Virunga Lodge

Rwanda is the land of the gorillas and Virunga Lodge is a premier gorilla trekking lodge in the mountains of endangered rainforests where these huge primates live – Voyage2Africa recommends a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, a once in a lifetime experience. 

This African experience should be planned well in advance as a chance to connect with your ancestors and to interact with some of the earth’s greatest primates – so why not enjoy this once in a lifetime experience from Virunga Lodge? We regard it as Rwanda’s premium gorilla trekking safari lodge offering luxury and authenticity. Check out our value for money gorilla trekking tours to Rwanda and choose Virungu for a warm-hearted and genuine holiday.

Rave reviews about Virunga Lodge entice more guests to her doors who are on a quest to find gorillas in their natural mountain habitat, and to observe them from secret hideouts. Find Virunga Lodge carefully constructed on a cliff with panoramic and dramatic views of the famous Virungu Volcanos and the Musanze Valley, Lake Bulero and Ruhondo too. The hotel is pure Rwandese and the food excites your tastebuds with its specific local flavours and wholesome locally sourced ingredients. 

When you arrive, you find first class accommodation for the weary traveller in Africa who wants to come and trek in these mountains and find the hugest primates in the world, the endangered mountain gorilla. Be a part of this stirring, yet sublime experience and spend one precious hour in the company of a mountain gorilla family. The biggest draw card for tourists, but only accessible to a privileged few, is that only 80 permits each day are available to those with a clean bill of health.

There are only 10 cottages at Virunga Lodge, spread out on this hill and offering superb private decks with awesome views. Winner of Africa’s Most Romantic Hotel in the boutique hotel section, these mountain rooms are very spacious with a lounge, dressing room, bedroom and bathroom and both indoor and outdoor fireplaces.  Everything is typically luxury Rwandese and ethnic, stylish and comfortable. 

The lodge is about 45 minutes from the park headquarters but it is worth it for the spectacular views of the volcanoes and lakes. Your personal butler will take your orders for food, start your fires and greet you every morning with authentic Rwandan coffee, and after every trek with local beers. When you get wet and muddy, hop in the hot bath while your gear is sorted out for your next trek. Curl up with a book at the main lounge fire after a glorious dinner and hop into a soft, welcoming bed. So much fresh air, so many jungles to traverse in cold misty conditions – Virunga Lodge awaits and pampers you in style. Value, cleanliness, service, views, vibes – can’t get any better than this! 

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Overview

Discover a large, homely, lavish Rwandese lodge on the edge of a mountain in a gorilla region called Virunga Lodge and you have discovered heaven – the best mountain hotel in all of Africa. Virunga Lodge is your host and base for all the gorilla trekking that you want to do during your tour of the Rwanda Volcanoes National Park. Experience captivating 360 degree views across the volcanic mountains and dense forests, enthralling in its lush, untouched state.

The lodge itself is a steep, 45 minute drive from the Parc National des Volcans, where several gorilla families live in their natural forest habitats. See the lakes in the distance – Ruhondo and Bulera, and plan a few treks into the wilderness. Get dry and warm on your return at the best gorilla trekking lodge in Africa as you private butler serves you cognac beside a glowing fire, ensures your clean dry clothes, feeds you with wholesome and flavoursome food and answers all your needs in general.

Exquisite mountain cottages feature indoor and outdoor fireplaces, entrancing views over the lakes and mountains, the forests and endless skies, large interiors with wonderful Rwandese décor and furnishings, ensuite bathrooms and lounges. The use of solar lighting and natural materials enhances the environmentally friendly design of this exceptional mountain lodge. 

Book that once in a lifetime gorilla trekking honeymoon to Virunga Lodge and enjoy complete privacy in your deluxe banda – meeting new likeminded friends later beside the fire in the lounge and at the dining table. Sip drinks at the bar and chat about your gorilla trekking safari. Your private butler wakes you before dawn with pure Rwandese coffee and brings you a welcoming drink after a long day trekking in wet and misty conditions. 

The lodge can be hired on an exclusive use basis for your group of 20-30 guests so bring  your colleagues or celebrate your milestone birthday here! No children under age 15 can trek to see gorillas.