Reviews of Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
(88%) From 78 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Good lodge, convenient for the park.
The staff were all vey friendly and tried very hard - there were occasionally "lapses" but we felt that was more as a result of inexperience than carelessness.
Our only 2 criticisms were the poor lighting in the room and also the lack of safe - having to leave electronic gear in envelopes at the office was a bit of a pain! The boot cleaning service was absolutely amazing (still don't know how they could do such a good job in such a short space of time).
It's position only 15 minutes from the park HQ was great.
Unbelievably good!
The lodges were very comfortable. Clean and well equipped for their purpose. We particularly enjoyed the log fires and even the provision of a hot water bottle (which was standard for everyone). The bathroom was a little more rustic but was clean and did the job. The views from our lodge were stunning and we were entertained each night by local dancers and drummers.
The main building had good facilities for eating, drinking and relaxation and considering where we were, even had wifi access. The standard of food was very good and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful.
Unfortunately, they were unable to convert 20 dollar bills down to lower value ones for tipping.
Did what it was supposed to do.
Very pleasant and comfortable--though the rooms have the goofiest shower stalls you will ever see (but they work). Water pressure, wi-fi, and those mod-cons can be a bit dodgy, but the staff does its best and you are in the heart of Africa. Get over it!
The food was excellent and huge variety. Staff was unfailingly friendly and helpful.
Fun to talk to fellow gorilla trekkers and to compare notes in the lounge.
A good home base for the Gorilla trekking
Nice caring service. We were late due to the gorilla trekking on the first day and missed lunch time. The hotel kept the buffet lunch for us. For the second day when we only returned after 4pm, the hotel managed to prepare a quick meal before we drove back to Kigali. Besides, their shoes cleaning service is really nice after a muddy day in the field.
However, I must say the communication could be improved. There is a daily dance show but we were not informed of the timing. The shoe cleaning service is definately a plus but we were only aware of it when our guide told us.
Cool, rustic lodge in a great setting.
We enjoyed our stay at the Gorilla Mountain View Lodge. It is a somewhat rustic lodge with a main lodge for hanging out and dining and private cabins spread out across the property. We particularly enjoyed the afternoon entertainment when young local people did a lively, spirited dance performance: http://www.luumi.us/Public/Rwanda/i-xrGBrRL/A
The visit to the Volcanos National Park to see the mountain gorillas was naturally the highlight and an amazing experience. We made two trips over two days. The first was a 2hr at times strenuous hike up the side of the mountain. When we came to the gorillas they were "lounging" right by the trail. We spent an unbelievable hour observing them from up close. The second day was if possible even more amazing. Just a short 45 minute hike this time through the bamboo forrest and there they were. Here are a few pictures that give a bit of a sense of the experience: http://www.luumi.us/Public/Mountain-Gorillas
The knowledge and care of the guides and rangers was as encouraging as it was impressive. How well everything was organized made it very worth the relatively high price of admissions.
This article written by a New York Times reporter only two months after our visit captures the experience well, with one notable exception: the reason that some of the trackers carry weapons is not to protect humans from the gorillas - there is no danger. It is to protect the gorillas from the occasional poacher who may come over from the Republic of Congo.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/25/travel/safari-gorillas-rwanda.html?_r=0
A visit to the local, traditional village where we were given a small peek into what traditional life only a few decades ago was like was a fun and educational experience as well.
goood for gorillas
good service and very helpful/friendly staff,close to the parks board HQ,lots of space around hotel and the rooms are very big if a bit basic but stilll very functional.
Read more about the whole safariGorilla Mountain View Lodge review
Friendly and comfortable.
the fire was lit in our room on the first night and the last night only. it was lovely. It was cold the other two nights. Fortunately we had brought hot water bottles with us.
Variety of food from the buffet was good. The meat was usually very tough even when casseroled.
The staff New Year celebrations were great
Gorilla Mountain View Lodge review
Very pleased that we had booked 2 trips to the gorillas as the first day, having ascended the mountain, we discovered that the group we were tracking had taken off at speed to the DRC! We then had to descend and go to another group, which, by the time we reached them (around 12 noon) were having their siesta!
The second day we visited the Hirwa group, which was the most amazing experience with all ages of gorillas including a 6 week old baby. What a wonderful treat!
Very good base for gorilla trekking
Was uncertain about the lodge having read reviews but shouldn't have been. Very good stay.
Room was comfortable and clean, staff were very friendly and helpful. Our boots were cleaned very well especially on the second day when we only had 30 minutes before we left. Meals are average but OK. Contrary to other reports there is 24 hour electricity.
So a good base without spending the very high prices at other lodges.
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
