The magnificent Virunga Safari Lodge, set on a stunning hillside, has eight bandas with a panoramic view of the Virunga volcanoes and the lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. The terraced gardens on this high ridge are now well established, with a magical sunken paradise garden as their focal point. Aside from gorilla tracking , clients can climb a volcano, track the golden monkey, visit Dian Fossey's grave or go for gentle strolls around the picturesque villages near the lakes. Three hours' drive from Kigali or a long day's drive from Kampala.
In a spectacular location overlooking the Virunga volcanoes and shimmering lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. An amazing place in an amazing country. This is a genuine "Eco-lodge", so whilst providing "luxurious" western standards, the lodge does try to balance this with an understanding of the pressure local people face in obtaining food and clean water. As a result the lodge ensures that water consumption is reduced, waste disposal controlled, and solar power is used instead of generators.
The 8 stone bandas are all decorated with hardwood floors and simple furniture described as "organic bush chic". New bathrooms have been installed to replace the original compost toilets and bucket showers. Each room has a large veranda where you can take in the breathtaking views of the lakes and mountains.
Come in the central building which is a very sociable area during the evenings; guests can sit around a central dining table, relax in the lounge or enjoy the indoor fire place. A local "Indore" dance group perform quite regularly to entertain everyone.
The lodge location is just under an hour from the Volcanoes park headquarters so this does mean a very early start when you are gorilla trekking, but the staff are very efficient in providing wake-up calls, breakfast and transfers. In addition to gorilla trekking, this is an area of stunning scenery with some very rewarding activities such as climbing one of the volcanos, tracking the golden monkey, visits to the famous American zoologist and gorilla-lover - Dian Fossey's grave, or simply taking a gentle stroll through one of the picturesque villages or lakes that are nearby.
Highlights: Rwanda (Kigali, Nyungwe, Kibuye, Gisenyi, Parc National des Volcans)
Take a journey through the natural wonderland that is Rwanda, get up close and personal with local chimpanzees, gorillas and golden monkeys.
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