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Tailor-made safaris in Uganda, Rwanda & East Africa for unforgettable adventures Tailor-made safaris in Uganda, Rwanda & East Africa for unforgettable adventures
Aerial view of Virunga Lodge on its hilltop with a Virunga volcano behind, Rwanda

Virunga Lodge

On a hill above Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera, Rwanda

Virunga Lodge sits on the crown of a high hill, with almost 360-degree views of the Virunga volcanoes and of Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera far below. It is built in the local style from wood and stone, with rainwater collection and solar power.

It is a small lodge, with a lounge around a central fireplace, a wrap-around veranda and one large communal dining table, and it works well as a base for gorilla and golden monkey trekking.

Setting

On the crown of a high hill, with views of the Virunga volcanoes and Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera.

Rooms

Small lodge of bandas with en-suite bathrooms, private terraces and fireplaces, and deluxe honeymoon rooms.

Facilities

Lounge with a central fireplace and small bar, wrap-around veranda, curio shop and massage.

Things to do

Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, the Dian Fossey grave hike and volcano hikes.

Volcanic peaks of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Activities

Most guests come for the gorillas and golden monkeys, and the lodge also offers walks and cultural visits.

Trekker on a forest trail during a gorilla trek, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Gorilla trekking

Trekking in Volcanoes National Park is the main reason to stay here. Permits are limited, so we arrange yours well ahead, and we confirm the morning transfer time to the park headquarters when we book.

Golden monkey in the bamboo forest, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Golden monkey tracking

Golden monkey tracking is a shorter, gentler outing that pairs well with a gorilla day.

Aerial view of Virunga Lodge on its hilltop with a Virunga volcano behind, Rwanda

Dian Fossey grave and volcano hikes

The lodge offers a visit to Dian Fossey’s grave and hikes to the top of the volcanoes.

Aerial view of Virunga Lodge on its hilltop with a Virunga volcano behind, Rwanda

Walks, birds and village visits

Guided walks, birdwatching, local village and cultural visits and live music are also on the list of activities.

Access & location

The nearest airport is Kigali International Airport. The lodge is a drive from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, so we confirm timings for your trekking day when we quote. We arrange your transfers and your permit together.

Plan your trip: Volcanoes National Park Complete park guide Rwanda safaris 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour 6 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Rwanda Tour

Ask us how to get there
Aerial view of Virunga Lodge on its hilltop with a Virunga volcano behind, Rwanda

Facilities

A shared, social lodge with sweeping views.

  • Lounge with fireplace
  • Bar
  • Wrap-around veranda
  • Communal dining table
  • Curio shop
  • Massage
  • Wi-Fi

The lounge has a central fireplace and a small bar, the veranda wraps around the building to take in the views, and meals are served at one large communal dining table, with a three-course dinner. A wellness therapist offers massage, and there is a curio shop. We have not found a pool listed.

Rooms & amenities

Bandas with private terraces and views.

  • En suite
  • Private terrace
  • Fireplace
  • King or twin beds
  • Mosquito nets
  • Solar-heated hot water

Rooms are bandas with an en-suite bathroom, a private terrace or deck with views, mosquito netting and solar-heated hot water, and deluxe honeymoon rooms have a fireplace in the living room. Sources differ on the exact number of rooms, so we confirm the room mix for your dates when we quote.

Stay at Virunga Lodge with people who know the ground

Tell us when you hope to travel and what you most want to see. We will check availability, suggest the best way to combine this lodge with the rest of your trip, and quote it for your dates.

Guide and travelers observing a mountain gorilla in the forest during a trekking excursion