The views from Sabyinyo across Karisimbi, Bisoke, Mikeno and Sabyinyo volcanoes can only be described as cinematic. And each charming cottage, (discreetly tucked away in the folds of the hills), offers a front row view.
After a thrilling day exploring the park, guests meet in the convivial main lodge, which has been designed to create an intimate space for guests to unwind in and share the day’s adventures. Open log fires, and assorted seating areas in the main lounge and dining room create a luxuriously warm and inviting atmosphere.
Besides thrilling mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking, there is much to see and discover at Sabyinyo. Guests can hike to Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke and marvel at the stunning views, hike to the ruin of Dian Fossey’s research centre, and her burial site and visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Take nature walks in search for endemic Rwandan bird species, with a knowledgeable guide, or enjoy a leisurely stroll in our vegetable garden and learn more about our farm to table ethos. Be inspired by a cultural tour and learn more about our conservation efforts, which are leading the way in community tourism.
Sabyinyo has six charming cottages with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs. Each has a spacious sitting area, a fireplace and extra-roomy en-suite bathroom. Space heaters by the beds supplement the log fire, to create a haven of warmth. Outdoors, a spacious veranda invites you to relax and enjoy the bird-filled gardens.
Sabyinyo has one spacious family cottage with the same traditional Rwandese terracotta tile roofs.
The cottage offers two separate bedrooms, each with its own en-suite facilities. Families can enjoy breakfast outdoors on the shared veranda, and cosy up in the evenings around the inviting fireplace in the large sitting area.
Please note, the family cottage is more suitable for older children, as the two individual bedrooms are not interlinked. For families with younger children, we recommend one parent sleeps with the younger child/children.
Sabyinyo offers two extra-spacious luxury suites. Each features an expansive sitting area, two verandas with impressive views and en-suite bathroom (shower and bath). Log fires are lit every night, and space heaters beside the large king-sized, four-poster bed adds warmth and ambiance. The suites are perfect for couples and honeymooners.
Please note it’s not possible to create two separate single beds.
The legendary Virunga Mountains in north-western Rwanda are home to volcanoes, swathes of cloud forest and half the world’s total population of Endangered mountain gorillas. The primates of Rwanda are unparalleled, and Wilderness Sabyinyo is the perfect base for mountain gorilla trekking.
This thrilling excursion takes place from Volcanoes National Park headquarters, where guests are allocated to one of the 12 habituated gorilla families for an awe-inspiring one-hour encounter.
Enjoy a short trek to view this beautiful primate, which is endemic to the area and lives in groups of between 30 to 80 individuals in the Park’s bamboo forest.
At Sabyinyo you can get up close to the stories of the land on a guided community walk, which offers fascinating insights into Rwandan rural life, as well as a glimpse into the struggles of the past.
Guests will learn how crops are grown, how milling and processing is done by hand, and learn more about how traditional medicines are used.
Rwandan dancing, an integral part of today’s culture, will be part of this fascinating cultural tour, which is one to three hours long.
Birding with a knowledgeable Wilderness guide at Sabyinyo is a truly enriching experience.
Sabyinyo extends across seven hectares (about 17 acres) and is a haven for over 40 bird species that do not otherwise easily thrive in the surrounding agricultural plots, where natural shelter is rare and human disturbance is high.
Guests are welcome to enjoy the nature trails on their own (armed with a good pair of binoculars), or are invited to enquire about our guided walks.
