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Bisate Lodge

Rooms start from $1,500 per person per night

Located in the heart of Musanze district, just 2.5 hours (107 km) from Kigali International Airport. Bisate Lodge has redefined luxury accommodation in Rwanda with its distinctive volcanic cone design inspired by the Royal Palace of traditional Rwandan monarchs. The lodge's commitment to conservation has resulted in the planting of over 50,000 indigenous trees in the surrounding area.

Each of the six forest villas offers breathtaking views of Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes, featuring hand-crafted details that celebrate Rwandan culture. The lodge's unique amenities include personal butler service, in-villa massage treatments, and a wine cellar showcasing South African vintages. Their farm-to-table dining experience, featuring ingredients from their organic garden, has earned international acclaim.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Rooms start from $1,800 per person per night

Located in the Kinigi sector, a 2-hour and 45-minute drive (116 km) from Kigali. Singita Kwitonda Lodge, named after a legendary silverback mountain gorilla, represents the perfect fusion of contemporary design and traditional Rwandan elements. The lodge's floor-to-ceiling windows frame magnificent views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura volcanoes.

The eight luxurious suites and one four-bedroom villa each feature private heated plunge pools, wellness treatment areas, and indoor and outdoor fireplaces. Unique amenities include a conservation lounge with research facilities, an on-site nursery that's planted over 250,000 trees, and a dedicated photography studio where guests can edit their gorilla trek photos with professional assistance.

One&Only Gorilla's Nest

Rooms start from $2,000 per person per night

Situated in Kinigi, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes (110 km) from Kigali. One&Only Gorilla's Nest stands as a testament to sustainable luxury, with 21 free-standing lodges and suites suspended over a fragrant eucalyptus forest. The property's location offers the closest proximity to the Volcanoes National park's headquarters among all luxury lodges.

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest features private outdoor decks with volcanic stone bathtubs, floor heating for chilly mountain evenings, and an infinity pool overlooking the volcanoes. Distinctive amenities include a Chef's Garden where guests can harvest ingredients for their meals, a specialist gear room with premium trekking equipment, and a spa offering post-trek bamboo massages.

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Rooms start from $400 per person per night

Located in Musanze town, 2 hours (100 km) from Kigali. Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel offers an intimate experience with just 11 rooms, making it perfect for travelers seeking a more personal touch in their places to stay around Volcanoes National Park.

The hotel combines traditional Rwandan architecture with modern comforts, featuring beautiful gardens and mountain views. Notable amenities include complimentary boot cleaning after treks, a cozy fireplace lounge, and authentic Rwandan cooking classes. Their on-site restaurant specializes in farm-fresh local cuisine with both international and traditional options.

Da Vinci Lodge

Rooms start from $250 per person per night

Situated in Musanze district, 2 hours and 15 minutes (105 km) from Kigali. Da Vinci Lodge offers excellent value without compromising on comfort, making it one of the most accessible places to stay around Volcanoes National Park.

The lodge features 27 well-appointed rooms with modern amenities, including reliable Wi-Fi and heated rooms. Unique offerings include a dedicated briefing room for trek preparation, a craft shop featuring local artisans' work, and a restaurant serving both continental and local cuisine with vegetarian options.

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda takes place exclusively within Volcanoes National Park, home to 12 habituated gorilla families available for tourist visits. Volcanoes National Park, locally known as "Parc National des Volcans," spans 160 square kilometers across five volcanoes: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo.

The mountain gorilla tracking experience begins early morning at the park headquarters in Kinigi, where visitors are assigned to specific gorilla families based on their fitness levels and preferences. Each family has its territory within the park, ranging from the gentler slopes near park boundaries to the more challenging terrains higher up the volcanic slopes.

Securing your gorilla tracking permit well in advance is crucial, as Rwanda issues only 96 permits per day to maintain sustainable tourism practices. I recommend booking at least 6-12 months ahead, especially during peak seasons. The Rwanda Development Board handles all permit bookings directly or through licensed tour operators.

Getting your permit early not only ensures availability but also allows better planning for accommodation and travel arrangements. While the Rwanda gorilla permit cost of $1,500 for foreign non-residents might seem steep, it includes a significant contribution to conservation efforts and local community development. Remember that Rwanda offers special rates of $500 for foreign residents and $200 for East African Community (EAC) residents.

The optimal time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda spans from June to September during the long dry season, and December to February in the shorter dry period. During these months, the trails are less muddy, making the trek more manageable, and the gorillas are typically easier to locate.

The dry seasons offer more reliable weather conditions, though you should still expect some rain given the region's microclimate. While gorilla trekking is possible year-round, the wet seasons (March-May and October-November) present more challenging conditions with muddy trails and frequent downpours.

Reaching Volcanoes National Park is relatively straightforward, with most visitors arriving through Kigali International Airport. From there, you can arrange private transport or hire a car for the 2-2.5-hour journey north to Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri), the gateway town to the park. The road is well-maintained and offers stunning views of Rwanda's hills and valleys.

Many lodges provide transfer services from Kigali, and some even offer helicopter transfers for a truly spectacular arrival. If you're planning to self-drive, the route is well-marked, though I recommend using a GPS or hiring a driver familiar with the area for added convenience.

Based on my numerous treks, I've found that proper attire is crucial for both comfort and safety. Long, lightweight trousers tucked into hiking socks protect against stinging nettles and insects. A long-sleeved shirt in breathable fabric helps guard against scratches and sudden weather changes. During my last trek in 2024, I particularly appreciated having layered clothing as temperatures varied significantly throughout the morning.

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential - the terrain can be steep and muddy. Garden gloves protect your hands during inevitable falls or while grabbing onto vegetation for support. Don't forget a light rain jacket, as mountain weather can change rapidly. I also recommend bringing a small backpack with water, snacks, and any personal medications you might need.

Consider this guide your pathway to an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. Whether you choose the ultra-luxury of Singita Kwitonda or the authentic charm of Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, each accommodation offers its unique perspective on this remarkable destination. Book your stay today and prepare for an adventure that will forever change how you view our closest animal relatives in their natural habitat.

When it comes to finding the perfect places to stay around Volcanoes National Park and organizing your gorilla trekking adventure, Dav Safaris stands out as a premier tour operator in Rwanda. With years of experience and deep local connections, they've established themselves as experts in crafting unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences. Their intimate knowledge of each property and strong relationships with lodge managers ensure you'll receive exceptional service and optimal value for your investment.

Key reasons to choose Dav Safaris for your Rwanda adventure:

• Proven track record spanning years of organizing successful gorilla treks and securing prime accommodations, with established relationships with local communities and park authorities
• Personalized itinerary planning tailored to your preferences, physical capabilities, and budget, ensuring the perfect match with available lodges and trekking options
• 24/7 on-ground support from arrival in Kigali through departure, providing peace of mind throughout your journey
• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs, plus preferred rates and special perks at partner lodges thanks to strong industry relationships
• Active commitment to sustainable tourism and community development, ensuring your visit positively impacts local communities and conservation efforts

Contact us for more information: Email: info@davsafaris.com Phone: +256757795781 WhatsApp: +256701412430