Luxury Lodges Volcanoes National Park
Amakoro Songa Lodge
In the heart of Rwanda, there’s a premium lodge known as Amakoro, meaning cow dung in Kinyarwanda. At first, the word might surprise you but for many Rwandans, it carries deep cultural and environmental impact.
Location & Setting: The lodge sits on a vast estate within five to ten minutes’ drive of the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park making it extremely quick for early morning treks into the forest in search of the mountain gorillas.
Surrounded by eye catching views of peaks such as Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo, the lodge blends seamlessly into the dramatic volcanic landscape and offers a strong sense of place and nature.
Accommodation: Traditionally, Amakoro has been used to vanish the floors of village homes, giving them a smooth, golden-brown shine that feels smooth beneath the feet. More than just a building material, it’s a reminder of sustainable living long before “eco-friendly” became a global trend. The art of applying Amakoro usually its done by women, transforms simple earth floors into living floors that reflect care, patience, and beauty.
Today, Amakoro has taken on new life beyond its traditional elements. Artists, architects, and sustainability advocates are rediscovering its charm, celebrating it as a symbol of natural beauty and design. In every layer, there’s a story to tell between people and planet, past and future.
Bisate Lodge: Rwanda’s Crown Jewel of Eco-Luxury
The high end lodge is found into the emerald slopes bordering Volcanoes National Park, Bisate Lodge stands as a glittering example of how luxury travel can combine both nature and community. With its striking dome-shaped villas inspired by traditional Rwandan palaces, the lodge blends seamlessly into the volcanic landscape while offering high end comfort and exclusivity. Each villa features warm, earthy interiors, private decks overlooking the mist-covered peaks, and panoramic views that seem to touch the clouds. Yet, what makes Bisate truly extraordinary goes beyond its architecture, it’s the lodge’s heart for conservation. As part of Wilderness Rwanda, Bisate leads a powerful reforestation initiative, planting thousands of indigenous trees and restoring natural habitat for mountain gorillas. Visitors are invited to join this effort, engage with local people, and witness Rwanda’s renewal story firsthand. Whether you come for the majestic gorilla trekking or the peace of a forest sunrise, Bisate Lodge offers more than a stay, it’s an immersion into the heart of Rwanda, where luxury and purpose live in the same place.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
A haven on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Singita Kwitonda Lodge offers more than just high end accommodation, it’s a deeply exciting encounter with one of Africa’s most amazing wildlife habitats built with true attention to detail to place people and preservation.
Location & Setting: The lodge is found in the north‐western region of Rwanda, neighboring the Volcanoes National Park, a home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
Its situation provides stunning views of volcanic peaks (such as Mt Sabinyo, Gahinga, Muhabura) and places you within minutes of the park headquarters for gorilla treks.
The terrain around the lodge includes meadows, forest edge and natural wetlands all contributing to a sense of being embedded in the ecosystem, not just observing it from afar.
Accommodation & Design: The lodge offers luxurious suites (including one 2‐bedroom suite) each with high‐end amenities: private heated plunge pools, indoor/outdoor fireplaces, large timber‐framed windows offering volcano and forest views.
The architectural and interior design is beautifully crafted with locally sourced materials and craftsmanship: volcanic rock, hand-fired terracotta, woven ceilings, and furniture made by Rwandan artisans. This grounding in locality gives the lodge an authenticity alongside its luxury.
Even as a calm environment, the lodge encourages sustainability: it uses efficient building techniques, emphasises minimal footprint and draws upon conservation principles in its operations.
Activities: Gorilla trekking at your doorstep: Being so close to park headquarters (roughly 10 minutes away) means early morning treks and faster access to the forest.
Five-star dining: The lodge features an on-site garden and nursery (the Akarabo Nursery) from which many ingredients are drawn, creating a dining experience rooted in place and freshness.
Conservation immersion: There’s a dedicated “Conservation Room” and clear messaging about the lodge’s role in habitat restoration and community development around the gorilla conservation zone.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge offers an opulent blend of luxury, wilderness and community empowerment. Located just minutes from the entrance of the park mainly offer the visitor excellent and faster mountain gorillas trekking, the lodge also provides an elegant, intimate base for the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking, while also making a meaningful impact on the local region.
Location & Setting: The lodge is situated above the rolling green hills and farmland in the Musanze district, offering excellent views of the Virunga peaks towering in the background.
One of its standout features is the gorilla trekking start point: the park headquarters are only a few kilometres away, making early morning departures and restful returns easy.
Accommodation & Facilities: The lodge comprises a small number of exclusive cottages and suites: typically, six cottages, two suites and a family cottage depending on the source.
Every cottage features spacious sitting areas, fireplaces, en-suite bathrooms, private veranda and large windows to soak in the views.
The main lodge building conatins a lounge area, dining room, library/games room, a community awareness center and outdoor patios overlooking the volcanoes.
While there isn’t (always)a large swimming pool given the hillside terrain, the focus is on luxury inside the cottages, the beautiful views, and the forest/volcano setting.
Sabyinyo Experiences
Living at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge offers you access to a wide range of activities many centred around the surrounding forest, volcanoes and local culture. They include the following;
Gorilla Trekking: The lodge is very close to the entrance of the Volcanoes National Park, making it an easier base for trekking the endangered mountain gorillas.
Golden Monkey Tracking: Treks into the bamboo forests to see the golden monkeys.
Bird-Watching & Nature Walks: The lodge grounds and surrounding area support many bird species; guided birding walks and nature trails are offered.
Mountain Bike Excursions: Mountain bikes available on-site, and escorted rides into the local highland terrain and villages for a beautiful experience.
Cultural & Community Walks: Visits to local people, interacting with local community projects, markets, Iby’Iwacu cultural village, and learning about local life and food.
Dian Fossey Tomb/Hikes: A hike to the site associated with Dian Fossey’s research base is an available option.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
This is a superfluity lodge located at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park. One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is a five-star retreat where nature meets refined elegance. Surrounded by the breathing trees and misty volcanoes, this luxurious lodge offers travelers the chance to connect deeply with the wild without giving up comfort.
The lodge’s design blends effortlessly into its forest setting. Each treehouse-style room is situated above the ground, offering beautiful views of the Virunga Mountains and the gardens below. Natural materials, attracting colors, and local art create a sense of peace between modern luxury and Rwandan culture. From private decks to outdoor showers, every detail invites visitors to slow down and embrace the sounds in the forest.
The highlight here is gorilla trekking. Located just minutes from the park’s entrance, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest provides the perfect base for a lifetime memory. Guided by expert armed forest rangers, guests go into the dense rainforest to meet Rwanda’s iconic mountain gorillas.
After a day of exploration, guests can relax at the spa, take a dip in their plunge pool, or enjoy a meals crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Every aspect of the experience whether it’s dining, design, or service reflects a deep respect for nature and community.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is more than a luxury lodge, it’s a celebration of Rwanda’s beauty, resilience, and spirit.
Amarembo by Touch Down
This luxurious lodge is located on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda, Amarembo by Touch Down offers an extra ordinary experience that beautifully blends luxury, culture, and nature. Its name, Amarembo meaning “gateway” in Kinyarwanda.
The lodge offers a sight of misty volcanoes and rolling green hills, Amarembo is a peaceful retreat designed for travelers seeking comfort in the wild. Each suite is crafted to mirror the surrounding landscape, combining modern architecture with cool local textures. Wooden accents, soft earth tones, and large windows invite the forest inside, creating an atmosphere of calm and connection.
Visitors wake up to birds singing in the sky before setting off on once-in-a-lifetime adventures with Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas. After a day in the forest, the lodge welcomes you back with excellent hospitality, crackling fires, soothing spa treatments, and cuisine that celebrates fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether enjoyed indoors or on an open terrace, every meal tells a story of place and people.
However, Amarembo by Touch Down offers experiences that bring you closer to Rwanda’s heart cultural performances, guided village walks, and scenic excursions through the fertile countryside. It’s not just a place to stay, but a place to feel and belong.
At Amarembo, adventure meets elegance and every path leads to wonder, right at the gateway to Rwanda’s wild beauty.
