Virunga Lodge

The magnificent Virunga Lodge is perched high on a ridge with stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the Musanze valley to the west and Lake Burera and Ruhondo to the east, and is about a one hour drive to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters.

As well as offering some of the finest views in Africa, it also boasts uniquely decorated rooms in the Rwandese style, fantastic food and exceptional and personalised service by carefully trained staff.

Tracking mountain gorillas through the dense African forests is a magical experience. Only 8 visitors are allowed per gorilla group each day, and to minimize possible transmission of human diseases, visitors are asked to maintain a distance of 7m (about 22 feet) from the gorillas. Typically, tracking can take from 3 to 8 hours and requires some agility and fitness, however, all fitness levels can be accommodated and no one should feel deterred from missing this once in a lifetime experience.

In addition, guests can also enjoy a trek to see the Golden Monkeys. With only a small number remaining in the world, these primates are characterized by their bright golden body, cheeks and tail, with contrasting black limbs, crown and tail end, and are a pleasure to watch. The walk will take you from the bamboo stands and forested gorge on the lower levels of the volcanoes, to the elevated heath and moorland higher up.

Accommodation at Virunga Lodge is in 10 luxury Guest Bandas. Each banda has a private terrace from which guests can watch the sunrise over the dramatic landscape of mountains and lakes. The 2 Deluxe Bandas have their own private sitting room in addition and are perfect for honeymooners or a family.

If you have a free afternoon at Virunga Lodge, guests often take advantage of the lodge's unique position by meandering down the mountain slope, through local villages, and to Lake Bulera, which sits at its foot. Passing through the local communities offers a colorful peek into village life and opportunities to visit local schools and community centres.

Rates Include

All meals; alcoholic drinks (excludes Champagne) and soft drinks; a laundry service; and one 50 minute complimentary massage per guest per stay are included.

Children Policy

Children aged 12 years and older are welcome. Children under 15 years of age are not permitted to track the gorillas.

General Information For Guests

All rooms have an en-suite bathroom with flushing WC, double vanity unit and a shower with hot/cold running water, a fire place, hair dryer, Wi-Fi, mosquito netting, a room safe, and a private terrace overlooking the dramatic landscape. Each room also has private butler service.

The main guest areas include a bar, library, restaurant/dining area, and a spa. 

The lodge is a 3 hour drive by road from Kigali.

Any extra costs will be added to your room account to settle on departure by credit card (AMEX, Visa and MasterCard only). Cash/cheques are not accepted.

The Dian Fossey Map Room at Virunga Lodge has been built in honor of Dr Dian Fossey, the pioneer primatologist who set up the Karisoke Center high in the Virunga volcanoes in 1967. The exploration and conservation of the Virunga volcanoes is a very interesting and unique story and has been brought together for the first time in the amazing exhibition at the Dian Fossey Map Room at Virunga Lodge. The Dian Fossey Map Room was opened on 2 March 2017. A permanent exhibition has been set up in the Map Room charting the 'Conservationists and Explorers of the Virunga Volcanoes' from 1850 to 1985 when Fossey died.

Popular Alternatives to Virunga Lodge

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Virunga Lodge, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Virunga Lodge was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.