Virunga Lodge

At an altitude of 2,200m and a 45-minute drive from the Parc National des Volcans headquarters, Virunga Lodge is without a doubt one of East Africa’s most spectacularly located lodges. Having previously won Africa’s most romantic hotel at the World Boutique Hotel Awards, this comfortable, luxury eco-lodge stands high on a ridge with stunning views of the entire Virunga Volcano Chain, running into Uganda and DR Congo, the Musanze valley to the west and Lake Bulera and Ruhondo to the east. Virunga Lodge is built around eco-friendly concepts with solar lighting and use of local materials. To get to the lodge from Kigali International Airport it is a three-hour drive, or a 20-minute helicopter transfer.

The accommodation consists of eight Stone Tiled Bandas (six doubles and two twins) and two Deluxe Bandas. Each luxurious banda has a private terrace with views over the volcanoes or lakes, an en-suite bathroom and locally inspired, vibrant Rwandese fabrics and furniture. All the bandas have their own fireplace, ideal for chilly nights, and there is no air-conditioning. The two Deluxe Bandas (Ibirunga and Ibiyaga) each have their own living room, stone fireplaces, private terrace, and newer more superior interiors (perfect for honeymoon couples and families). Wi-Fi is only available in the main building and the Dian Fossey Map Room. The lounge and dining area commands some of the finest views and is the perfect place for a sundowner at the end of the day. The cosy, central fireplace and the large dining table create a sociable atmosphere, and the food served is excellent.

Each guest can receive one massage compliments of the hotel. Activities include: Gorilla Trekking; Golden Monkey Tracking; hikes of varying difficulty up the volcanoes; birding; Lake Kivu and Gisenyi visit; an Intore Dance performance; Mwiko Primary School visit and a Lake Bulera Village Walk.