On one side are the slopes of Sabyinyo, one of five inactive volcanoes in the park, making this the first high-end lodging in an area that, along with the adjoining parks in Uganda and Congo, is the last refuge of the endangered mountain gorilla. From the deep veranda of any of the eight chalets (outfitted in warm hues and African materials), you can see the mist-shrouded hills made famous by the late zoologist Dian Fossey. Look through the gaps in the dense forest canopy and you will also see the breathtaking peaks of the volcanoes standing tall at over 4,500m.In the decade-plus since Rwanda’s devastating 1994 genocide, tourism has been gradually rebounding, and emerging ventures that complement the country’s natural riches, including the much-anticipated Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, are now opening their doors. You will not have to listen too hard before you hear one of the 178 recorded bird species in the park. The latter two can be climbed during one or two-day treks.Īgainst this backdrop, tourists can hike through the lush bamboo and Hygenia rainforest, open grassland and swamp of Volcanoes National Park to discover golden monkeys, bush duiker, buffalo and spotted hyenas. It is part of the Virunga Conservation Area and covers more than 125km2, including five extinct volcanoes: Muhabura, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, Karisimbi and Bisoke. Beyond gorilla trekking in Rwanda, the park is also able to offer some of the country’s most spectacular scenery and diverse vegetation. With fewer than 700 of these species left, tourists can catch a rare glimpse of the gorillas as they can nowhere else in the world. Since reopening in 1999, it has experienced a growing number of visitors each day, thanks in large part to its role as the world’s most popular mountain gorilla sanctuary. Situated in northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Two patio areas afford wonderful and dramatic views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the surrounding lowland farmland. Three large fireplaces provide warmth and all rooms are finished with a polished wooden floor. The main lodge building offers a reception, sitting room with snug area, dining room, library/games room, a responsible tourism/community awareness room, shop and bathrooms.

The family cottage comprises two independent ensuite rooms connected by a shared verandah. Heat exchangers in the fireplaces provide a plentiful supply of hot water.

All are stone buildings with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs and feature large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms finished with Venetian plaster a dressing room and a sheltered veranda. The accommodation at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge boasts six cottages, two suites, one family cottage. Guests can make the short journey to the Park Headquarters each morning for their gorilla trek in only 15 minutes, and the Lodge is a perfect base from which to explore this unique and fascinating corner of Africa. The site itself is approximately one kilometre from the Park boundary on the gentle foothills of Sabyinyo, one of the most impressive of the five volcanoes visible from the site.įrom the Lodge, guests are offered magnificent views of the verdant slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes to the North and over the agricultural lowlands to the South. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is a comfortable 2-hour drive from central Kigali International Airport. The Lodge is some 3 kilometres from the main entrance to the Volcanoes National Park in Northwest Rwanda near the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge located in the foothills of the mighty Virunga's, a chain of 15,000ft volcanoes stretching through Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Sabyinyo silverback lodge