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Visit Virunga Lodge

In one of Africa’s most picturesque locations, Virunga Lodge commands a fabulous setting on a high ridge within the unique terraced landscape for which Rwanda is renowned. Surrounded by folding hills, the lodge has unsurpassed panoramic views of Rwanda’s Virunga Volcanoes and the shimmering volcanic lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo. The well-established attractive gardens hide peaceful seating areas where guests can relax and take in the spectacular scenery.

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This elegant high-end property is the perfect choice with guests taking safaris in search of Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys. The lodge is a 45 minute drive from the starting point of treks within the Park National des Volcans, but this journey is scenic and gives guests the opportunity to see a little of Rwandan life in the local villages enroute.

Virunga Lodge is run on eco-friendly principles. Solar power is used for lighting and heating water, and the furnishings, fabrics and materials are locally-sourced.

Accommodation

The attractive accommodation at Virunga Lodge provides space and privacy. There are 8 large individual stone and tile cottages set on the hillside. Each cottage has exposed beams on its high ceilings and the tasteful wooden furnishings include large-framed beds that are adorned with elegant mosquito nets. The African-style decor includes colourful fabrics, grass mats, ethnic art and hand-carved wooden sculptures. The en-suite bathrooms have a stone decor and large walk-in showers. A private veranda on each cottage provides a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the wonderful views of the surrounding volcanoes and lakes.

Facilities

The public areas of the main building include a reception, a comfortable lounge with a unique central stone fireplace and a dining area and bar. There is a cosy atmosphere and guests enjoy meeting here of an evening to share the day’s adventures. Meals are of a good standard, with breakfast and a three-course dinner served at the communal dining table. Picnic lunches are provided for guests who are spending the day on excursions.

Activities

Excursions can be arranged to the Park National des Volcans to track Mountain Gorillas or Golden Monkeys or to visit the grave of the late Dian Fossey who lived and worked in the Park. Guests can also see nearby waterfalls or join guided walks to nearby lakeside villages to learn about the local culture. Guests can also visit nearby community projects and local schools.

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This elegant high-end property is the perfect choice with guests taking safaris in search of Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys. The lodge is a 45 minute drive from the starting point of treks within the Park National des Volcans, but this journey is scenic and gives guests the opportunity to see a little of Rwandan life in the local villages enroute.

Virunga Lodge is run on eco-friendly principles. Solar power is used for lighting and heating water, and the furnishings, fabrics and materials are locally-sourced.

Accommodation

The attractive accommodation at Virunga Lodge provides space and privacy. There are 8 large individual stone and tile cottages set on the hillside. Each cottage has exposed beams on its high ceilings and the tasteful wooden furnishings include large-framed beds that are adorned with elegant mosquito nets. The African-style decor includes colourful fabrics, grass mats, ethnic art and hand-carved wooden sculptures. The en-suite bathrooms have a stone decor and large walk-in showers. A private veranda on each cottage provides a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the wonderful views of the surrounding volcanoes and lakes.

Facilities

The public areas of the main building include a reception, a comfortable lounge with a unique central stone fireplace and a dining area and bar. There is a cosy atmosphere and guests enjoy meeting here of an evening to share the day’s adventures. Meals are of a good standard, with breakfast and a three-course dinner served at the communal dining table. Picnic lunches are provided for guests who are spending the day on excursions.

Activities

Excursions can be arranged to the Park National des Volcans to track Mountain Gorillas or Golden Monkeys or to visit the grave of the late Dian Fossey who lived and worked in the Park. Guests can also see nearby waterfalls or join guided walks to nearby lakeside villages to learn about the local culture. Guests can also visit nearby community projects and local schools.

Virunga Lodge Gallery

Virunga Lodge Gallery

Talk to a Specialist

Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Rwanda.

Talk to a Specialist

Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Rwanda.

Curating ultimate tailor-made safari experiences for 35 years

Curating ultimate tailor-made safari experiences for 35 years

What Our Clients Say About Us

In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our clients’ feedback.

David C

Once I narrowed my choice of African tour providers to 4, I wrote and asked them to compare themselves to the others. I got several very candid responses including this one from Gamewatchers Safaris: “I can guarantee you I can give you a..

Veronica P

I booked my holiday to Kenya as a solo traveller via a company in the UK. They used Gamewatchers Safaris as their local contact. From start to finish of my trip I felt very safe and all the arrangements went without a hitch. I was collected from the..

Dev P

We've just returned from a Kenyan Safari and Beach holiday all advised and organised by Wayne Hammond of Gamewatchers. He was always available, full of knowledge, and the itinerary delivered on all expectations. We would..

David C

Once I narrowed my choice of African tour providers to 4, I wrote and asked them to compare themselves to the others. I got several very candid responses including this one from Gamewatchers Safaris: “I can guarantee you I can give you a..

Veronica P

I booked my holiday to Kenya as a solo traveller via a company in the UK. They used Gamewatchers Safaris as their local contact. From start to finish of my trip I felt very safe and all the arrangements went without a hitch. I was collected from the..

Dev P

We've just returned from a Kenyan Safari and Beach holiday all advised and organised by Wayne Hammond of Gamewatchers. He was always available, full of knowledge, and the itinerary delivered on all expectations. We would..

What Our Clients Say About Us

In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our clients’ feedback.

David C

Once I narrowed my choice of African tour providers to 4, I wrote and asked them to compare themselves to the others. I got several very candid responses including this one from Gamewatchers Safaris: “I can guarantee you I can give you a..

Veronica P

I booked my holiday to Kenya as a solo traveller via a company in the UK. They used Gamewatchers Safaris as their local contact. From start to finish of my trip I felt very safe and all the arrangements went without a hitch. I was collected from the..

Dev P

We've just returned from a Kenyan Safari and Beach holiday all advised and organised by Wayne Hammond of Gamewatchers. He was always available, full of knowledge, and the itinerary delivered on all expectations. We would..

David C

Once I narrowed my choice of African tour providers to 4, I wrote and asked them to compare themselves to the others. I got several very candid responses including this one from Gamewatchers Safaris: “I can guarantee you I can give you a..

Veronica P

I booked my holiday to Kenya as a solo traveller via a company in the UK. They used Gamewatchers Safaris as their local contact. From start to finish of my trip I felt very safe and all the arrangements went without a hitch. I was collected from the..

Dev P

We've just returned from a Kenyan Safari and Beach holiday all advised and organised by Wayne Hammond of Gamewatchers. He was always available, full of knowledge, and the itinerary delivered on all expectations. We would..

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Exploring Africa’s Wilderness on foot – Mara Walking Safaris​

A Maasai women group from the Greater Maasai Mara region in the former Ol Kinyei Group Ranch has benefit from a 3,000-litre solar-powered milk coolant donated by the World Wide Foundation for Nature(WWF) with funding from the German government in partnership with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.