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Rwanda is an exceptional destination for gorilla trekking, especially in Volcanoes National Park.

Known for its well-maintained treks and luxurious eco-tourism infrastructure, Rwanda offers an upscale experience that attracts travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Rwanda has positioned itself as a premium destination with a strong commitment to conservation, ensuring the sustainability of its gorilla tracking operations. While permits in Rwanda are more expensive than in neighboring Uganda, the exclusivity and world-class service often justify the price for many visitors.

Located in the heart of East Africa, the country boasts a spectacular Volcanoes National Park, home to more than a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. The park’s misty forests, dramatic volcanic landscapes and biodiversity provide a magical backdrop for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Visitors are guided by expert trackers who lead small groups through the lush terrain, ensuring an intimate and respectful encounter with these majestic creatures.

Besides the gorillas, Rwanda’s remarkable safety, political stability and well-developed tourism infrastructure make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The country’s clean and well-maintained roads, along with the proximity of Kigali International Airport, allow seamless travel to and from Volcanoes National Park.

Additionally, Rwanda offers more than just gorilla trekking; Visitors can explore the vibrant local culture, learn about the country’s inspiring recovery from its turbulent past, and enjoy other natural wonders, such as Akera National Park and Nyungwe Forest.

If you are only interested in gorillas, these are the top places to stay.

The one and only gorilla nest

Surrounded by giant eucalyptus trees, the one and only gorilla lodge ignites an incredible sense of adventure. This exceptional retreat, located on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, invites you to experience profound encounters with the majestic mountain gorillas while uncovering Rwanda’s fascinating secrets.

Surrounded by emerald forests and vast gardens, the resort is a gateway to some of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders, including the chance to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Guests can go on a guided trek through the nearby Volcanoes National Park, where they will be captivated by the breathtaking scenery and the unique opportunity to see gorillas up close. Every moment at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is designed to immerse visitors in the beauty and tranquility of this magical region.

The hotel is home to just 21 rooms, sloping in nature and styled like a treehouse, and a design that draws the outdoors in. Wooden decks that look out over the surrounding eucalyptus forest, and decorations in shades of brown feature Rwandan Imigongo motifs.

The hotel’s restaurant and bar are places where the chatter after a day’s encounter with the great apes is almost entirely gorilla-related. They are warm and energetic spaces with dishes inspired by Rwandan history while elsewhere, spas draw on traditional African wisdom.

One&Only Gorilla’s structure supports sustainable tourism and community initiatives, making it a destination that positively contributes to conservation efforts and local livelihoods. It is a haven for adventure, relaxation and a deep connection with the wonders of the wild. It is a beautiful place to live.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Singita Kwitonda Lodge is a luxury retreat located on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, offering a front-row seat to the majestic beauty of the park’s famous mountain gorillas.

Singita’s first property in Rwanda, Kitonda Lodge is a classic example of sustainable luxury. Everything about the lodge uses the lightest possible footprint, from the traditional techniques used in construction to local materials, conservation and community engagement. Surrounded by wetlands and lush green meadows, it offers beautiful views of Volcanoes National Park. Eight suites and four bedroom villas make up the accommodation, decorated with traditional touches. Guests can participate in habitat restoration at the plantation, expanding gorilla habitat.

Nestled amidst lush green landscapes, the lodge is named after Quitonda, a legendary silverback gorilla known for its gentle nature. The architecture seamlessly blends modern design with traditional Rwandan elements, featuring volcanic stone, woven roofs and locally crafted furnishings. Each suite is equipped with a private heated plunge pool, indoor and outdoor fireplaces and sweeping views of the misty mountains, offering an intimate connection with nature and a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The interiors are carefully crafted with a focus on handcrafted details. The space is both reflective and interactive, layering texture and color and introducing details through artisanal and handmade pieces such as woven panels, handmade tiles and clay feature pots. All the ingredients combine to create a rare and richly textured experience that is true to this extraordinary place.

Sustainability is at the heart of Singita Kitonda Lodge, designed to minimize environmental impact while supporting conservation efforts in the region. The lodge functions as part of Singita’s wider mission to preserve and protect Africa’s wilderness for future generations. Guests can go on guided treks to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, a transformative experience that supports the park’s conservation programs. Alongside its commitment to the environment, Singita Kwitonda Lodge partners with local communities, promoting economic growth and cultural exchange through its initiatives. This makes it not only a haven of luxury but also a catalyst for meaningful change in one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions.

Bisate Lodge

Nestled in the dramatic volcanic landscape of northern Rwanda, Bisset Lodge offers a luxurious and environmentally conscious retreat for travelers seeking an intimate connection with nature. Located close to Volcanoes National Park, the lodge is an ideal base for gorilla trekking, one of Africa’s most immersive wildlife experiences. Its six elegant forest villas, designed with Rwandan cultural motifs, feature private decks overlooking lush, rolling hills and the iconic Bisok and Karisimbi volcanoes.

Each villa combines luxury with sustainability, incorporating locally sourced materials, green technology and designs that blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment. Forest villas are like giant bird nests built in the trees and are simply breath-taking. They are arguably the best base in Africa from which to trek to see Virunga’s famous mountain gorillas.

More than just a luxury destination, Bisset Lodge emphasizes conservation and community engagement. The lodge has an extensive habitat restoration program and every guest can participate in tree planting and a visit to the Kerisoke Research Center. Founded in 1967 by Diane Fossey, the mountain was the site of her famous 18-year study of gorillas. This is an ideal adventure for a mix of solitude, surprise and welcome group activities.

The lodge is very committed to reforestation efforts, having planted thousands of indigenous trees to restore the region’s natural habitat. Furthermore, Bisset works closely with local communities, providing employment, sourcing local products and supporting development projects such as schools and healthcare facilities.

This holistic approach makes a stay at Bisette not only at the heart of Rwanda’s natural beauty but also an opportunity to contribute to its future.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Sabinyo Silverback Lodge is a luxury eco-lodge on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, offering a tranquil retreat for those seeking to explore the region’s iconic mountain gorillas. Located at the base of the Virunga Mountains, the lodge is famous for its lush, rolling hills and breathtaking views of distant volcanic peaks. Built with sustainability and community involvement in mind, it combines elegant, rustic design with modern comforts, including nine spacious cottages with fireplaces, en-suite bathrooms and private verandas. The lodge’s proximity to the park makes it an ideal base for gorilla trekking adventures as well as exploring the area’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.

What sets Sabinyo Silverback Lodge apart is its strong commitment to community development and conservation. The lodge distributes its profits to local initiatives through the Sabinyo Community Livelihood Association (SACOLA), which empowers nearby villages with health, education and infrastructure projects.

Developed in partnership with the African Wildlife Foundation and the International Gorilla Conservation Program, the lodge was designed to contribute to local development and uplift the lives of vulnerable families, and in doing so, to alleviate the economic pressures faced by the park. The ultimate goal is to protect and conserve the mountain gorilla and its precious habitat.

Guests not only enjoy world-class hospitality but also contribute to preserving the region’s fragile ecosystems and supporting sustainable livelihoods for the local population. This harmonious blend of luxury, conservation and community engagement makes Sabinyo Silverback Lodge a unique destination for travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences in Rwanda.

Virunga Lodge

Virunga Lodge is one of Rwanda’s most luxurious eco-lodges, perched on a mountaintop overlooking the spectacular Virunga Volcano and the sparkling twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera.

Located near the Volcanoes National Park, it serves as an ideal base for tourists who want to experience the magic of mountain gorilla trekking. The lodge is known for its breathtaking views, which stretch over lush, rolling hills and offer a front-row seat to the dramatic landscape of one of Africa’s most iconic regions. Its proximity to the park makes it a prime destination for those looking to connect with nature while indulging in exceptional comfort and hospitality.

This is a beautiful lodge in a stunning location. Perched at 2,300 meters on a hilltop overlooking the Virunga Volcano and the twin lakes of Bullera and Ruhondo, the surrounding beauty inspires an ethos of environmental sustainability throughout the lodge. The 10 individual cottages are naturally luxurious in style, scattered around the hotel’s gardens offering beautiful views of the surroundings. Guests can indulge in a relaxing massage after a day of exploring and dining on locally inspired cuisine.

Designed with sustainability in mind, Virunga Lodge seamlessly combines luxury with eco-conscious practices. Its spacious banda or cottages are beautifully decorated with locally sourced materials, reflecting Rwandan culture and craftsmanship. Guests can gain insight into the region’s rich traditions, from guided walks around nearby lakes to cultural visits with local communities. With exceptional cuisine featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a spa that offers relaxation after an adventurous hike, Virunga Lodge offers an unparalleled blend of adventure and cultural immersion in the heart of Rwanda’s highlands.