The magnificent Virunga Lodge in Rwanda is one of Africa’s most loved lodges. Perched high on a ridge with dramatic views overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes, Musanze valley, Lake Bulera and Lake Ruhondo.
The iconic property has defined Rwandese Afro-chic since the lodge was built by Praveen Moman in 2004. The timeless, hand-made style makes it the first accommodation choice for tracking the endangered mountain gorilla.
Exceptional hospitality, locally-inspired food and a private butler are hallmarks of the guest experience.
Each of the ten elegant bandas has a private terrace overlooking the dramatic landscape. The three deluxe bandas offer a private suite.
Rwanda is setting itself up as Africa’s new big luxury tourism destination. And while mountain gorillas are the country’s main attraction, new luxury lodges will help open up other regions of this small, yet highly diverse country.There’s a lot of buzz about Rwanda. The country is starting to build a new international airport, RwandAir is applying to fly non-stop from Kigali to New York, a convention center opened in the capital city in 2016, and suddenly, a spate of international luxury hospitality operators are opening nature resorts in the countryside.Moreover, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund has released statistics showing that the population of mountain gorillas living in the Virunga mountains (which span Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo) grew from 480 in 2010 to 604 in 2016.
• 10 luxury bandas. 6 doubles, 2 twins, 3 deluxe, all with a fireplace in the room and a terrace overlooking the volcanoes or the twin lakes. 1 guide/tour room available at the lodge.
• 3 larger deluxe bandas perfect for honeymoon couples or families.
• All rooms are complete with en-suite bathrooms with flushing toilet, double vanity and shower with hot & cold running water.
• Sun terrace overlooking the Virunga
• Volcanoes with scenic panoramic views.
• Personal butler service for all guests.
• The Ikirunga Spa is available to every guest.
• One 50-minute complimentary massage per guest per stay. Extra massages are available at
• $50 per 50-minute massage.
• Full board accommodation including all soft drinks and regular and premium alcoholic
• beverages including cocktails, cellar collection wines and single malt whiskies. Guests pay for French champagne only.
• Complimentary laundry service.
• Power sockets/charging facilities and hair dryers available in the rooms. No air conditioners.
• Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge and all guest bandas.
• 3 deluxe, all with a fireplace in the room and a terrace overlooking the volcanoes or the twin lakes.
• Perfect for honeymooners or a family
Tracking mountain gorillas through the dense African forests is a magical experience. Only eight 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.
With only a small number remaining in the world, the Golden Monkey can be found in the foothills of the volcanic mountains of Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Characterized by its bright golden body, cheeks and tail, with contrasting black limbs, crown and tail end, these playful primates are a pleasure to watch. Whether you choose to do this on the Rwandan or Ugandan side, 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.
The group of Intore Dancers is made up of 24 dancers and two dance trainers.
The troupe perform the traditional Rwandan ballet called The Intore, also known as “The Heroes” for Volcanoes Safaris guests, which is based on the courtly victory dance of the Rwandan Mwami (kings). Being selected as an Intore in times of old was a great honour – they would receive a privileged education, intensive combat training and they held a high status within the court. Today, the dancers use traditional weapons such as spears and bows and wear brightly coloured clothes and long flowing white hairpieces.
Located in a beautiful meadow nestled between the Karisimbi and Visoke volcanoes are the graves of Dian Fossey and some of her beloved research gorillas. For anyone interested in gorilla conservation in Rwanda, or interested in Fossey’s personal story, the trek to her grave is highly recommended. This trek starts early in the morning, can take 6-8 hours and is operated by the National Park.
