Gorillas and Serengeti Safari: Day-by-day

Film-star status is just one of several reasons to stay at the Hotel des Mille Collines. For a city-centre international hotel, that’s quite a claim, but this is the hotel that starred in the film Hotel Rwanda, set during the 1994 genocide.

Movie credentials aside, the hotel’s central location is also key for a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, while – with the capital at the hub of the country’s tourism network – it’s a good stopping off point before, during or at the end of a trip.

Beautiful gardens add to the hotel’s appeal, surrounding a large swimming pool where sunloungers are the perfect spot to indulge in a drink or snack from the thatched pool bar.

Indulgence comes in the form of rungus too: traditional wooden clubs used in the small spa to soothe away the aches of a long journey.

Dine alfresco on the terrace, or seek out the more classy restaurant, with panoramic views over the twinkling lights of Kigali. Then, for a touch of panache, head for the cocktail bar, where live jazz is served up at weekends.

"It’s interesting to experience the hotel that was featured in Hotel Rwanda"

FamilyBfromLos Altos

Arrived 1 Jan 2024, 1 night

If the hotel’s 112 rooms are on the bland side, they are spacious and comfortable, but for real style head to the foyer, overlooking the gardens, where colourful artwork brings life to the whole. See our full report on Hotel des Mille Collines

On the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge has beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes. Nestled beneath the towering, forested Virunga range, and perfectly placed for gorilla trekking, the lodge is aptly named. The setting, the friendly atmosphere and the best value for money in the area combine to give this lodge enduring appeal.

First up are the sizeable grounds on the slopes of the extinct Mount Sabyinyo, the trees alive with birds and monkeys, and views at almost every turn.

Dotted around the site, 40 large, rather rustic cottages constructed of stone and thatch offer plenty of privacy. Comfortable yet simply furnished, if rather old-fashioned, they have plain plastered walls, a sleeping area raised slightly above the lounge, and a colourful bathroom.

To offset the chill of mountain evenings, there’s a fireplace in each room and in the main area, whose burnt-red walls, patterned rugs and zebra-print sofas afford a somewhat eclectic charm.

Its setting aside, the hotel’s entire raison d’être is its proximity to Rwanda’s habituated mountain gorilla families. Just a 15-minute drive brings you to the start of the trek in Volcanoes National Park, while seeking out golden monkeys, hiking or even canoeing are also on the agenda.

"The staff at this property could not have been nicer or more helpful"

FamilyBfromLos Altos

Arrived 2 Jan 2024, 2 nights

Then, come the evening, settle down on the lawn to watch traditional Rwandan Intore dancing before drinks around the firepit and a homely dinner to round off the day. See our full report on Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Film-star status is just one of several reasons to stay at the Hotel des Mille Collines. For a city-centre international hotel, that’s quite a claim, but this is the hotel that starred in the film Hotel Rwanda, set during the 1994 genocide.

Movie credentials aside, the hotel’s central location is also key for a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, while – with the capital at the hub of the country’s tourism network – it’s a good stopping off point before, during or at the end of a trip.

Beautiful gardens add to the hotel’s appeal, surrounding a large swimming pool where sunloungers are the perfect spot to indulge in a drink or snack from the thatched pool bar.

Indulgence comes in the form of rungus too: traditional wooden clubs used in the small spa to soothe away the aches of a long journey.

Dine alfresco on the terrace, or seek out the more classy restaurant, with panoramic views over the twinkling lights of Kigali. Then, for a touch of panache, head for the cocktail bar, where live jazz is served up at weekends.

"Clean and the staff were nice. "

KrisfromArizona

Arrived 14 Oct 2023, 1 night

If the hotel’s 112 rooms are on the bland side, they are spacious and comfortable, but for real style head to the foyer, overlooking the gardens, where colourful artwork brings life to the whole. See our full report on Hotel des Mille Collines

Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp is a classic tented mobile camp for up to 14 guests. The camp changes location several times a year, broadly following the wildebeest migration around Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, when hundreds of thousands of animals move through the ecosystem.

"The accommodations were fabulous!"

JMKPBJfromUSA

Arrived 25 Sep 2023, 3 nights

Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp is a traditional bushcamp, with relatively luxurious comforts and high standards of food and service. There is a lovely balance here between immersing yourself in the wilderness, feeling truly part of the bush, and enjoying a level of luxury that is normally the preserve of a much more upmarket camp. If you want an authentic experience of bush living, while also getting close to the migration action, this would be a great choice. See our full report on Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp

The privately run Plantation Lodge, first opened in 1998, lies between Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Manyara National Park, a short distance from the bustling Tanzanian market town of Karatu. Set in three hectares (seven acres) of beautifully maintained gardens, it is staffed entirely by local residents. The lodge is mainly used by visitors travelling with their own guide and vehicle, as a base for visits to the Ngorongoro Crater and sometimes to Lake Manyara National Park.

"Everything about Plantation Lodge was exceptional"

Mrs & Mr CfromVic Aust.

Arrived 10 Jun 2023, 3 nights

We have always been impressed by the attention to detail and personal care at Plantation Lodge. It is comparatively affordable compared to many of the lodges on the rim of the crater and we feel it offers excellent value for money. Conveniently located, it makes a lovely, tranquil base from which to explore both the Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara areas. See our full report on Plantation Lodge