Best Accommodations/ Hotels in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking excursions in Rwanda are carried out in Volcanoes National Park. The park lies in the northwestern part of the country, covering five of the five of eight Volcanoes that make up the Virunga Massif. The Virunga mountains in this park include Mount Sabinyo, mount Karisimbi, mount Gahinga, Mount Bisoke, and Mount Muhabura.
Volcanoes National Park is a habitat to a huge population of mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and other wildlife species that have rendered it a popular tourist destination for researchers and nature lovers. Several years back, this park served as a base for the American primatologist Dian Fossey, a lady whose efforts and passion were centered on mountain gorilla conservation, and her legacy still stands up to the present.
A complete safari to the Volcanoes National Park is a combination of tailormade activities depending on one’s budget and preference. Several activities are carried out in this park such as gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, visiting the twin lakes, hiking, and other related activities. however, for you to have a successful trip, accommodation should be practiced. There are no accommodations inside Volcanoes National Park, but you can choose from those within closer range as you plan your safari. They range from luxury, midrange, and budget, so budget determines your residence. Some of them include
Wilderness Bisate lodge
This is one of the Five-star Hotels in Volcanoes National Park. it is located close to the park headquarters. The lodge comprises six conically shaped thatched forest villas nestled in the lush forest and provides clear views of some of the Virunga volcanic peaks like Karisimbi and Bisoke. The accommodation comprises 6 en-suite rooms that accommodate 12 guests. Modern furnishings and elegant facilities provide comfort and the environmental concept of protecting the natural wilderness and Rwandan culture. It is well facilitated with free WI-FI, a precious restaurant, and a bar. It is the best base in Africa from which to trek for mountain gorillas in the Virunga.
One and only Gorillas Nest Lodge
This is a Five-Star Hotel located in Kinigi on the way to Volcanoes. it is surrounded by well-designed and planted eucalyptus trees. the lodge is situated in the foothills of the volcano range and provides stunning views of the five volcanoes that make up the park. it comprises of 21 stylish and spacious rooms with interiors designed to match the surrounding environment. It is a sister lodge to the One and Only Nyungwe Forest Lodge.
While at this accommodation, visitors enjoy delicious international and local Rwandan cuisines at the “Nest “restaurant. In this place, you are guaranteed various services like free parking space, WI-FI, a luxurious pool, sauna, drinks of all types in the bar and restaurant, and a fitness center available. The lodge provides air transportation from Kigali International Airport to either Kinigi or Nyungwe. One and Only Gorillas Nest Lodge is superb accommodation will all facilities that will keep your safari warm and fruitful.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
This is another luxury lodge in the volcanoes, located near Musanze close to Sabinyo volcano. The lodge was named after a gorilla family (Kwitonda) found in the volcanoes. the accommodation looks to be still under construction though currently can accommodate visitors. Upon completion, it’s expected to have eight luxurious suites.
Each of the suites has a private heated plunge pool, an outdoor fireplace, and wide wood-framed windows that offer clear views of the volcanoes.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
This is a community-owned luxury accommodation located close to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park. from this lodge, you can decide to walk to the briefing center or take a few minutes’ drive. It was named after Mount Sabinyo, one of the volcanoes that make up the Virunga massif, where many tourists go for the gorilla trekking experience and other activities in Volcanoes National Park.
The accommodation has an eco-friendly environment and offers six cottages, two suites, and one family cottage for guests. The rooms have a large sitting area with a fireplace to maintain warmth in the night when it gets cold. The rooms have a private sheltered balcony where you can sit for breakfast or read a novel as you enjoy clear views of the volcanoes.
More facilities at the accommodation include a library, games room, bar, restaurant, and an awareness center where you can find out more about the protection of endangered mountain gorillas.
Virunga Lodge
This is the accommodation one should opt to stay at on a visit to the Volcanoes National Park. from the lodge, you can only drive for 40 minutes to the park headquarters.
The Virunga Lodge has ten luxury bandas, 8 are standard bandas and 2 are deluxe bandas made of stone walls, wooden floors, and well-furnished wooden furniture. Each room has a large balcony that offers views of the beautiful sunset. The rooms are eco-friendly and spread on the hill with each having a private fireplace that helps to keep the place warm all the time. the showers have solar-heated water and low-flush toilets.
Apart from the amazing services offered by the facility, the lodge offers the local “Indore dance” by troupes that welcome guests from the trekking activity. It also gives opportunity to those who wish to go for community visits to see or support their projects.
Sambora Kinigi Lodge
This is a 3-star midrange accommodation located in the Kinigi near Ib’yiwachu Cultural Center. Ib’yiwachu is a cultural village where tourists have encountered the Rwandan locals for Rwandan history, culture, and traditions. The lodge comprises 5 sophisticated and comfortable self-contained rooms that open out to views of the Virunga volcanoes.
The rooms have king-sized beds with very smart bedding, mosquito nets, a wooden floor, clean toilets, and cold en-suite showers. The rooms have coffee-making facilities, complimentary bottled water, free toiletries and many other essential items that provide a comfortable stay.
The rooms vary in size, there are singles, doubles/twins, triple, and family rooms that vary in cost.
At the dining area, you are served both local and international meals, depending on your choice. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in the main dining room by trained and hospitable attendants. The bar is well stocked with a variety of refreshments, such as beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails, that you can sip as you enjoy the Virunga.
The accommodation also provides free parking space for guests, airport pick-ups and drops, and laundry services. Sambora Lodge is convenient and affordable.
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
The Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel is a 4-star hotel located within a 15-minute drive from Kinigi Park headquarters. The hotel is perfectly positioned for guests who wish to go to different activities in the Volcanoes National Park.
The hotel comprises 13 spacious and comfortable rooms, a family suite, a honeymoon cottage, 9 deluxe rooms with double/twin/triple beds, and standard rooms.
The rooms are well-decorated and furnished with modern facilities like hot and cold showers, clean flushing toilets, comfortable beddings with mosquito nets, hair drier’s, air conditioning, WI-FI, and private balconies. The hotel has private sitting areas, terraces, and gardens for relaxing as you enjoy the breathtaking views of the volcanos.
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel has a restaurant that serves both international and local cuisines depending on your choice. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The hotel provides free parking space, airport pick-ups and drop-offs, laundry services, a gym, massage, a steam bath, and a craft shop.
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, located just 10 minutes from the entrance of Volcanoes National Park, is one of the best stays for travelers looking to make expeditions into the park. It is an eco-lodge constructed from locally available materials.
Sensitively designed and built using local, sustainable resources, the lodge has 38 rock cottages that provide impressive views down the volcanic ranges. The rooms are very large, functional, comfortable, well spaced, and complete fireplaces that help to maintain warmth.
The hotel offers daily performances of traditional Rwandan songs and dances that provide a welcoming atmosphere for guests during the high season.
Facilities offered by the hotel include ample parking space, gardens, free internet services, a gift shop, a designated smoking area, a service shuttle, special diet menus (available on request), and barbeque facilities among others.
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
This is one of the finest mid-range lodges with an incredible location in the shadows of Mount Karisimbi. At this facility, guests are offered accommodation depending on their affordability. The hotel caters to budget, mid-range, and budget travelers at affordable rates.
The hotel has 5 cottages built with typical local materials in line with the surrounding environment. Each room has a writing /work desk and a chair, a spacious sitting area, an en-suite bathroom, a clean flushing toilet, and showers.
Other facilities provided by the accommodation include a bar area that operates 24/7, where guests can drink, relax, and enjoy different alcoholic brands. These include wine, spirits, beer, and soft drinks, both locally made and imported. Experienced staff serve meals alongside the beverages. At Da Vinci Lodge, expect quality service at an affordable cost.
Hotel Muhabura
This is one of the best budget hotels close to Volcanoes National Park. It is located opposite the Musanze district headquarters. This is the hotel where Dian Fossey spent some nights while on her research about gorilla conservation and protection.
The accommodation has 30 rooms for double / twin and single occupancy. It also has 6 spacious apartments, offering a conducive environment for resting after gorilla trekking and other activities in the Volcanoes.
Other facilities at the hotel include a terrace, gift shop, sauna and massage, conference hall, well-designed reception, restaurant, and bar with hospitable and caring attendants.
Kinigi Guest House
Kinigi Guest House is a well-known accommodation option located in Rwanda, close to Volcanoes National Park headquarters. The park is famous for its population of endangered mountain gorillas and is a popular destination for tourists interested in gorilla and golden monkey trekking. The drive from the lodge to the headquarters is approximately 2 minutes, making it the best base for visitors.
This budget facility offers various amenities like comfortable bedrooms and a dining area. It also assists in organizing gorilla treks and other activities in the area.
The guest house has 20 rooms that can accommodate over 40 guests, there are dormitory facilities for large groups of visitors like students. The dormitories have shared rooms with warm and cold water.
All rooms are supplied with electricity for lighting and the dining room is available with a variety of tasty meals at an affordable price. The lounge area has a fireplace to maintain warmth even during the cold weather.
The accommodation is owned by an association of women from the neighbouring community, so the funds collected help to uplift the lives of these widows and orphans. the facility has a craft shop with items that are sold as souvenirs to tourists.
Fravan eco-resort.
This is a mid-range facility located in Musanze. It’s reached after a 10-minute drive from Karisoke Research Center and 12 km from Volcanoes National Park.
The accommodation is ideal and comfortable for all tourists with varied budgets. It comprises 5 rooms styled traditionally with wood. The rooms are well furnished and decorated, each containing well-flushed toilets, hot and cold showers, mosquito nets, hand driers, complementary warm bottled water, clean bedding, and all materials that give comfort to guests.
The accommodation has a restaurant that serves meals both in the gardens and the dining. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, served by well-organized and smart staff.
The bar is well-stocked with all kinds of soft drinks such as local and international wines, and beers. You can relax in the swimming pool or relax as you sip a cocktail while viewing the volcanoes and the surrounding areas.
Additional services include free parking space, WI-FI, airport pickups and drop-offs, and laundry services.
In addition to the above, more accommodation facilities in Volcanoes National Park that will provide a comfortable stay include Amikusi Hotel, Foothill Farmhouse, Amahoro Songa Lodge, My Hill Eco Lodge, Eagle View Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Camp, Karenge Bush Camp, La Palme Hotel, Garr Hotel, Villa Gorilla Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Garden Palace Hotel, and Best View Hotel among others.
All in all, you will have a complete and memorable experience when you find decent accommodation that fits your budget.