Mt. Gorilla View Lodge

traditional Camp | Volcanoes Nat'l Park, Rwanda

(2.75)
| Read Reviews | Write a Review

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Set seamlessly into the dense lushness of its surroundings, the simple yet convenient Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is built with distinctively local flair, including fireplaces to take the chill off the cool mountain air. The lodge is just a short drive from the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park, where all gorilla trekking expeditions depart, making it it an optimal location from which to base your adventures.

The Camp | Facilities & Amenities | Wildlife Viewing & Activities | Safari Itineraries | Climate | Camp Reviews
Photo of Christy Lavoie

Our Expert Says

The convenient location close the park entrance makes this 3-star lodge the perfect base for trekking to see the mountain gorillas.

– Christy Lavoie

Photo: The Camp

The Camp

Location: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Number of Rooms: 30

Set at the foot of the Virunga mountain range amid beautiful gardens, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge’s location is stunning. The lodge looks out upon volcano summit views and lush plants, trees and flowers that attract extensive bird life. Accommodations at the lodge are in simple and rustic furnished chalets with sitting areas and fireplaces used to warm rooms during the chilly mountain evenings (though when it is raining, not even the fireplaces take the full chill out of the air). Likewise, the huge beds are heated with hot water bottles, offering guests some added warmth as they drift off to sleep after a long day of trekking. Each room has a large en suite bathroom with a shower and toilet. After the adventures of your day, you’ll appreciate the on-site restaurant and bar. Remember, in this part of the world some of the personal services can be lacking, but with the memories of the gorillas close at hand, you're not likely to mind!

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Photo: Facilities & Amenities

Facilities & Amenities

  • En suite bathroom with tub/shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Tea/coffee in room
  • 220v charging outlets in room
  • Restaurant and bar
  • Wi-Fi in main area
  • Laundry (extra cost)
  • Complimentary boot cleaning
  • Credit cards accepted (Visa and MasterCard, with 3-5% surcharge)

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Photo: Wildlife Viewing & Activities

Wildlife Viewing & Activities

Even without the gorillas, Volcanoes National Park would be fascinating. Its varied ecosystems harbor elephant, buffalo, giant forest hog, bush pig, bushbuck, duiker and hyena, though of course, gorillas are the highlight. Treks begin early in the morning along paths into the forest. The altitude is over 8200 feet, so although the pace is unhurried, the hike is tiring, lasting from 30 minutes to several hours. Your destination is a specific group of “habituated” gorillas, which have become used to visitors and behave normally, nonchalant to human presence. Any apprehension of these gentle giants turns to awe when you look into the eyes of a silverback and he stares back with an intelligent gaze, or when a playful youngster approaches so closely you may have to move away. Other activities here include guided walks to see golden monkeys and hikes to the top or Bisoke Volcano or to view Dian Fossey’s grave and can be booked at addtional cost.

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

Country Park/Reserve
Mountain Gorilla
Rwanda Volcanoes Nat'l Park
Usually viewed
Frequently viewed
Occasionally viewed
Sporadically viewed
Rarely to never viewed

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Climate

Month Max Min Rainfall
January 73° F 64° F 1.3 in
22° C 17° C 33 mm
February 73° F 64° F 2.2 in
22° C 17° C 56 mm
March 73° F 64° F 3.35 in
22° C 17° C 85 mm
April 72° F 64° F 4.45 in
22° C 17° C 113 mm
May 73° F 64° F 3.66 in
22° C 17° C 93 mm
June 73° F 64° F 2.01 in
22° C 17° C 51 mm
July 75° F 64° F 1.65 in
23° C 17° C 42 mm
August 77° F 66° F 3.07 in
25° C 18° C 78 mm
September 77° F 64° F 4.49 in
25° C 17° C 114 mm
October 73° F 64° F 3.94 in
22° C 17° C 100 mm
November 72° F 64° F 4.13 in
22° C 17° C 105 mm
December 73° F 64° F 2.64 in
22° C 17° C 67 mm

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Reviews for Mt. Gorilla View Lodge

(2.75)

Review Mt. Gorilla View Lodge
Month of travel: July
"We traveled to Rwanda to visit the Silverbacks, of course! Upon arrival the staff was very friendly and helpful. The front desk always knew which cottage we were in, without having to tell them. The food was plentiful and there was a great variety to choose from. There was always a nice fire going, either inside the main lodge or outside the lodge where there was a nice seating area, and a staff member always lit a fire in your room in the evening upon retiring to your cottage. While walking around the grounds one day, one of the staff members found us and took us to see a gecko he had spotted. After our gorilla treks, staff members cleaned our boots and brought them to our room in the evening. The bathroom was a little dated - the shower / bathtub was an interesting experience, but enjoyed it anyway. Overall we were pleased with this lodge and would stay there again. "
- K. Schankie
Month of travel: July
"This lodge is more on the rustic side. The showers were quite the challenge, however the rooms, the staff and setting was wonderful. The staff was always nearby to offer an umbrella during the rain showers and always wearing a beautiful smile. The views of the volcanoes and the park at sunrise, breathtaking! The fireplaces in the rooms were great and provided a nice affect, and much needed warmth in the winter months. The hot water bottle was a great touch. We had asked for wake up knocks in the morning, set your alarm. You don't want to miss any of the experiences. Definitely visit the Cultural Center and walk through the village. We had a wonderful guide! The Gorillas and Golden Monkey treks....make everything worth it. I would recommend this place, the food is good and lodge very comfortable. "
- D. Bennett Hagan
Month of travel: October
"I actually thought this place was awful. Things may have improved, but when we were there, it was still under construction. They often ran out of water for showers, they had showers turned on only for limited hours, the towels were wet (they didn't have a dryer), furnishings in the rooms were basic. I hope they have improved their service because they surely didn't understand how to serve their clients although they were quite polite. The food was fine, not amazing, but fine. There was no lounge at the time for our group to congregate but that may have changed too. The views were amazing and the local entertainment quite lovely."
- P. LODISH
iSafari.com's response:
Thank you for your insightful review. Mountain Gorilla View Lodge seems to have improved in the last few years, there does not seem to be much trouble with the hot running water. There is a lounge, bar and large restaurant, so there is quite a bit of public space. The lodge is fairly basic, but it's usually considered the best of the well-priced options here and is ideally located a short 15 minutes from the park headquarters. For anyone seeking more luxury, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is the top high-end option in town, or Virunga Safari Lodge is about 45 minutes to an hour away in a beautiful setting.
Month of travel: August
"While this hotel lacks the quality inclusions of a five stay rating, it makes up for with friendly staff (stocking your fireplace and slipping a hot water-bottle under your blankets each evening, they even clean your boots after your gorilla trek). The food is hot and good and well deserved after your day trip The view of the mountains is stunning and the position of the hotel is only minutes away from the base camp for the trek.Make sure to visit the culture centre while there and please hire a porter for your trek, they need the money. You will bring home wonderful memories of your visit to the amazing animals "
- V. Stevens

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