Virunga Lodge | Stunning View of the Virunga Mountain Ranges
Known for having the finest views in Africa, Virunga lodge is the ultimate luxury lodge to stay at while on safari in Rwanda. The stunning lodge that is set atop a ridge offers spectacular views of the Virunga Mountain ranges, Lake Bulera and Ruhondo to the east and the lush Musanze valley to the west. Virunga lodge is not only known for its stunning views but also known for its luxury accommodation that perfectly blends privacy and majestic grandeur
Virunga lodge is located in North-west Rwanda and makes for the perfect base for a visitor to this part of Rwanda who is interested in sleeping at a luxury 5 star facility. The lodge welcomes visitors to Rwanda for gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, bird watching and other tourism activities in Volcanoes National Park. Virunga lodge boasts of exceptional service, world class amenities and the finest accommodation for the luxury traveler.
Accommodation at Virunga Lodge
The lodge features 10 beautiful bandas that have been decorated with elegant pieces with a touch of African inspired art. Four of these bandas offer a private suite (deluxe banda) and the other six are standard bandas, we always recommend that you go with the deluxe bandas for an even more luxurious experience. The bandas are comfortable and spacious with stunning views that you get to enjoy from your private terrace. When it comes to exceptional luxury accommodation, Virunga lodge is the place to be!
Each banda at Virunga Lodge consists of;
A large bed with clean linen bed sheets and comfortable pillows.
En-suite bathroom with two bowl sinks. a flushing toilet, shower gel, hand lotion, hand wash, bathing soap, towels, bathrobes, bathroom sandals and clean towels.
Hot and cold showers.
Bedside table and lamp on each side of the bed.
Mosquito nets.
Complimentary drinking water.
A closet for keeping your clothes.
A private terrace with stunning views of the Virunga Mountain Ranges, Lake Bulera or Lake Ruhondo.
Large windows that let in enough light, perfect way to be woken up by the sun rays peeking through in the mornings.
Facilities and Services
A Private Butler – One of the amazing things about staying at Virunga lodge while on your Rwanda Safari is that you get assigned a private butler on arrival. The butler will take care of everything you need throughout your stay at the lodge, should you have any queries you simply let your butler know.
Restaurant – The lodge’s restaurant offers delicious and tasty meals made to perfection and to the standard that one would expect from a five star facility. The Chefs are expert professionals dedicated to bringing you fresh delicious meals with some materials being sourced from the neighboring local farmers. Breakfast, lunch, dinner is served and the restaurant caters to all dietary needs of guests so if you are vegan, vegetarian, lactose intolerant or have any other requirements the kitchen caters to them.
Lounge Area – The lounge at Virunga lodge is so beautiful and adorned with wonderful décor pieces that almost blend into the environment. It’s a perfect place to spend time while on your stay, relax in the cozy sofas, order a drink and take in the beauty of the lodge. A fire place is available in the lounge, staff always lights up the fire on cold nights making the area warm and very inviting.
Wi-Fi – The lodge has Wi-Fi available in the lobby for guests. This offers an opportunity to browse the internet and update your social media.
Ikirungu Spa & Sauna – The lodge has a spa that offers various spa treatments and massage for guests. After your gorilla trek you can visit the spa for a facial, a body scrub or herbal face treatment. Alternatively you can opt for a massage, Ikirungu spa offers different massage treatments that include deep tissue massage, Swedish massage and the famous Rungu massage.
All-Inclusive drinks – A stay at Virunga lodge involves all-inclusive drinks that include premium wines from South Africa, whiskies and amazing cocktails. All the drinks are carefully selected by the Virunga Team.
Virunga Lodge Map room – The map room that was built in 2017 offers conservation lectures to guests staying at Virunga lodge and is a monumental feature at the lodge as it was established to celebrate 50 years since Dian Fossey founded the Karisoke Research Center. Dian Fossey was a researcher and primatologist who spent a great deal of her life time researching the mountain gorillas and pushing for the conservation of these primates. The current population of gorillas is highly attributed to her conservation work and commitment to preserving mountain gorillas.
Other services available at Virunga Lodge include tea and coffee available at the restaurant throughout the day, snacks, laundry services, car parking space, and maximum security.
Attractions and Activities
Gorilla Trekking – This is the most popular tourism activity in Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla trekking 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 traveled 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.
Dian Fossey Tomb Hike – The Dian Fossey hike is one of the activities around park and the 4 hour hike takes you to where she was buried. Dian 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. A visit to the Dian Fossey tomb is an opportunity to learn more about her work and incredible contribution to the mountain gorilla population.
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.
Getting to Virunga Lodge
By Flight
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 the lodge.
By Road
Virunga lodge can also 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 – Virunga 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.
From Uganda
The 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.