Rwanda is now home to some of the most spectacular eco-lodges and resorts in East Africa. To help you find the perfect accommodation for your dream safari, here’s our top 10 list…… choose the one that suits you best!
IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
1. Singita Kwitonda
Kwitonda Lodge, which was named after a legendary silverback gorilla, is located on 178 acres and shares a 1.2km border with Volcanoes National Park and Singita Kwitonda Lodge’s unrivalled position puts life-changing gorilla trekking experiences within easy reach. Each of the eight luxurious suites features a private heated plunge pool, wellness treatment area, in- and outdoor fireplaces and large timber-framed windows that welcome breathtaking scenery and volcano views inside. The lodge includes elements such as woven ceilings and hand-fired terracotta brickwork crafted by local artisans, while a dedicated Conservation Room and on-site nursery and vegetable garden which provides fresh produce for Kwitonda’s farm-to-table food journey further enhance the experience.
2. Kataza House
Singita Kataza House is set within a landscape of wetlands and lush meadows with magnificent views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes. It is designed around local materials and the use of volcanic rock, river stone, handmade ceramic tiles and oven-red clay bricks made by surrounding communities connect the villa to the landscape and its culture. These influences are interpreted in a contemporary style and entirely unique architectural layout. Singita Kataza House’s two heated plunge pools, in- and outdoor fireplaces and large timber-framed windows continuously welcome the breathtaking scenery inside, ensuring a guest experience unlike any other. With features like a fully-equipped fitness center, a two-bedroom staff residence, a cinema and a wine cellar, this modern African home caters intuitively for guests’ every need, and the massage treatment room, interactive kitchen and convivial fire pit making for magical fireside evenings ensure complete comfort. Set right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, it puts gorilla-trekking experiences within easy reach and the villa’s four luxurious suites provide comfortable, reflective and nurturing spaces in which to appreciate the transformative experience of coming face to face with the gentle giants of the forest.
3. One & Only Gorilla Nest
Sitting in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains where primatologist Dian Fossey once worked, the One& Only Gorilla’s Nest tells an unadulterated story of Rwanda and its mountain gorillas. The hotel is home to an intimate collection of 21 lodges and suites suspended over sprawling gardens at eye level with the tall eucalyptus trees and volcanic surroundings. Feel the call of the trees from your secluded sanctuary where binoculars, a library of books and local Imigongo art await.
4. Bisate Lodge
Bisate Lodge is located in the natural Amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone – the word Bisate means ‘pieces’ in Kinyarwanda, describing how the cone was once whole but worn away by natural erosion. The area has dramatic views of the peaks of the volcanoes Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno rearing up through the Afro-alpine forests of nearby Volcanoes National Park. Six sumptuous en-suite rooms maximize comfort, warmth and views while retaining environmental principles and reflecting the culture of surrounding rural Rwanda. Bisate is within easy driving distance of Park Headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily. Its vision of reforestation and rehabilitation means that each guest is invited to participate in biodiversity conservation efforts, as well as engage and meet the local community in addition to learning about and making a far-reaching positive impact on an iconic Critically Endangered species: the mountain gorilla.
5. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is Rwanda’s first ever community-owned lodge. The lodge was built and is operated by Governors’ Camp Collection, but the ownership rests with a Community Trust, which uses rentals and community fees from the lodge to drive socio-economic and conservation initiatives in the communities adjacent to the National Park. The lodge is located close to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park and offers wonderful views of the volcanoes and the surrounding countryside. Accommodation at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge comprises six cottages, two suites, one family cottage. All are stone buildings with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs, and feature large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms and a sheltered veranda. Three large fireplaces provide warmth while two patio areas afford wonderful and dramatic views to the Virunga Volcanoes and the surrounding countryside.
6. Virunga Lodge
Perched high on a ridge with the finest views in Africa, overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes and the Musanze valley to the west and Lake Burera and Ruhondo to the east, the iconic property has defined Rwandese Afro-chic since the lodge was built in 2004. The understated, timeless, hand-made style has been further refined to meet the needs of today’s luxury traveller. Each of our ten elegant bandas has a private terrace from which our guests can watch the sunrise over the dramatic landscape of mountains and lakes. The two deluxe bandas named after the lakes Ibirunga and Ibiyaga have their own private sitting room and more refined interiors, and a large terrace overlooking the majestic Virunga volcanoes or the twin lakes.
7. Amakoro songa Lodge
Nestled in a small village outside the town of Kinigi, the Amakoro Songa Lodge is a genuine blend of conservation and tourism. Its eight luxurious cottages are designed and built to take advantage of its serene surroundings which give every visitor a chance to escape everyday life and a sense of tranquility.
The Lodge gets its name from the black volcanic rocks that characterize this mountainous part of Rwanda that is home to the Mountain Gorillas. The lodge is set on a seven-acre plot with beautifully manicured lawns, surrounded by the Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabinyo mountain volcanoes.
All the cottages at Amakoro Songa Lodge are intentionally furnished with rustic elegance, fusing local and modern pieces that create a good warmth and comfort. The spacious rooms, each equipped with a fireplace, allow guests to opt for a post-trekking massage. The ‘must-experience’ outdoor fireplace is not to be missed and it allows guests to enjoy an evening drink while watching the traditional Intore Dance Troupe.
IN NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK
8. One& Only Nyungwe House
In a forest rich with flora that has thrived for millions of years, within the lush green expanse of a working tea plantation, one & only Nyungwe house is a serene haven of indulgence where you can disconnect from the outside world and immerse yourself in life’s passions and fascinations. Situated in five striking wooden villa clusters, our treetop-skimming, luxury suites and rooms are secluded in wonderfully untamed surroundings, accommodating all adventure seekers and paying homage to Rwanda’s beauty and heritage. Enjoy exceptional dining and selected beverages included in your stay, plus two signature resort experiences daily.
IN AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
9. Magashi Camp
With superb views over Lake Rwanyakazinga set in the idyllic sanctuary of Akagera National Park, Magashi Camp is a one-of-a-kind setting in Rwanda located in its own private concession area. No other camp can be found in this vast expanse of beautiful wilderness teeming with hippo, crocodile, a plethora of birds… and incredibly rarer species such as Sitatunga antelope and the Black Rhino. A large pride of Lions can be seen on daily game drives through this pristine sanctuary making Magashi camp a perfect Big Five safari. Six spacious and airy tents offer uninterrupted views over Lake Rwanyakazinga, while Magashi’s main area comprises a luxurious lounge, dining and bar area, pool, and expansive viewing deck with a convivial fire pit. The architecture and interiors pay homage to traditional Rwandan culture.
IN KIGALI CITY
10. The Retreat by Heaven
Set in the vibrant heart of Kigali, this luxury boutique hotel and spa offer easy access to all that is happening in this dynamic city. It offers the perfect combination of leafy tranquility, Rwandan flair, and contemporary buzz. It has 20 rooms and it is Kigali’s first entirely eco-friendly solar-powered resort featuring locally crafted sustainable teak wood furniture, expansive custom-built rooms with peaked ceilings, front and rear private patios, outdoor rain showers and private salt water plunge pools.
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