Review: Virunga Lodge provides the perfect base for gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Nestled in Volcanoes National Park, guests will feel worlds away from civilisation
Location: Perched high above the Virunga Volcanoes to the west, with sweeping views of lakes Burera and Ruhondo to the east, Virunga Lodge offers a breathtaking backdrop as a base for gorilla trekking. Just a 45-minute drive from Volcanoes National Park’s headquarters, where safari-goers meet their guides, it’s easily accessible. Guests arriving from Kigali airport – which welcomes daily direct flights from Heathrow – can reach the property on a scenic three-hour drive or a 20-minute helicopter ride.
First impressions: From the moment we arrive, I feel at home at Virunga Lodge. As we climb the path to the main building, the quiet wilderness feels worlds away from civilisation yet exudes a warm, inviting charm. We settle onto the terrace sofa to catch our breath (we’re 2,200 metres above sea level) as general manager Emmanuel and the team greet us, and fall easily into conversation as the pop of champagne signals the start of a truly magical few days.
The facts: Managed by Volcanoes Safaris – one of the first tour operators to champion gorilla tourism in post-genocide Rwanda – Virunga Lodge offers 10 traditional bandas (Central African-style houses), all with indoor and outdoor showers and private terraces, including four Deluxe Suites, which also feature a cosy living room with a chiminea for cooler evenings. Every wardrobe is fully stocked with waterproof coats, fleeces and gaiters should guests need the extra kit for trekking through the jungle. The main lodge offers intimate settings for mealtimes, from the airy terrace with views of the lakes to the rustic, wood-panelled dining room, warmed by the crackling embers of the fireplace.
Guests can unwind after a strenuous day by relaxing in plush armchairs at the bar, or savour a sundowner on the terrace as the sun dips below the mountains. For dinner, guests come together to share their stories of the day’s adventures over a daily changing menu prepared from locally sourced ingredients and exquisite wine pairings. Unsurprisingly, it’s easy to chat long into the evenings. Learning about the property’s support for nearby communities makes our stay even more special. Guests can contribute to projects that enhance local residents’ quality of life by providing access to electricity, clean water and livestock.
Ideal for: Chatty couples and solo travellers will love the sociable atmosphere at Virunga Lodge. But rest assured, clients who value their own space will still enjoy utmost privacy in their suites, and with a maximum capacity of just 20 guests, the lodge will never feel crowded.
Explore: Beyond gorilla trekking, Virunga Lodge offers enriching experiences for guests to learn more about this majestic species and engage with local communities, from insightful conversations with an expert from Gorilla Doctors, an organisation devoted to their conservation, to a walk through surrounding villages and a visit to a community centre.
Wow: It’s the details that make my stay at Virunga Lodge stand out: morning wake-up calls in the form of singing outside my window and my favourite hot drink delivered to my door; hiking boots spotlessly cleaned; and a complimentary daily massage to soothe away the day’s exertions. Every need is thoughtfully anticipated, ensuring an unforgettable stay.
Book it: Rates start at £845 per person per night all-inclusive, based on two people sharing a Standard Banda in low season.
volcanoessafaris.com
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