Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: Our full report

Sabyino Silverback Lodge is the sister-camp to the well-known Governors' Camp in Kenya's Maasai Mara, although it is technically owned by the community trust SACOLA. It is the most luxurious lodge in the area, with a price to match!

The lodge is situated on the edge of the Parc National des Volcans – known more commonly as the Volcanoes National Park – in north-western Rwanda. The lodge is set at approximately 2,150m, offering spectacular views of the Virunga Mountains.

There are 5 cottages, 2 suites and 1 family cottage, all offering private verandas, bathrooms and sitting rooms with fireplaces. The rooms come well equipped with large beds, dressing room and all have en-suite bathrooms. The family cottage is very similar but has an extra bedroom and bathroom.

The main lodge offers the opportunity to relax with both the bar and the dining room affording great views from the outdoor decks. There is a library and a games room and there is also a community awareness centre, offering more information and advice on the areas gorillas and Rwanda's development since its troubled history.

Set in landscaped gardens, the buildings are made from local stone and with terracotta roof tiles, creating a contemporary Rwandan ambience and blending in well with the local surroundings.

However the main reason for visiting Sabyino Silverback Lodge is to see the mountain gorillas. The Virunga Mountain range span Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, see our Map of Rwanda. The Volcanoes National Park on the Rwandan side is lucky to have more than half of the world's mountain gorillas, and tis is probably the best place in Africa to see them. There are five habituated families of gorillas which are generally visited, having from seven to thirty-five individuals in each family.

While the mountain gorillas are the main draw, this area of Rwanda offers many more species of game for viewing. Rwanda is lucky enough to have about 650 species of birds, although spotting them in the dense country-side can prove more difficult.

Geographics

Location: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Special interests

Wildlife safaris: Sabyino Silverback Lodge offers the chance to visit Rwanda's world famous mountain gorillas without sacrificing any luxuries. The lodge is just outside the Volcanoes National Park and as such is a good base for gorilla trekking.

See more ideas for Wildlife safaris in Rwanda

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome, with a family cottage specially designed for families

Generally recommended for children: Yes

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: Included