(Bisate Lodge)
Rwanda is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills”, offering a wonderful blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. The country is home to four national parks, including the famous Volcanoes National Park, home to the Virunga Mountain gorilla families. Visitors can explore the Akagera National Park, known for its savannah wildlife, or take some time out in the still forests of the Nwungwe National Park.
You can expect an exceptional experience when staying at one of Rwanda’s lodges, ranging from luxury safari camps to eco-friendly retreats. Stunning views combined with high-end amenities and outstanding service help to create an overall incredible experience. Whether you are trekking gorillas or exploring scenic landscapes, Rwanda’s lodges ensure a comfortable and memorable stay amid breathtaking natural surroundings.
Rwanda Accommodation Styles
Accommodation options in Rwanda vary in size and style. There are luxury safari lodges boasting beautiful rooms and suites, eco-tented camps, and nature forest retreats. Urban options include guest houses, boutique hotels, and chain properties, with something to suit everyone’s budget.
Budget-Friendly Options – This type of accommodation is suited to the traveler seeking a simple place to stay during their Rwanda exploration, with basic amenities ensuring comfort and warm hospitality
Urban Hotels – These will include both hotel chains and smaller hotels, offering the expected standard of good service and quality facilities.
Nature and Forest Retreats – A quiet and calm ambiance awaits you when staying at one of these properties, located in destinations such as Nyungwe National Park or the Volcanoes National Park.
Eco-Lodges and Tented Camps – Modest yet beautiful lodges and camps are on offer in this accommodation category, where the emphasis is on a minimalistic, sustainable approach, without compromising on luxury and quality.
Luxury Safari Lodges and Camps – The top-of-the-range accommodation in this category boasts elegant lodges and tents with luxury amenities, set in a prime location, often with captivating views.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Rwanda Lodge
There are a few things to consider when choosing what type of accommodation to stay in when visiting Rwanda. Your focus may purely be on spending a few days to visit the Mountain gorillas, with a possible short visit to the capital, Kigali, in which case focusing your budget on classic or high-end accommodation around the gorilla trekking adventure will be your plan. If you wish to explore for of Rwanda’s outstanding National Parks, you may wish to spread out your budget, and keep accommodations modest and tidy, know that service will be excellent, yet your focus will be on the wildlife adventures around you, not where you stay.
Rwanda has a plethora of wonderful accommodations to choose from, so whether you are looking to stay in one of the luxury lodges or eco-style tents for the ultimate luxury accommodation experience, or simply wish to ensure you have a comfortable stay close to the action, you have options.
What to Expect From Your Rwanda Accommodation
While a high level of service standards can be expected throughout your stay in Rwanda, amenities may vary depending on the type or style of accommodation you choose to stay in. Humble accommodations may offer a small sitting area, while the grander properties may have more than one place to unwind, and the same could be said for dining options and, of course, the number of rooms.
You can expect hints of local culture and heritage depicted in the accommodation, quality cuisine, and friendly service. Amenities and features will vary depending on the level of accommodation, and include some or most of the following:
- Central dining area
- Inviting lounge
- Bar
- Outdoor dining option
- Swimming pool
- Fitness center
- Spa facilities
- Private accommodation
- WiFi
- Beautiful settings, often with spectacular views over lakes, water holes, mountain,s and national parks
Best Locations of Lodges for Easier Access to Gorilla Trekking & Safaris
Your visit to Rwanda may focus purely on a gorilla trekking experience, and therefore your best location for lodges and camps will be near the Volcanoes National Park. However if you wish to explore more of Rwanda’s gorgeous National Parks and brilliant wildlife, you will want to ensure you are staying as close to the action as possible.
Volcanoes National Park – The most popular destination in Rwanda has to be the Volcanoes National Park. Here, the focus is on mountain gorilla trekking adventures, with the starting point being in close proximity to all accommodation on offer. Some lodges and camps may be closer to the gates of the Volcanoes National Park, and all offer a tranquil stay in a truly beautiful setting.
Akagera National Park – Akagera National Park is located on the eastern border of Rwanda and features a savannah ecosystem with diverse African fauna, including elephants, zebras, giraffes, and buffalo. The location of your lodge or camp may be along the Akagera River or situated just outside the Park, perhaps, all within close distance to enjoy the wonders of Akagera.
Nyungwe National Park – Known for its high-altitude rain forest, this park in the Southwest of the country is a popular destination to see primates, such as chimpanzees. With over 300 bird species, whether you are staying within the borders of Nyungwe itself or just outside, you will be able to hear the wildlife in the quiet hours of the early morning.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park – Chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and a variety of bird species call this Park home. Situated at the edge of the Congo Nile basin, your accommodation will most likely be located outside the Park, with access to the park all forming part of the adventure.
Seasonal Accommodation Options
There are four distinct seasons in Rwanda, with two dry and two rainy seasons throughout the year. June to September presents the long, dry season, which provides ideal safari and gorilla trekking opportunities. The shorter, dry season is between March and May. Your accommodation options will be open and available throughout the year, with some consideration to be given to the fact that during the rainy seasons, the grounds will be more muddy.
When considering when to visit Rwanda, the type of accommodation you stay in may require sunny days to power solar panels in an eco-friendly lodge, or warmer clothing in the cooler months, due to its high altitude location. Regardless of when you visit Rwanda, the temperatures remain relatively stable due to its proximity to the equator, with daytime temperatures averaging between 72-81F, and nighttime temperatures between 54-61F).
Rwanda Travel Itineraries
There are many options to choose from when considering a trip to Rwanda. These include itineraries that focus purely on gorilla trekking and others that will include a safari adventure, giving you several days to experience the wonders of Rwanda. There are options to suit every budget and length of stay, and the team of expert consultants at Rwanda Eco Company can create a combination of options that suit your travel desires.
Lodges in Rwanda
Standard
- Ken Barham Guest House
- The Garden Palace Hotel
- Chez Lando Hotel
- The Palm Beach Resort
- Home Saint Jean
Midrange
- Akagera Game Lodge
- Maravilla Kivu Resort
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Parkin by Radisson Blu
- Kivu Paradise Resort
- Cormorant Lodge
- Mantis Akagera Game Lodge
Luxury
- Ruzizi Tented Lodge
- Munazi Eco Lodge
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Sambora Kinigi
- Virunga Inn Resort and Spa
- Kigali Marriott Hotel
- Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
- Bishop’s House
- Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
- Cleo Lake Kivu
High End
- The Retreat
- Wilderness Magashi Camp
- One and Only Nyungwe House
- Singita Kwitonda Lodge
- One and Only Gorillas Nest
- Sabyinyo Lodge
- Virunga Lodge
- Amakoro Songa Lodge
- Bisate Lodge
With a rich heritage and strong culture, Rwandans are a proud nation, known for their generosity, warmth, and friendly hospitality. When planning your trip, consider that availability may be limited, especially for luxury options, so it’s advisable to book well in advance. Combine comfort and adventure as you take in the natural beauty of Rwanda.