodge or the natural closeness offered by Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, these options present more than mere lodging—they provide an exceptional opportunity to see gorillas right from your doorstep.