Introduction

Virunga Lodge is one of Africa’s most iconic great‑ape lodges, perched high on a ridge between Lakes Burera and Ruhondo with sweeping, cinematic views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Blending Rwandan design, warm hospitality and quietly luxurious comfort, the lodge has become a benchmark for gorilla tourism in Rwanda. With twelve elegant bandas, panoramic terraces, tranquil gardens, a spa and the trademark Volcanoes Safaris personal service, Virunga Lodge is a serene retreat for travellers seeking unforgettable gorilla encounters alongside deep cultural and conservation immersion.

Location – Near Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Virunga Lodge sits atop a spectacular ridge in northern Rwanda, around an hour’s drive from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters. The lodge commands one of the most remarkable views in East Africa: the string of Virunga Volcanoes rising to the west, and the shimmering crater lakes of Burera and Ruhondo far below. The elevated position offers cooling breezes, extraordinary sunrise and sunset vistas and a profound sense of tranquility. Despite its remote alpine atmosphere, the lodge provides easy access to the gorilla and golden monkey tracking trailheads.

The Lodge – Twelve Luxury Bandas with Panoramic Terraces

Virunga Lodge consists of twelve spacious bandas built from local stone, timber and thatch, each one individually decorated with Rwandan textiles, handcrafted furnishings and warm, earthy colours. Every banda includes an en‑suite bathroom with flushing toilet and walk‑in shower with hot and cold running water, as well as a cosy fireplace to take the chill off cool mountain evenings. Private sun terraces offer uninterrupted views of either the lakes or the volcano chain, making them ideal for morning coffee or quiet time with a book.

At the heart of the property is the main lodge, an elegant structure filled with natural light and framed by picture windows. The lounge, bar and dining areas open onto wide terraces where meals and sundowners are often served. A tranquil spa provides massages and wellness treatments inspired by local traditions, and the gardens offer quiet corners for reflection. With attentive personal butler service and a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, the lodge combines comfort with a deep sense of place.

Conservation & Community Project

Virunga Lodge is the cornerstone of the Virunga Community Projects, a suite of initiatives supported by the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (VSPT). These projects strengthen rural livelihoods while reducing pressure on the environment surrounding Volcanoes National Park. The One Sheep per Family programme provides sheep to vulnerable households, improving food security and creating sustainable income opportunities. The Water Tank Project installs rainwater harvesting tanks, giving families access to clean water without long daily journeys.

Other initiatives include solar power installations for local homes and a beekeeping programme that enables families to generate income from honey while protecting the wider ecosystem. Virunga Lodge also supports Mwiko School, funding classroom improvements and educational resources for local children. Guests can visit selected projects during their stay, gaining insight into how their visit contributes directly to conservation, community upliftment and the long‑term protection of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.

Activities & Wildlife Viewing – Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Volcano Adventures

Gorilla trekking is the signature experience from Virunga Lodge. Guests set out early for the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, where they are assigned to a habituated gorilla family before driving to the trailhead. Hikes range from gentle to demanding depending on the family’s location, but all culminate in a privileged hour spent observing the gorillas feeding, grooming and interacting. This is a gorilla‑only destination: chimpanzees are not found in Volcanoes National Park, and chimp tracking within a Volcanoes Safaris itinerary is instead undertaken at Kyambura Gorge Lodge or Kibale Lodge in Uganda.

Visitors can also track golden monkeys in the bamboo forests, a delightful and active experience with these charismatic, fast‑moving primates. For more adventurous guests, hikes to the summit of Mount Bisoke or to the historic site of Dian Fossey’s former research camp offer powerful perspectives on the Virunga landscape and its conservation legacy. Village walks reveal everyday rural life, while birding opportunities abound thanks to the area’s varied habitats and high-altitude specialists.

Back at the lodge, guests may spend leisurely afternoons on the terraces, exploring the gardens, enjoying spa treatments or simply admiring the shifting light over the lakes and volcanoes. Evenings are marked by storytelling around the fire and elegant dinners inspired by Rwandan flavours and international influences.

Guest Information & Inclusions

Virunga Lodge is typically sold on a fully inclusive basis, with stays including all meals, most beverages, personal butler service, laundry, Wi‑Fi, spa treatments and lodge‑based activities. A nightly conservation and community fee supports the Virunga Community Projects and the surrounding villages. Gorilla permits in Rwanda are limited and must be arranged well in advance; itineraries often combine Virunga Lodge with the Volcanoes Safaris properties in Uganda for a broader great‑ape circuit.

The lodge can be accessed by road from Kigali in approximately three hours, or via helicopter transfer on request. The property is open year‑round; conditions are generally coolest and driest from June to September and December to February, but gorilla tracking is rewarding in all seasons. The lodge’s elevated setting means that evenings can be cool, so warm layers are recommended.