When planning a Rwanda safari, one of the most important things you need to consider is where you are going to stay. The right accommodation is an essential ingredient for the perfect holiday, while the wrong accommodation can really put a dampener on things.
So, how do you make a choice that is best for you and your travel companions?
In this blog, we shed light on some of the top-rated lodges and camps in Rwanda. We’ll explore what makes each lodging experience unique and, most importantly, what you can expect when you decide to add these camps to your holiday itinerary.
Bisate Lodge
Location: Volcanoes National Park
Built into the side of an eroded volcano, Bisate Lodge offers the opportunity to connect with nature in unique and interesting ways. The innovative architecture is inspired by traditional Rwandan building traditions, including materials like thatch and wood.
Gorilla trekking is undoubtedly the most popular activity around Bisate Lodge. You can trek through the dense rainforests with a professional local guide to see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. You could also go birdwatching or hiking if you want to see more of the national park. Remember to keep an eye out for the playful golden monkeys as well.
There are just six villas available at Bisate Lodge, ensuring you enjoy an intimate and private accommodation experience. Each villa boasts comfortable furniture, an en suite bathroom, and magnificent views of the surrounding area.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Location: Volcanoes National Park
Established in 2019, Singita Kwitonda Lodge overlooks the meadows and wetlands along the edge of the Volcanoes National Park. The lodge is named after a famous silverback gorilla, who was known for his gentle nature.
A gorilla-trekking excursion departs from the nearby national park every morning. Only 8 participants are allowed on each tour so the gorillas aren’t disturbed. These tours take anywhere between 3 and 8 hours and provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If gorilla trekking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities in the area for you to enjoy.
The lodge is made up of eight suites and one four-bedroom villa, offering an exclusive experience for its visitors. Sustainability sits at the forefront of the lodge’s construction as it was made using locally sourced materials.
One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
Location: Volcanoes National Park
Located at the foot of the Virunga Volcanic Mountain and surrounded by fragrant eucalyptus trees, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest provides a relaxing sanctuary amidst spectacular natural beauty. The individual suites and treehouses have been built to blend in with the beautiful surroundings.
The suites are kitted with binoculars and books about local wildlife so that you can soak up some knowledge during your time there. All meals on offer are crafted from fresh, local ingredients, many of which are actually grown on the property.
From birdwatching to gorilla trekking, there is plenty to do both on the property as well as in the nearby Volcanoes National Park. The diverse fauna and flora sets the backdrop for any nature lover’s dream holiday!
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Location: Volcanoes National Park
If you are looking for cosy and comfortable accommodation in the Virunga Mountains, you cannot go wrong with Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. The lodge comprises six cottages, two suites, and a family cottage located near the Volcanoes National Park headquarters.
Each cottage comes with its own veranda, en-suite bathroom, and open-plan bedroom. You’ll definitely feel right at home from the moment you walk through the doors. The main area of the lodge offers a restaurant, bar, library, outdoor decks, fireplaces, and magnificent views of the surrounding area.
One of the best things about this property is that a portion of the rent is given back to the community for various initiatives and projects. With Volcanoes National Park being just a stone’s throw away, you can go on hikes, gorilla treks, and birdwatching excursions.
Virunga Lodge
Location: Volcanoes National Park
Wake up to stunning views of the Virunga Mountains and Lake Bulera when you stay at Virunga Lodge. Over the years, Virunga Lodge has racked up a long list of awards and is a popular destination for those who want to spend time at the nearby Volcanoes National Park.
The lodge’s stone ‘bandas’ are decorated in a traditional Rwandan style and each banda comes with a long list of amenities, including a fireplace, en suite bathroom, double vanity, and flushing toilet.
Each guest is treated to one complimentary massage during their stay at Virunga Lodge. You can also look forward to full-board accommodation, where all your meals are provided for you at no extra cost. While there are plenty of amazing places to stay near Volcanoes National Park, you’ll never be disappointed with Virunga Lodge.
One & Only Nyungwe House
Location: Nyungwe Forest National Park
Refurbished and re-opened in 2018, Nyungwe House offers everything you need for a memorable stay. There are 23 luxury rooms and suites on offer, each of which offers a magnificent view of the surrounding forest.
The lodge offers delicious cuisine made from fresh local ingredients, daily afternoon tea ceremonies, and a well-kept pool. Enjoy an open-air massage, grab a drink at the bar, or simply enjoy the amazing views of the tea plantations. You’re sure to have a relaxing and memorable stay.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is known for its incredible biodiversity, as it is home to 13 species of primates as well as dozens of different types of birds and amphibians. It is a true nature lover’s paradise, and there are plenty of exciting excursions on offer, including chimpanzee trekking and birdwatching tours.
Magashi Camp
Location: Akagera National Park
Overlooking the pristine Lake Rwanyakazinga, Magashi Camp is the perfect place to stay if you want to go to sleep to the sound of lions roaring and wake up to hundreds of birds chirping. You’ll be completely immersed in nature while staying in your comfortable tent. The main areas of the lodge provide a luxury lounge, dining area, well-stocked bar, pool, viewing deck, and fire pit.
Lake Rwanyakazinga attracts all types of animals, including hippos, elephants, rhinos, and crocodiles! Simply watching the lake throughout the day provides you with a stellar safari experience. However, you should definitely explore Akagera National Park with a professional guide if you want to see more fauna and flora.
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Location: Akagera National Park
If you’re after an authentic safari experience, you cannot go wrong with Ruziz Tented Lodge. In addition to being more affordable than most of the other accommodation options listed in this article, the lodge is powered exclusively by solar energy and prides itself on being as eco-friendly as possible.
Since there are just nine safari tents, you’ll enjoy an intimate safari experience alongside the shores of Lake Ihema. There are daily boat trips on the lake as well as game drives through the national park. You can look forward to seeing elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebra, and many other animals during your time at Ruzizi Tented Lodge.
Do any of these lodges pique your interest? Contact Tailormade Africa for help planning your Rwanda safari holiday. Our African safari experts have the knowledge and experience to ensure your holiday ticks all your boxes!
