
Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge – A Serene Mid-range Property
Le Bambou gorilla lodge is one of the best mid-range lodges in the area surrounding Volcanoes National Park. The lodge is a privately owned Eco lodge that makes for a perfect base while gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Located just a 2 and a half hours drive away from Kigali city, Le Bambou gorilla lodge is a perfect place to stay with exceptional service and great staff. The lodge is beautifully decorated with amazing colors and features lush green gardens where guests can relax, unwind especially after their activities of the day, one might spot some beautiful birds in the gardens.
Le Bambou gorilla lodge is located close proximity to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park also known as Parc National des Volcans is located in North-west Rwanda and is famously known as the home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda. The diverse national park covers an area of 160 square kilometers and borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The park also protects part of the Virunga ranges that are shared by three countries and on a clear day you can see the mountain peaks from the Kinigi park headquarters. The lodge is a 10 minutes’ drive from Kinigi park headquarters which is the starting point for gorilla trekking and other major park activities.
Accommodation at Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
The lodge features 23 en-suite rooms which comfortable, cozy and spacious with all essentials to make your stay pleasant and comfortable. There are different room types which include single rooms, double rooms, triple rooms and twin rooms. The rooms are amazingly decorated with authentic Rwandan décor pieces with a touch of “Ankara” material. The rooms also have great views of either the lush lodge gardens or Mount Sabyinyo which is part of the Virunga mountain ranges.
Each room at Le Bambou gorilla lodge consists of;
En-suite bathroom with a toilet, a shower, a sink, a mirror, shampoo, lotion, shower gel and bathing soap.
Hot running water is available throughout the day.
Comfortable wooden bed with warm bedding’s, clean linen and mosquito nets.
A reading desk with a chair.
A fire place to keep guests warm as it can get pretty cold on some nights in Musanze.
Hot water bottles in the bed for cold nights.
Bedside table with lamp.
Facilities and Services
Restaurant – The lodge features a restaurant that serve delicious meals.The kitchen at the lodge has professional chefs that cater to all diet preferences including vegan, vegetarian and to lactose intolerant guests. Be sure to let the lodge staff know before hand or write to your tour ground handler about your dietary requirements so that the information is relayed to the lodge.
Internet/ Wi-Fi – The property provides guests with Wi-Fi services in case you might need to check your emails, browse the internet or update your social media.
Front Desk Service – Le Bambou gorilla lodge has a 24 hour front desk service. You can ask questions on arrival and throughout your stay at the front desk, a staff member is always available to attend to you.
Bar – The lodge features a well-stocked bar with an array of alcoholic drinks. The bar has different types of beers, wines and spirits, one can order a glass of wine, cocktail or a local beer brand. Fizzy drinks and non-alcoholic drinks are also available.
Coffee and tea station – The lodge has a coffee and tea station situated at the main lobby where one can grab a cup of coffee in the mornings or after an activity.
Other Services at the lodge include ample parking space and maximum security.
Attractions and Activities
Gorilla Trekking – This is the most popular tourism activity in Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a worthwhile memorable adventure that brings you closer to the mountain gorillas spending up to one hour watching them and taking photos. If you travelled with a tour operator company your driver guide picks you up straight from the lodge and transfers you to Kinigi for your trek. If you are doing self-drive you can use google maps to locate the area from the hotel or even ask the staff at the hotel for directions.
Golden Monkey trekking – Golden monkeys are primate species with golden fur on their backs and interesting facial features, these primates exist in groups of up to 30 individuals and are rather active compared to gorillas. The trek which starts at Kinigi headquarters is less strenuous than gorilla trekking and requires average physical fitness. The monkeys are usually found in less than one hour of trekking with the guidance of park ranger guides.
Diana Fossey Tomb Hike – The Diana Fossey hike is one of the activities around park and the 4 hour hike takes you to where she was buried. Le Bambou gorilla lodge is so close to the Diana Fossey campus so you can just take a walk there. Diana Fossey was a researcher who spent a great deal of her life time researching the mountain gorillas and pushing for the conservation and protection of the gorillas. The current population of gorillas is highly attributed to her conservation work and commitment to preserving mountain gorillas.
Volcano Hiking – For travelers looking for adventure, Volcanoes National Park offers hiking opportunities with beautiful views. Visitors can choose among 4 main peaks out of the 5 Virunga mountain ranges to hike. The most popular is the Mt. Bisoke hike which can be done in one day; the hike offers breath-taking views of the Crater Lake at the top of Mt.Bisoke. The other volcanoes to hike include Mt.Karisimbi which is a 2 day hike, Mt.Muhavura and Mt.Gahinga.
Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village – The Iby’Iwacu cultural visit is a great way to experience the way of the life of the Rwandans as you get a look in to their culture, traditions and norms. The cultural visit can be done after your gorilla trek depending on what time you return. While at the cultural village you will visit the traditional medicine man, a craft center and even be treated to the unique Rwanda traditional dances which you are free to join in.
Twin Lakes Visit – The visit to Rwanda’s twin lakes is a short yet rewarding trip that takes one to Lake Ruhonda and Lake Burera. The twin lakes offer you breath-taking views from the top and a glimpse in to the beautiful landscape of Rwanda. While here you can capture some great photos! This is a great attraction to visit in the afternoon.
Getting to Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
The lodge can be accessed from Kigali by road and the distance from Kigali to Musanze district in Rwanda is 96km.The journey is along a paved road and is just two and a half hours away from Kigali when using a private car. The route is Kigali – Rubavu – Musanze – Le Bambou Gorilla lodge. The drive is scenic and offers stunning views of the panoramic landscape of Rwanda and the small busy towns along the way that are usually filled with locals busy with the day’s activities.
Le Bambou Gorilla lodge can also be accessed via Uganda. The connection is along a paved road from Kisoro in Uganda crossing at the Cyanika border post into Rwanda and then to Musanze town at the foothills of Volcanoes national park. The distance between Kisoro and Musanze is 40km.
The lodge can also be accessed by taking a flight from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes national park with Akagera Aviation which arranges charter helicopters to the park. The lodge can arrange pick up or your driver guide can pick you up at the airstrip and drop you off at Le Bambou gorilla lodge.
Our Rwanda Safaris that include a stay at Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge