Best Safari Lodges in Rwanda

Rwanda is a well-known safari destination for mostly its gorilla trekking adventures, which not only allow visitors to get up close and personal with endangered mountain gorillas; but also, golden monkeys, and other primates. A Rwanda safari, however, is more than that! Traveling through rainforests in search of gorillas is just the beginning of the unforgettable experiences available. A safari to the “Land of a Thousand Hills” will also include sightings of the Big 5 in Akagera National Park, hiking up ancient dormant volcanoes, trekking chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park, and relaxing on the “beach,” at Lake Kivu, among others.

Is Gorilla Trekking better in Uganda or Rwanda

Because of its increasing mountain gorilla population, typical savanna wildlife experiences, and rapidly evolving capital of Kigali, Rwanda has emerged as a developing safari destination for many travelers around the globe. But it has also become a haven for world-class accommodations and the country’s lodging options have improved over the previous years. Whether you are traveling for a safari, leisure, or business, to Rwanda, Rwanda has several lodges, hotels, and camps where you can be sure of a comfortable stay. Rwanda Safari lodges range from ultra-luxurious to budget-friendly and they provide an ideal setting for travelers to conduct their daily activities. There are several lodging options in the Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park, Gisenyi, and Kibuye, among other safari destinations in the country. 

Therefore, choosing the right safari lodges in Rwanda will make your Rwanda safari more comfortable and successful. Furthermore, finding a nice hotel or lodge in any of the above Rwandan safari locations is simple if you know your budget and preferences. A decent place to stay in Rwanda will cost between $100 and $200; whereas luxury hotels or lodges may charge between $350 and $1500 per night, depending on the location. Here is a compiled list of our top picks for the best safari lodges in Rwanda;

Safari Lodges in Rwanda

Singita Kwitonda Lodge: Safari Lodges in Rwanda

This is one of the top Safari Lodges in Rwanda. Named after a legendary silverback gorilla, is the remarkable Singita Kwitonda Lodge which sits on 178 acres and shares a 1.2-kilometer border with the Volcanoes National Park: making it the only lodge in such proximity to the park. The lodge’s unrivaled location puts life-changing gorilla trekking experiences within easy reach of more than a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Featuring 8 luxurious suites, each suite has a private heated plunge pool, wellness treatment area, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and large timber-framed windows that welcome spectacular scenery and volcano views.

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The lodge’s interiors are carefully designed with local design and handcrafted details that adorn the carefully planned spaces, boasting breathtaking views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura volcanoes. The lodge features hand-fired terracotta brickwork crafted by local artisans, as well as a dedicated Conservation Room and on-site nursery and vegetable garden, which provides fresh produce for Kwitonda’s farm-to-table food journey. Singita Kwitonda provides guests with a nurturing environment in which to reflect on their encounters with the remarkable “gentle apes of the forest,”

Other amenities offered at the lodge include free parking, laundry services, an outdoor pool, a shared TV area, a gift shop, airport transfers, Wi-Fi, a business center, free breakfast, a bar, and a restaurant serving delicious local and international cuisine. Safari activities provided by Singita Kwitonda lodge include tours to the Akarabo nursery bed, farm-to-table garden, conservation room, gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, birding, hiking and nature walks, village tours, and Kigali city tour among others.

Bisate Lodge: Safari Lodges in Rwanda

Situated in the amphitheater of an eroded volcanic cone, Bisate Lodge is another of the top Safari Lodges in Rwanda owned by wilderness safaris. The lodge sits on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park and derives its name from a Kinyarwanda word “bisate” which means ‘pieces’ describing how the once-whole cone was worn away by natural erosion. The lodge has six luxurious suites that encompass warmth, comfort, and panoramic views whilst retaining the environmental principles and culture of Rwanda. The villas were designed by traditional Rwandan craftsmen, each measuring nearly 100 square feet. Inside showers with hot and warm water, a dressing room, luggage storage, a lounge area, a library, a minibar, a fireplace, and a private butler are all available in the villas. The villas also have large private balconies with views of the park and the Virunga mountains. Bisate Lodge offers free parking, free breakfast, laundry service, airport transfers, Wi-Fi, and a bar and restaurant.

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Bisate Lodge also offers a range of safari activities including gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, bird watching, nature walks, golden monkey trekking, village tours, and visiting Musanze caves, to its guests. Bisate was the first lodge in Rwanda to combine world-class luxury with once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventures. The lodge also collaborated with the local community to reforest an iconic site bordering the Volcanoes National Park, and since its inception, two indigenous tree nurseries and over 2 000 trees have been planted. The location offers spectacular views of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes rising above the park’s Afro-alpine forests, and the lodge’s architecture reflects rural Rwandan culture. Bisate Lodge is dedicated to responsible eco-tourism and the preservation of Rwanda’s incredible natural heritage.

One & Only Gorilla’s Nest: Safari Lodges in Rwanda

One & Only Gorilla’s Nest is an exclusive Rwanda Luxury Lodge that offers extraordinary service with personal touches and details while on your gorilla trekking safari in the Volcanoes National Park. The Lodge is strategically set in the foothills of the breathtaking African tropical rainforest right underneath the five volcanoes. One & Only Gorilla’s Nest is located 6 kilometers from the Kinigi Park headquarters and is one of the lodges that are on the trailhead of many gorilla families and golden monkey adventures.

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One & Only Gorilla’s Nest features 21 guest suites – seven one-bedroom suites and fourteen deluxe rooms. The rooms are extremely spacious, with ensuite bathrooms, showers, and toilets. The lodge also features well-trained employees and a restaurant that serves a variety of meals based on the client’s requests and orders. Gorillas Nest’s amenities include free Wi-Fi, airport transfers, free parking, a spa, a swimming pool, a health center, a fully stocked bar, and a restaurant with experienced chefs that make exquisite local and international cuisine. Activities offered at One & Only Gorilla’s Nest include gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, hiking & nature walks, birding, Dian Fossey hike, cultural visits, twin lake tours, kayaking, and excursions to Musanze caverns, among others.

One & Only Nyungwe House: Safari Lodges in Rwanda

Nyungwe House is a One & Only partner hotel, which has a portfolio of exquisite properties in some of the world’s most exotic locations. The property is located west of Nyungwe Forest National Park, within a tea plantation. Nyungwe House encompasses 22 rooms and suites spread across six wooden villas, all of which are tastefully decorated with traditional Rwandan art. However, the lodge’s suites offer more spacious accommodations. Each suite has a king-size or twin-size bed, bedside tables and lighting, a separate lounge area, a warm fireplace, and storage space. The en-suite bathroom includes a separate flush toilet, twin washbasins, a shower compartment, and a large bathtub. Each of the lodge’s units also includes a private deck from where visitors may enjoy amazing views of Nyungwe Forest while keeping an eye out for wildlife like primates and birds. Other amenities offered in the suites include satellite television, a telephone, multi-pin plug sockets, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

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Furthermore, the lodge’s six villas are connected to its community buildings by wooden paths. The buildings are composed of wood, dark slate, and terracotta tiles, which blend perfectly with the terrain. A stylish welcome room leads to a relaxing lounge with cozy sitting around coffee tables, an appealing fireplace, and a library of literature and games. There’s also an excellent dining area with double doors leading out onto a dining terrace. Guests can enjoy delectable buffet breakfasts, brunches, and extravagant evening feasts in both locations. Picnics at Nyungwe House are typically served for lunch in Nyungwe Forest, and private meals are provided upon request. The lodge also offers a fitness center, a spa with two treatment rooms, a heated infinity pool, a gift shop, and a fire pit which is ideal for mingling with other guests.

Magashi Camp: Safari Lodges in Rwanda

Magashi Camp, located in its concession area, with stunning views of Lake Rwanyakazinga is positioned in the peaceful refuge of Akagera National Park. It is the only camp in this enormous stretch of gorgeous environment teamed with abundant wildlife and hippo a plethora of birds, as well as exceedingly rare species like the Sitatunga antelope and the Black Rhino. Migashi Camp offers accommodation in six tented rooms accessible through a wooden path from the main areas. The rooms appear to be open-sided and big, with uninterrupted lake views. Each room contains a king-size bed that can be converted to twin beds, bedside stands and lighting, storage furnishings, and a comfy lounge area. More so, every en-suite bathroom has a shower, a single basin, and a flush toilet.

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The community areas at Magashi are likewise light and open, with stunning views of the lake. Magashi features a luxury lounge, dining area, pool, and a huge viewing terrace with a sociable fire pit. The lounge contains plush sitting surrounding coffee tables, exquisite lighting, overhead fans, and shelves with books and interesting artifacts. The dining section, on the other hand, has elegant tables and chairs, as well as fans and sophisticated chandelier-style lights, while the bar is located in the center of the structure and has traditional Rwandan components. The entire interior flows out onto the enormous viewing terrace, which features a semi-circle of chairs surrounding a fire pit. Guests at Magashi camp can enjoy safari activities such as game drives, rhino trekking, birding, guided nature walks, sport fishing, and boat cruises, among others.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: Safari Lodges in Rwanda

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is the country’s first community-owned lodge. The lodge is owned by the SACOLA (Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association) Community trust but is operated by Governors’ Camp Collection. As a result, the lodge uses lodge rentals and community fees to fund socioeconomic and conservation programs in the villages surrounding the Volcanoes National Park. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, from which clients go on foot to observe the gorillas. The lodge lies in the foothills of the enormous Virungas and it offers stunning views of the volcanoes and surrounding farmland.

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Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge incorporates 6 cottages, 2 suites, and one family cottage. The guest cottages and main lodge structure have been exquisitely built, providing the ideal location from which to explore this unique and interesting region of Africa. All cottages are stone structures with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs, huge sitting areas, fireplaces, modern en-suite bathrooms, and a protected private veranda. The lodge also has three big fireplaces that give warmth and two patio areas that provide spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the surrounding landscape. The main lodge structure is spacious and inviting, featuring a sitting room, dining room, library, and gift shop.

Kigali Serena Hotel: Safari Lodges in Rwanda

This is a magnificent 5-star hotel in the heart of the bustling capital of Kigali. This lovely hotel blends luxurious facilities with locally inspired flair and superb cuisine to make guests feel welcome and well taken care of during their stay. The hotel is owned and operated by Serena Hotels, which further has a diverse portfolio of properties throughout Africa and beyond. Kigali Serena provides a very pleasant layover for tourists on their route to or from the Volcanoes National Park or any other safari destination in the country.

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Kigali Serena’s lodging includes 148 rooms and suites. The hotel’s rooms are divided into five types: standard, standard disabled, deluxe, superior, and premium. On the other hand, the suites are classified into studio, executive, and presidential. The distinction between categories is in the type of furniture, with premier rooms providing the most lavish accommodations. Each standard room is at least 25 square meters in size and features a king-size bed or twin beds as well as en-suite facilities with a bathtub and shower. Kigali Serena also provides one room that is accessible to people with disabilities. Other room amenities include Air conditioning, direct dial telephone, Wi-Fi, satellite television, a mini-bar, a safe, and a hairdryer. All of these amenities are also available in deluxe, superior, and prime rooms.

Additionally, the suites provide all of the amenities in the rooms, as well as an integrated workstation with a separate sitting room (executive), and a private porch, reception area, galley kitchen, dining room, sitting room, conference room, two en-suite guest rooms, and a Jacuzzi (for the presidential suite). Each studio suite is 40 square meters, each executive suite is 70, and the presidential suite is a whopping 300 square meters. All suites have an outside patio, which is ideal for children’s games. Interconnecting rooms are also available for families, and most accommodations may accommodate additional beds and/or cots.

Ruzizi Tented Camp: Safari Lodges in Rwanda

Ruzizi Tented Camp is also a modest luxury tented camp with 7 en suite tents patched throughout the forest shores of Lake Ihema with each tent well protected by giant palms and trees. Managed by African Parks, Ruzizi Tented Camp is a non-profit conservation organization that opened in 2012. The property contains 9 guest tents located along the lakeshore on either side of the common lodge. Each tent is shaded by magnificent palm and fig trees and built on a solid stone pedestal. This means it’s double-layered, with the outer layer of canvas extending over the inner layer to create a shaded veranda. This ambiance is completed with campaign seats, a tree-trunk table, and a peaceful hammock. The tents are well-furnished with twin or queen-size beds, as well as bedside tables and lamps, a lounging space, and cozy rugs for comfort. Moreover, Camp beds can be added for youngsters up to the age of 15. The en-suite amenities, which include a flush toilet, twin washbasins, and a bathtub or outdoor shower, are located at the back of the tent. In each restroom, there is also plenty of storage space.

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The lodge’s reception area connects to a small bar with wonderful lake views. A lounge and a dining area are also available, where delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are offered daily. Guests can also enjoy great dinners on Ruzizi’s expansive veranda while admiring the beautiful views of Lake Ihema and its resident crocodiles, hippopotami, and birds. The deck also includes a fire pit, making it ideal for pre-dinner beverages with other guests.

Hotel des Mille Collines: Safari Lodges in Rwanda

The four-star Hotel des Mille Collines, located just 20 minutes from the airport, is a local icon. The hotel, which inspired the film Hotel Rwanda, has emerged from the genocidal years to become one of Kigali’s most prominent inns. Hotel des Mille Collines is located on a hill and offers a peaceful, leafy respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown. The views are spectacular, and the accommodations are excellent. The hotel is hardly the most luxurious in the world but is without a doubt Rwanda’s most famous hotel. Spending time in this historic environment is both emotional and inspiring.

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Hotel des Mille Collines features 112 rooms and suites divided into five types. The Classic Room is available at the entry level. Each room contains a queen-size bed or twin bed, bedside cabinets and lamps, a long wooden unit with desk space, a flatscreen television, and a separate seating area. the en-suite bathrooms also have a flush toilet, a wash basin, and a bathtub. Extra amenities include air conditioning, a safe, and Wi-Fi. The classic rooms also include a private balcony with stunning views of Kigali. The Junior Suite, on the other hand, is the next level up, with its lounge, coffee station, mini-bar, and private balcony. The last category is the Superior Suite which has a separate dining room. All of the alternatives are clean and comfortable, with nice wood furnishings and modern décor.

Guests at Hotel des Mille Collines can unwind at the hotel’s Legacy Lounge, an elegant setting where they can enjoy a wide variety of refreshments, including cocktails. There are also two restaurants on the property: La Terrasse serves all-day eating in a tranquil location among the gardens, with live music on Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also, Le Panorama, located on the fourth floor of the structure, is excellent for a romantic supper with breathtaking views. There’s also the Pool Bar, which serves a variety of appetizers and drinks. Relax at the hotel’s thatch-roof massage pavilion and adjacent swimming pool. In addition, the hotel offers a sophisticated setting for conferences and other gatherings, with six meeting and banquet rooms.

Mantis Akagera Game Lodge: Safari Lodges in Rwanda

Mantis Akagera Game Lodge is located in Akagera National Park, which is home to the big five and other wildlife species, as well as a variety of bird species. The Lodge is located on a hill near the southern end of Akagera National Park, raised above the savannah and with spectacular views of Lake Ihema. Akagera Game Lodge, with 60 rooms, is the ideal home base for visiting conservation gems or simply unwinding. The lodge’s rooms are fantastic, with executive suites and inside studios; each suite gives stunning views of Lake Ihema.

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Visitors to Akagera Game Lodge are properly taken care of, and housekeeping services are offered to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The staff is nice and welcoming. The lodge also has cottages that are great for groups and families looking for quality lodging. The lodge features amenities including a swimming pool where guests can relax after a long day, a restaurant, and a bar. The restaurant has a skilled cook who prepares delectable meals using both local and international products: and guests who prefer a certain dish might have it prepared upon request. The bar is well-stocked with a variety of drinks and you can opt to sit at the bar while sipping your reception drink of choice.

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel: Safari Lodges in Rwanda

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is arguably the greatest accommodation option in northern Lake Kivu. The hotel, like its sister Serena properties, boasts a good location, pleasant accommodations, and a wide range of services: so, whether you want to rest or keep busy, this hotel has you covered. Lake Kivu Serena hotel is located just outside of Gisenyi, a tiny town on the northern banks of Lake Kivu. It is a couple of hours’ drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, and the famed Volcanoes National Park, thus it is convenient for a combined Rwanda safari. The hotel is located on a white beach and can easily be used as a standalone destination for a Rwanda beach holiday.

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Serena hotels are normally quite large, and this one is no exception: the hotel features 60 rooms and 6 suites. The rooms are simply decorated and equipped with several amenities for a very pleasant stay, including 24-hour room service, a private safe, hairdryers, Wi-Fi, and a telephone. The hotel also offers a swimming pool, a restaurant, indoor and beach bars, a health center, and a gym. Guests staying at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel can go fishing, swimming, and enjoy boat rides, and jet skiing on the lake. Other activities include cycling, nature walks, and treks along the coastlines, besides relaxing on the hotel premises.

Amakoro Songa Lodge: Safari Lodges in Rwanda

The Amakoro Songa Lodge, located in a little village outside of Kinigi, is a genuine blend of conservation and tourism. Its 8 magnificent cottages are designed and built to take advantage of its calm surroundings, providing every visitor with an opportunity to escape daily life and enjoy a sense of tranquillity. The name Amakoro Songa Lodge comes from the black volcanic rocks that characterize this hilly region of Rwanda, which is home to Mountain Gorillas. The lodge is situated on a seven-acre area with well-manicured gardens, surrounded by the Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo volcanoes.

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The lodge’s cottages are all purposely equipped with rustic elegance, mixing indigenous and modern pieces that offer warmth and comfort to its guests. Guests at Amakoro can enjoy a range of facilities including a post-trekking massage in the spacious massage rooms: they also include a fireplace. The fireplace is a must-see, allowing guests to have an evening drink while watching the traditional Intore Dance Troupe. When it comes to cuisines, Amakoro Songa Lodge believes strongly in “trying local.” The lodge’s chefs grow their spices and organic vegetables in the lodge’s gardens, allowing them to cater even to global tastes. This carefully selected team includes members of the local community who will provide you with genuine local hospitality and knowledge of the area.

Guests can also visit the lodge’s neighboring communities and participate in traditional activities such as tree planting, community clean-ups, and traditional performances. Amakoro Lodge organizes community walks that involve home visits and a narrative moment with the oldest resident, who discusses pre- and post-colonial memories. The community walks are always followed by a lunch and a private time for guests to explore nature.

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge: Safari Lodges in Rwanda

Located on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is a cozy lodge on the slopes perfect for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. This is a very convenient location from which to explore the area and organize treks to visit the golden monkeys and, of course, the mountain gorillas. The lodge is situated close to the main headquarters of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is an excellent site with spectacular views of the volcanoes.

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Its 30 cottages are pleasant stone-and-thatch dwellings with en-suite bathrooms, a small parlor with a fireplace, and a private veranda: the cabins are strategically placed to provide privacy. The lodge has a restaurant and bar where home-cooked meals are provided. However, meals are offered to guests in a separate restaurant and bar area. Mountain Gorilla View Lodge offers good value for money as well as beautiful views and convenient access to the Parc National des Volcans.

Cormoran Lodge: Safari Lodges in Rwanda

Cormoran Lodge offers breathtaking views of Lake Kivu as well as a more personal and intimate experience on the lake’s coast. The lodge is located in the little town of Kibuye, on the eastern bank of Lake Kivu. Its location gives it an ideal stopover between Rwanda’s spectacular Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park. Cormoran Lodge, which is entirely made of wood, exudes a genuine and natural feel, with simply furnished rooms, and open and expansive verandas.

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The lodge features 5 cabins: 2 story cabins including a family cabin and 3 single-story cabins including a VIP cabin. The en-suite rooms are entirely made of wood and have a very rustic design, great for individuals who enjoy the outdoors. Moreso, the lodge offers a private man-made beach next to the lake where guests can swim and relax, as well as activities like boating, jet skiing, and kayaking. Rooms. They also include double rooms and twin rooms but all room types provide a high level of comfort and stunning views of Lake Kivu.

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel: Safari Lodges in Rwanda

The hotel is located on a small plateau with some of the most spectacular views in the Nyungwe Forest area – the largest single forest block in East Africa and Rwanda’s largest water reservoir. The hotel is accessible from the main road from Kigali through a steep and mercifully short dirt track. Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel encompasses six double or twin cottages. Each cottage includes tiled floors, a relaxing sitting area, netting beds, a fireplace for cold nights, and an en-suite bathroom with a sink, toilet, shower, and bathtubs (for some cottages). The rooms are comfy and clean. There is no air conditioning, but the staff will provide hot-water bottles in your bed at night.

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Facilities offered at Nyungwe Top View include the ground floor reception area, which is painted with slightly hypnotic traditional murals, and the mezzanine, which houses the bar, dining area, and balcony. The bar is decked with bottle tops, which is a popular African design, and the meals are innovative and imaginative. On a clear day, the views from the veranda extend across the forests to Lake Kivu. There is no television, however, there is Wi-Fi in the reception area.

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