The Camp

Location: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Number of Rooms: 10

Important Note: Though this property is Distinctive in nature, it is Premier in pricing.

Virunga Lodge, with stunning 360-degree views of volcanoes, lakes and lush countryside, has been described as “bush chic.” Stone and tile bandas with private patios offer views from every room, including the bath. These 10 beautifully decorated and spacious cottages feature hardwood floors, mosquito netting, and solar-heated water. The terraced gardens on this high ridge are well established, with a magical paradise garden drawing myriad colorful birds. The two newest bandas are ideal for families and honeymooners, with a large living area. The central lounge building tends to be the social area in the evenings. Guests gather to dine on varied, hearty meals around a central table and relax in the lounge/bar to trade stories of the day’s adventures around the cozy firepit. A local Indore dance group performs regularly. The warm and attentive staff maximizes your experience—whether it’s meeting you with clogs at the end of your day so your muddy hiking boots can be cleaned, to delivering hot water bottles to warm your bed at night, you will be pampered during your stay.

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Facilities & Amenities

• En suite bathroom with shower
• Tea/coffee in room
• 220v charging outlets in main area
• In-room safe
• Massage treatments available
• Wi-Fi in main area
• Laundry included
• Complimentary boot cleaning
• Local drinks included (house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
• Credit cards accepted (Visa and MasterCard, with 3-5% surcharge)

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Wildlife Viewing & Activities

Protected within Volcanoes National Park, the lushly forested slopes of the mountains form a dramatic setting for what is arguably the most poignant and memorable wildlife experience in the world: gorilla tracking. The exhilarating guided climb, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, to the gorillas’ natural habitat of shady bamboo forest offers fantastic views in all directions, before you are immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest. You may spot golden monkeys or see buffalo, bush duiker and a wide variety of bird life on the way. But nothing tops spending an hour with the gorillas, gentle giants that go about their daily life feeding, playing, resting, and nurturing their young. Nothing can prepare you for the impact of encountering a fully-grown silverback male, up to three times the size of an average man, yet remarkably peaceable and tolerant of human visitors. You will then understand Dian Fossey’s life’s work in this same forest for 18 years protecting these magnificent creatures.

Volcanoes National Park offers some of the most established mountain gorilla viewing in Africa. Golden monkey treks are also available from the park headquarters.

Climate

Conservation

As a true "eco-lodge," Virunga Lodge tries to balance providing luxurious western standards 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.

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