About Virunga Lodge
About a 50 minute drive from the headquarters of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Virunga Lodge certainly ...
... has one of the most spectacular locations of any camp in Africa – high on a ridge overlooking the twin lakes of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo.
Virunga Lodge is an excellent lodge offering a good level of luxury and stunning views. Although it is slightly further away from the park headquarters than most other lodges around the Volcanoes National Park, we feel that its rustic charm and picturesque location helps to sets it apart, and it is more reasonably priced than some of its luxury competitors.
Our view
Virunga Lodge is an excellent lodge offering a good level of luxury and stunning views. Although it is slightly further away from the park headquarters than most other lodges around the Volcanoes National Park, we feel that its rustic charm and picturesque location helps to sets it apart, and it is more reasonably priced than some of its luxury competitors.
Rwanda expert
Accommodation
10 rooms
Children
Not suitable for children
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Helicopter
Primate trekking
Traveller reviews of Virunga Lodge
12 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 23 pictures and 1 videos of Virunga Lodge to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Virunga Lodge
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
Mona Monkey Safari
9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
This example of a luxury holiday explores the wildlife of Nyungwe Forest, the scenic shores of Lake Kivu and the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, all accompanied by a private guide and vehicle.
Visiting Volcanoes, Lake Kivu and 1 other area
US$13,790 - US$19,000 per person
Virunga Lodge: Our full report
About a 50 minute drive from the headquarters of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Virunga Lodge certainly ...
... has one of the most spectacular locations of any camp in Africa – high on a ridge overlooking the twin lakes of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo.
The lodge has ten spacious stone rooms – eight standard rooms and two ‘deluxe’ rooms – each named after an African lake. They have a rustic design with a neutral colour scheme, and have been finished to a high standard. All have wooden floors, chunky wooden furniture, large verandas and a fireplace to keep you warm in the evening. the spacious en-suite bathrooms have flushing toilets, twin sinks and walk-in showers. The ‘deluxe’ rooms are a little larger than the standard rooms, and each has an adjoining lounge with a number of comfy sofas.
The communal areas of Virunga Lodge are set at the top of the hill. Here you’ll find a cosy lounge with sofas, coffee tables and bookshelves arranged around a central stone fireplace. There’s a bar in one corner, with friendly staff on hand to serve you a drink. The adjacent spacious dining area houses a large wooden dining table with guests coming together in the evenings to share a meal.
One of the newer additions to Virunga Lodge is the Dian Fossey Map Room. This is a light, airy space with lots of windows giving panoramic views of Lake Ruhondo and the volcanoes beyond. The room was built in tribute to Dian Fossey, who was instrumental in establishing the gorilla conservation and research programme in the Virungas. The walls are covered in prints featuring old maps, famous explorers and gorilla conservationists. The map room functions as a second lounge, and is a great place to relax and take in the afternoon sun.
Activities from Virunga Lodge focus on gorilla trekking, although guests should be aware that it’s a good 50 minute drive from the national park headquarters. Typically, you’ll spend your first day acclimatising, and taking a fairly gentle hike to the golden monkeys. On the following day or two, you’ll do a more strenuous hike to see gorillas – you will usually be able to see two different groups of them over two days.
Back at the lodge, there is a small spa, and all guests can enjoy a complimentary 30-minute massage during their stay, which after a full morning in the mountains is a welcome treat. In addition, a local Intore dance troupe performs regularly in the beautiful terraced gardens. It is also possible to arrange a visit to one of the local villages or to go on a guided walk along the shore of Lake Burera.
Virunga Lodge has some good eco-credentials, and aims to minimise its impact on the local environment as much as possible. Much of the electricity comes from solar panels, and rainwater is collected during the heavy rains. The lodge is highly involved in the local community, and supports a number of charitable projects in the area. These include starting up a bee-keeping project, a mushroom growing project, and they also support a local Intore dance troupe.
Note that Virunga Lodge is located up a very steep access road.
Geographics
- Location
- Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
- Ideal length of stay
- Stay for four nights to have three full days in this area.
- Directions
- Virunga Lodge is approximately a three-hour drive north from Kigali.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- We did not eat at Virunga Lodge on our most recent visit in 2019, but we understand that the menu is fairly international in style.
Dinner is a three-course meal. When we visited they were serving starters of French onion soup or smoked salmon paté. Main courses included marinated pork medallions, marinated paneer and vegetable skewers, and a ‘taste of Rwanda platter’. Dessert was warm chocolate and cashew brownies with homemade ice cream. - Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service can be arranged.
- Drinks included
- Most drinks are included. Bottled water is provided.
Special interests
- Walking
- Virunga Lodge is one of the top lodges in the area around Volcanoes National Park and certainly has the most spectacular views. Walks along the lakeshore or in the nearby villages are an interesting activity when you are not hiking to see primates in the park.
- See ideas for Walking in Rwanda
- Luxury
- From Virunga Lodge’s stone terrace with comfortable rattan furniture you’ll get miraculous views towards Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo. A central fireplace with locally crafted furniture and colourful cushions invite guests to relax and unwind during their luxury holiday.
- See ideas for Luxury in Rwanda
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Virunga Lodge does not accept children in the high season between July and November.
- Property’s age restrictions
- No children under 16
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- Virunga Lodge generally has an adult atmosphere, and children are accepted only during the low season, between December and June.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Virunga Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Virunga Lodge have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a back-up generator.
- Communications
- There is WiFi in the central area.
- TV & radio
- There is no TV at Virunga Lodge
- Water supply
- Other
Sustainability
Equally protecting communities and wildlife
A stay in one of Virunga’s 10 luxury bandas is a unique chance to relax in the first lodge built near the gorilla park after the war in Rwanda. Staying true to its roots, Virunga is deeply involved in protecting the endangered mountain gorilla, and is now the only luxury lodge to offer tourists the opportunity to join in their efforts in tracking these animals. Carefully designed to minimize the possibility of humans passing on diseases to the animals, the lodge only carries out the activity with a maximum of 8 people at once, and requires them to keep a distance of 7m from the gorillas.
Simultaneously, Virunga Lodge is an active supporter of the local community’s wellbeing. Perhaps the most relevant example is the ‘One Sheep per Family’ project with the goal of providing each of the 140 families in the Sunzu community with one sheep. To work effectively, the lodge has divided the locals in 14 groups, and allocated 9 females and one male to each group, which in time led to genetic diversity. The project is beneficial for reaching a self-supporting community, as sheep can be a source of food, and lambs can be sold for an extra income for the family.
The goal of the project was reached in May 2017, and is now being replicated in the nearby village. Tourists have the possibility to support the project by donating $40 – the equivalent of one sheep, and help support the neighboring Bugeyo community.
See more great sustainability projects in Rwanda
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Staff are first-aid trained, and there is a hospital an hour’s drive away in Ruhengeri.
- Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- There is 24-hour security around the lodge.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are found in all areas.
Activities
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Helicopter
Primate trekking
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is included.
- Money
- There is a safe in the main office.
- Accepted payment on location
- Virunga Lodge accepts US dollars, Rwandan francs, euros and GB pounds. They also accept major credit and debit cards, including American Express, although there is a 3% surcharge on credit cards.
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Virunga Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Virunga Lodge.
Excursions from Virunga Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Virunga Lodge. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Canoeing in Rwanda
Half day - approx. 3 hours on the water
This half-day adventure takes place through lush farmland, on the meandering Mukungwa River near Musanze town. Discovering Rwanda’s countryside in a canoe is great fun: the launch spot is just half an hour from Volcanoes National Park and you'll be guided along the shallow waterway by an expert local canoeist. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers and introduce you to your canoe group and guide.
More about Canoeing
Golden Monkey Trekking
Half day; one hour with the monkeys
Spend a morning trekking to find the golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park. These endangered monkeys are endemic to the Albertine Rift area and are characterised by their golden-orange fur. You’ll be able to enjoy an hour watching them jump through the bamboo and hunker down to chew bamboo leaves, curiously watching you, as you watch them. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide.
More about Golden Monkey Trekking
Gorilla Trekking Safari
Half day: one hour with the gorillas
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a magical experience, transcending any other wildlife encounter we know. Meeting a gorilla family in their forest home, led by a dominant male silverback and a cluster of females and young, is a natural adventure that fully repays the cost in unforgettable memories and images. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide.
More about Gorilla Trekking
Mount Bisoke Trek
Full day
For something a little different, set out on a one-day hike to the summit of Mt Bisoke in the Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas. Discover the beautiful scenery of the Virunga Mountains, spot birds and wildlife, and enjoy spectacular views from the crater lake.
More about Mount Bisoke Trek
Mount Karisimbi Trek - 2 day trek
Two days - overnight on Mt Karisimbi
Set out on a two-day hike to the summit of Mount Karisimbi, which at over 4,507m is one of the highest in Africa. This is a challenge for the adventurous! With a local guide, you’ll traverse bamboo forests and rugged terrain, then camp on the slopes of this dormant volcano before enjoying sunrise from the summit.
More about Mount Karisimbi Trek
Trek to Dian Fossey’s Grave
Half day, usually five hours
Dian Fossey is best known for her research and conservation work with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. She dedicated her life to researching and protecting these ‘gentle giants’ from harm, however she was tragically found murdered at her research camp in 1985. Today visitors can join a local guide to trek through the tropical forest to visit her grave, and learn about the impact of her work.
More about Dian Fossey TrekOther lodges in Volcanoes National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Mountain Gorilla View
With superb views of the volcanoes, the relaxed Mountain Gorilla View Lodge on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo is well-placed for gorilla trekking.
Sabyinyo Silverback
In a fine location close to Volcanoes National Park, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is a very comfortable lodge with wonderful views.
Gorilla's Nest
Gorilla's Nest is a very high-end lodge in a great location near the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, from where all gorilla trips start.
Bisate Lodge
The exclusive and luxurious Bisate Lodge, close to Volcanoes National Park, is one of the best places to stay in the area.
Bishops House
In the town of Musanze, a half-hour drive from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, Bishop's House is well placed for gorilla trekking.
Kwitonda Lodge
Close to the edge of Volcanoes National Park, the luxurious Kwitonda Lodge opened in 2019. Ask your Expert Africa specialist for the latest news.
Tiloreza Eco Lodge
Five Volcanoes offers mid-range hotel accommodation around 15 minutes' drive from Volcanoes National Park headquarters.
When to go to Volcanoes National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Virunga Lodge in Volcanoes National Park
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Rwanda in January
January falls into the shorter dry season in Rwanda and conditions can be good, however expect some showers during your stay. Christmas and New Year can be a very popular time of year to travel and lodges book up early. The high demand and favourable conditions lead to high prices for the more luxurious lodges.
Travellers spending at least two nights in another of Rwanda’s national parks, in addition to the Volcanoes National Park, can take advantage of lower prices for one gorilla permit. This makes it great-value to do a longer trip to Rwanda, taking time to explore Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Park. January can be fantastic for birding too, with plenty of migrant species found in the forests.
- Generally good weather although with some rainy spells.
- Popular time of year to travel, particularly around New Year.
- Advance booking advised, particularly for high-end trips.
- Good for birding with migrant species present.
- Special offers are great for exploring the other national parks.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in January
Rwanda in February
As February progresses the likelihood of more rain increases as Rwanda heads towards the heavy rains in March and April. This can still be a good time of year to visit, particularly at the start of the month, and you are a likely to experience a mix of dry days and rainy spells. Your days are likely to be warm, however as with the rest of the year nights can be cold. This is particularly true of the Volcanoes National Park which is at higher altitude.
February can be a good time of year to combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with seeing the wildebeest migration in Tanzania as the vast herds gather in February on the southern Serengeti plains for the calving season.
- Transitional month, with the chance of rain increasing towards March.
- Warm days and cold nights, particularly in Volcanoes NP.
- High-end lodges are expensive, although demand is lower.
- Migrant birds present with great birding to be had.
- Good time of year to combine with the wildebeest migration.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in February
Rwanda in March
The heavy rains typically start in March, often continuing through to early May. This is generally not a great time to visit Rwanda and conditions are likely to be fairly wet and muddy underfoot. Many people still visit at this time, taking advantage of lower prices at the more luxurious lodges and good availability of gorilla permits. The rain clears the air and it is likely to be far less hazy at this time, making it very good for photography.
The green season can be particularly good for bird watching with many migrant species visiting Rwanda at this time. This can also be a good time of year for chimpanzee trekking, as their food is plentiful in March and troops are not likely to travel as far.
- Heavy rains make gorilla trekking conditions not ideal.
- Lower prices and good availability for gorilla permits.
- Good for bird watching with plenty of migrant species present.
- Typically shorter distances to walk for chimpanzee trekking.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Rwanda in April
April is typically one of the wettest months in Rwanda, with an average rainfall of around 150mm. It is still possible to visit during April, however be prepared for heavy rain and muddy conditions in the mountains. April is the low season for high-end lodges and prices can be significantly cheaper at this time.
Comparatively few people choose to visit during April, meaning that it is likely to be fairly quiet and relatively easy to secure gorilla permits. The 7th of April marks ‘Kwibuka’, an annual ceremony which begins three months of remembrance for the victims of the genocide. During this time the whole nation enters a period of reflection, with a number of events being held in commemoration.
- Expect heavy rains throughout the month.
- Few visitors means it is fairly easy to secure gorilla permits.
- It is the green season for luxury lodges, with much lower prices.
- Good time of year for birding.
- Kwibuka remembrance ceremony on 7th April.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Rwanda in May
May is often a transitional season in Rwanda, following on from the rains in April. Heavy bursts of rain can be expected at times, however it will often start to dry up as the month progresses. Any rainy spells are likely to last a few hours rather than all day. With the heavy rain earlier in the year it can often remain muddy underfoot when trekking the gorillas and chimpanzees and it’s advisable to wear gaiters.
Following the rains the air can be clear, without any haziness, and this leads to great photographic opportunities at this time of year. For many of the high-end lodges May is classed as the low season, which can make this month great value for money, with fairly good weather and comparatively low prices.
- Weather can be variable, mostly dry with some rainy spells.
- Be prepared for muddy conditions when trekking the gorillas.
- Good air clarity leads to great photographic opportunities.
- Can be good value for money if you’re looking at a high-end trip.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Rwanda in June
The weather in June can be fantastic and this is one of the best times of year to visit Rwanda. This is the start of the main dry season in Rwanda and the rainfall in June typically averages only around 20mm. It is likely to be warm and dry during the day, however the odd rainy shower remains possible. Conditions for gorilla trekking can be very good, although you are still likely to experience mud underfoot in parts.
This is the peak season for the high-end lodges and prices rise significantly. Rwanda is exceptionally popular between June and September and the luxurious lodges regularly fill up well over a year in advance, so we advise planning early.
- Dry weather can lead to excellent conditions for gorilla trekking.
- High-end lodges increase their prices and trips can be costly.
- Very popular time of year, advance booking is strongly recommended.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Rwanda in July
July is a great time of year to visit Rwanda, this is in the middle of the longer dry period and conditions for gorilla trekking can be excellent. Expect long dry days, although always with the off-chance of rain at some point during your stay. As with the rest of the year, temperatures are likely to average around 20-25ºC during the day, though nights can be chilly.
July is a very popular time of year to travel to Rwanda and we advise booking at least 12 months ahead, particularly if you’re looking for a high-end trip. Prices at the top end of the market can be very high in July, however many of the mid-range lodges have the same prices throughout the year, making these options great value at this time.
- Excellent conditions with dry weather for much of the month.
- Very popular time to travel with a limited number of gorilla permits.
- Advance booking is required to for the best choice of accommodation.
- High-end trips can be expensive at this time of year.
- Many mid-range lodges have the same price throughout the year.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Rwanda in August
August is one of the most popular times of year to visit Rwanda. This is the middle of the longer dry season and conditions can be very good. While it can still be muddy underfoot this is unlikely to impact your trek. Our top advice for travel in August is to plan early as many of the more popular lodges will regularly book up well over a year in advance at this time.
Many people visiting Rwanda will choose to combine this with a safari in the Serengeti and August is one of the best months for this. The wildebeest migration is in full swing, with the vast herds being up near the Mara River and river crossings likely.
- Fantastic time to visit with dry weather and great conditions.
- Very popular time to travel, we advise booking early.
- Lodges book up and gorilla permits can be hard to secure.
- Higher prices for the top-end lodges.
- Great time of year to combine with a safari in the Serengeti.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Rwanda in September
The dry season comes to an end in September, with the rains increasing towards the end of the month. For the most part you are likely to experience dry conditions, but be prepared for rainy showers and cold nights. September remains a popular time to travel, especially for those combining the gorillas with the wildebeest migration.
The Kwita Izina festival (the official naming ceremony for all baby gorillas born in the past year) takes place ever year, usually in September. It’s a time of celebration for everyone involved in their conservation. The exact date varies. Chat to us if you’d like to plan your trip around this event.
- Conditions typically good but expect some rain.
- Popular time to travel and early booking is advised.
- Great time of year to combine gorillas and the wildebeest migration.
- The Kwita Izina festival, usually in September, names baby gorillas.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in September
Rwanda in October
The short rains have typically started by October with the month’s rainfall averaging around 110mm. This rain normally falls in short, heavy bursts and you’re likely to have plenty of dry spells too. As with the rest of the year, days can be warm, although nights can be cold, and this is especially true around the Volcanoes National Park where lodges set log fires to keep you warm in the evening.
Lots of people choose to visit Rwanda at this time and prices remain high for the top-end lodges. Booking early is recommended, particularly if you plan to stay at one of the smaller, more exclusive lodges around the Volcanoes park.
- Good time of year to travel although with an increased amount of rain.
- Days are warm however nights can get cold.
- October is popular, particularly for the high-end lodges.
- Prices remain high at the top end of the spectrum.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in October
Rwanda in November
The rains typically continue into November and this can be one of the wetter months of the year. This can still be a good time to travel, as there are still likely to be plenty of dry periods and the gorillas can still be trekked. However, expect quite a bit of mud. The high-end lodges drop their prices in November, making it much more affordable for luxury accommodation.
Between November and April there is also a special offer from the parks authorities, providing a discount on your first gorilla permit if you spend at least two nights in one other national park. This special offer combined with lower prices for luxury lodges makes Rwanda great value for money in November.
- One of the wetter months however gorilla trekking is still possible.
- Far less busy, making it easier to secure gorilla permits.
- Reduced prices for high-end accommodation.
- Special offers to encourage travel to multiple national parks.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Rwanda in December
Rwanda has a second short dry season which typically runs from December to January. Conditions at this time can typically be fairly good, although not as ideal as June – August, and you can still expect rain at this time. Many of the forest tracks can be muddy and nights can be cold.
Many people choose to travel to Rwanda over Christmas and New Year and we advise booking early, particularly if you have preferred lodges in mind. The special offer for a your first gorilla permit at a reduced price remains in place for all travellers spending at least two nights in another park, making Rwanda excellent value for money in December.
- Short dry season, however rain is still possible.
- Conditions for gorilla trekking can be good, but expect mud.
- Cold at night, warm clothes are recommended.
- Very popular over Christmas and New Year, early booking advised.
- Special offers make December good value for money.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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