Getting to Virunga Lodge Rwanda?
Drive along Kigali – Butare road then turn right after 3km and take Kigali – Musanze road. Continue through Ruhengeri town and turn left and take Ruhengeri – Cyanika road (about 17km to Nyarwondo. (At the turn off on the Ruhengeri – Cyanika road, there is a Volcanoes Virunga Lodge signpost). Turn right and take the Murram road (about 5km) on to Virunga and lodge signs will guide you to the lodge. This is a 3 hour drive should take approximately.
What is virunga Lodge all about?
This is a lovely eco-friendly lodge which is strategically located at the gentle slope near volcanoes National park. A central building houses the reception, restaurant and public areas all with magnificent 360 degree views across the beautiful lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera and the Virunga Volcanoes.
There are over ten rustic bandas which are designed to match with the surroundings and their ecology around the property. The lodge has been recently renovated and all bathrooms now include flush toilets and hot showers in the en suite bathrooms hence upgrading the Lodge.
The lodge has a very comfortable feel to it with large rooms and thoughtful local touches. The bar/lounge area is very cosy with a circular open fire in the middle, lots of comfy chairs and plenty of books and board games and a new spacious balcony has plenty of cosy armchairs where you can make the most of the views.
Virunga Lodge prides itself on being particularly eco-friendly with furniture made from local materials, naturally wild gardens and solar power. At Virunga lodge, gorillas can even appear to lucky visitors near the lodge and a variety of birds. While at the lodge, you can enjoy the conversations with fellow tourists while seated at the fire places.
How are services and facilities available?
The lodge provides excellent services and among the facilities include: Solar power, Low flushing eco-toilet, Ensuite, regular Wi-fi which is a vailable in the main lodge building. The volcanoes national park hosts ten gorilla groups and only 80 permits are sold per day. The time taken while searching for mountain gorillas is unpredictable however; it can range form 2-7 hours or a full day depending on the movement of gorilla families in their natural environment.
Details about gorillas
Meeting gorillas is very expensive ($ 750) but worth the experience and a maximum of one hour is given to tracker view the gentle giants and for photography. While at virunga Lodge, visitors can also engage in other activities like Visit Dian Fossey’s tomb, meet the Golden Monkeys, Climb a Volcano, Hike to the Waterfalls, Guided community walks, enjoy Intore Dancers, Visit local Community Projects, Visit a local school, Kigali to Virunga Lodge.
Rwanda Gorillas & Dian Fossey safari (3 days)
DAY 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park (home of gorillas).
You will be welcomed by a guide who will drive north of Rwanda to Volcanoes National Park viewing spectacular scenery of the Virunga Mountains en route. All dinners and overnights at Virunga lodge.
DAY 2: Gorilla tracking Adventure
Breakfast and head to the park headquarters with packed lunch & water for a briefing about the dos and don’ts while with the gorillas then proceed to track the gorillas. Time take searching for these Gentle giants ranges between 2-8hours depending on the movement of gorillas. Dinner and overnight stay at Virunga Lodge.
DAY 3: Dian Fossey tombs tour OR Meet Gorilla Doctors
After breakfast, you will go to tour the tombs of the great lover of Gorillas (Dian Fossey), read more about her achievements towards the preservation of Gorillas. WE can have lunch with Gorilla Doctors and share stories about their experience with gorillas. Return to your lodge for lunch and leave for Kigali for a city tour, visit the Gisozi genocide memorial site, local art & craft shops, do last minute shopping before heading to the airport for your departure flight.
Related Trips
3 days Flying safari to see gorillas
Luxury Lodges in Uganda and Rwanda
Email: info@rwandagorillasafaris.com
