Rwanda’s lodges come in all shapes and forms, from the most basic of lodges to some of the finest on the continent. Most people visit Rwanda to trek with the rare Mountain Gorillas, which in itself is a very costly pursuit with per person permits costing $1,500 per trek! Therefore, although it feels tempting to save on accommodation, it would be a shame to be forking out a lot of money per night and to stay at unsatisfactory accommodation. We only send our clients to mid-range properties up, so although there are some very cheap options, we have visited these and decided against them as many of them are simply not up to scratch. Therefore, the two types of accommodation you can get it authentic mid-range style, and then uber luxurious. There isn’t a lot in between as Rwanda has now based itself on a high end low volume approach to tourism, so if luxury is your style then Rwanda is a fantastic choice.
The best value mid-range gorilla trekking lodges in Rwanda: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge & Volcanoes Virunga Lodge
Our favourite mid-range lodges include Sabyinyo and Virunga Mountain Lodge. These are generally our go-to favourites in the Volcanoes National Park region; they have excellent food, very comfortable accommodation, some excellent quirks and are good all-round options for most travellers. Virunga has one of the absolute best views in the country over Lake Bulera. Sabyinyo is the old safari classic, and a stay here is always guaranteed to leave people with fond memories of the rolling Rwanda hills. Whichever is your style, both come in at around $1,100, so they are not cheap but are the best options in our view. If you are looking for cheaper ways to see the gorillas, then look to Uganda, which hasn’t taken quite such a luxurious (and therefore expensive) approach to tourism!
The best luxurious gorilla trekking lodges in Rwanda: Bisate Lodge Rwanda
Luxury comes in extreme forms in Rwanda! Benchmarking the quality of Rwanda accommodation is Bisate by Wilderness Safaris and Kwitonda by Singita. Both are extremely luxurious options. At Bisate, you are nestled into the beautiful rolling hills which are typical of the area. Here you are truly immersed into nature as the "bubble" rooms are dotted on the side of an eroded volcanic core. Kwitonda offers Singita opulence in a one of a kind location. Kwitonda is in our view the ultimate place to base yourself for a gorilla trekking experience of a lifetime. Bisate is priced at $1,600 per person per night, and Singita is $2,200 per person per night, so with these options the luxury is reflected in the price.
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Bisate - Rwanda
This lodge was over the top, and we are so pleased to have stayed there. We had enjoyed our experiences with Wilderness Safari in Botswana, and we were thrilled again with this new site.We were pleased to each plant a tree at the lodge location, and to visit the local community one afternoon. The gorilla experience was just fantastic, and to be remembered for a lifetime. The first day was an easy walk while the second day was quite tough, with the local team clearing way through vines and nettles with the machete, all the way to 11,000 ft. We are very glad to have followed your advice and booked two days with the gorillas ! We still have to sort our many videos and pictures!
- C Wattiau
Our Rating:
Client Rating:
Cost: $1,654
Flame Tree Village - Rwanda
Our View
Flame Tree Village is a small lodge in a good location in Kigali, perfect for a quick overnight before or after visiting the Mountain Gorillas. It is not a luxury option but is clean and comfortable, and good value.Our Rating:
Cost: $100
Kigali Serena - Rwanda
Our View
Situated in a fantastic central location in Kigali, the Serena is a brilliant base from which to explore the city. Unlike a lot of busy, congested African Capital Cities, Kigali is a peaceful and modern metropolis and a great place to spend some time. Numerous museums, art galleries and restaurants are all worth visiting!
Our Rating:
Cost: $300
Lake Kivu Serena - Rwanda
Our View
Situated on the North East shores of the stunning Lake Kivu, the Serena Hotel offers great value luxury. It is only a one hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, making it a great base for your gorilla trekking as well as exploring the culture and beauty of the Lake Kivu area.
Our Rating:
Cost: $180
Magashi Camp - Rwanda
Our View
Located in their own private concession in the Northern sector of Akagera National Park, Magashi is the only camp for miles around. Being 100% solar powered, this eco lodge situated on the banks of Lake Rwanyakazinga is a serena and idyllic site that is a must visit for those wanting an off the beaten track safari experience.
Our Rating:
Cost: $600
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge - Rwanda
Our View
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is the value acommodation for viewing gorillas. Set just a 10 minute drive from the Park gate the location is unbeatable, with beautiful views into the Park across the seemingly neverending mountain jungle landscape. Permits and logistics are not cheap when gorilla trekking in Rwanda and accommodation is where you can save. Frankly, it's all about the gorilla experience, Mountain View is no luxurious, but provides a great base for one of the greatest experiences in Africa.
Our Rating:
Cost: $200
Nyungwe Forest Lodge - Rwanda
Our View
Now the One and Only Nyungwe House.Nyungwe Forest Lodge is located in the South West of Rwanda in the Nyungwe Forest National Park. The main draw here is trekking to find and interact with the wild chimps that make this area such a fascinating place to visit, this is one of the few remaining areas of the world where this is possible. There are actually a lot of of other things to do whilst you are at Nyungwe Lodge though including canopy walks and treks through the dense forest to find some almost fairytale waterfalls.
Our Rating:
Cost: $650
Nyungwe House - Rwanda
Our View
The new luxurious One and Only Nyungwe House offers a rare and authentic glimpse into the fascinating wildlife which resides in the green and lush bushy surroundings of the One and Only's Nyungwe House, Rwanda's new luxury complex.
Our Rating:
Cost: $595
Sabyinyo - Rwanda
We found Rwanda to be a beautiful country and were absolutely blown away by the Virungas, and, of course, the gorillas. Pictures and stories cannot convey the sense of being close to these magnificent and gentle mammals in their natural setting. The Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge was a great place to stay. The fireplace in our room was used often. We saw the Titus and Sabyinyo groups and absolutely enjoyed our 60 minutes with each. One evening at the lodge, we met a young woman who is the gorilla doctor. that was a treat. Our driver during our stay in Rwanda (Theogin) was great and we highly recommend him to others - Trice
Our Rating:
Client Rating:
Cost: $816
Singita Kwitonda Lodge - Rwanda
Our View
Singita Kwitonda Lodge is based on a 178-acre pocket of land with uninterrupted views of Volcanoes National Park. Owned by the luxury and completely spoiling Singita, it is a real gem in the midst of this beautiful part of the world. Exuding the highest level of luxury and opulence, Kwitonda maintains Singita's five-star standards that are so prevalent throughout their lodges all across the continent.
Our Rating:
Cost: $1,500
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