Virunga lodge
Virunga lodge, nestled in the breathtaking highlands of Rwanda, is more than just a luxury accommodation, it represents a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and responsible tourism. Overlooking the stunning Virunga volcanoes and twin lakes, Buhondo and Bulera, the lodge offers an unparalleled experience that combines ecological conservation with deep appreciation for the local community. One can be on the lodge by road transport from Kigali international airport which takes approximately 2-3hours to drive to the park and it takes 40 minutes to fly from Kigali to Virunga lodge. The lodge is under volcano safaris that own different lodges in east Africa; Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya.
The iconic property has defined Rwandese Afro-chic since the lodge was built by Praveen moman in 2004. The timeless, hand-made style makes it the first accommodation choice for tracking the endangered mountain gorillaa.
The lodge features ten elegant bandas (suite) each with private terrace overlooking the dramatic landscapes. The bandas are categorized into different ways;
Standard Bandas; spacious rooms with end-suite bathrooms, private, fireplace, and panoramic views pf stunning volcanoes.
Deluxe Banndas; this offers enhanced amenities, including private sitting areas and larger terrace of the area.
Guests can enjoy exceptional hospitality, locally-inspired cuisine, and personalized butler service. The lodge offers complimentary spa treatments and massages at the ikirunga spa and sauna. Additionally, Dian Fossey map room provides insights into the history off gorilla conservation.
Virunga lodge is composed of 10 luxurious and comfortable rooms of which 2 are deluxe and 8 standard rooms that reflects traditional building style with modern comfort. Rooms are well furnished and decorated with private and suite facilities like flushing toilets, hot and cold showers/ bathtubs, mosquitoes nets, driers, flat screen TV’s satellites etc. with private balconies, sitting areas, verandas, you relax while overlooking the specular view of Virunga volcanoes and lakes. Rooms have excellent facilities with clean and washed beddings, there are fireplaces at the lodge that provide warmth to visitors in the nights and coldness.
Rooms vary in different sizes and categories like standard and deluxe with View Lake facing; single, doubles, twin, triple / family rooms. Rooms cost 1200$ per person per night and above, and rate always go high when its peak seasons.
Virunga lodge offers different services and facilities which include; A restaurant that serves different meals both international and African-inspired meals that meets guests choice; breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main building served by well trained, friendly and organized staff, they also serve bush and garden dinners, a well-stocked bar/ lounge with variety of drinks, local, cocktails, wines, spirits and international beers, you relax and sip the cocktails, wines, spirits while overlooking the specular view of lake, Virunga volcanoes, wildlife and surrounding areas, free parking space available, offers airport pick-ups and drop-offs, laundry services available, Wi-Fi available at the lodge that enables visitors to keep in touch with their families and friends, business centers like conference, meeting places, honey moon packages etc. Healthy and fitness centers like spa, Gym, massage, steam bath, airport pickups and drop offs, excellent and comfortable clean beddings, craft shop available at the hotel with more African style gifts like shoes, safaris essentials.
Activities at Virunga lodge
Gorilla trekking; the lodge provides guides who move with the visitors to embark on a trek and observe endangered mountain gorillas their natural habitats with in volcanoes National park. This unforgettable experience allows for up to one hour of interaction with these majestic primates.
Golden Monkey tracking; the trek through the forest to spot the rare golden monkeys, an endangered species known for their striking appearance and playful behaviors.
Hiking and Nature walks; some tourists opt to do hiking challenges nearly by volcanoes such as mt. Gahiga, mt. Sabinyo, and mt. muhavura, each offering stunning panoramas. These hikes vary in difficulty and typically take a full day.
Birdwatching; In the Virunga lodge, its said to be having over 700 bird species, including several Albertine endemics, Rwanda offers exceptional bird-watching opportunities. Explore the diverse eco-systems around the lodge to spot a variety of birdlife.
Community and cultural visits; the local people around, happen to entertain to visitors who takes a walks through the villages of lake bulera, offering a glimpse into village life and opportunities to visit local schools and a community centers.
Tourists enjoy the traditional Rwandan dances performances that provide insight into the local culture.
Spa and Relaxation; unwind after a day of adventure with complimentary spa treatments and massages, including the rewoned Rungu massage, at the lodge’s spa facility.
Panoramic view; the lodge provides a breathtaking vista of Virunga volcanoes and twin lake Bulera lake Buhondo, offering a picturesque setting for relaxation and exploration.
Terraced Gardens; the lodge provides well-established terraced garden including sunken gardens, providing a serene environment for guests to unwind the connect with nature.
Luxury Accommodations; guests can stay in one of the uniquely decorated bandas (suites) each reflecting Rwandese style and culture.
These activities ensure a memorable and enriching experience, combining wildlife adventure, cultural immersion, and relaxation amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Rwanda.
What we love about Virunga lodge
Visit the nearby village in the company of one of the staff members and get to know some of the local people around the place as you enjoy the panoramic views of the place.
Sit out on your private terrace in the morning and as watch the clouds blanket the slopes of the mountain.
Locally-inspired food and private butler are hallmarks of the guest experience which promotes more of tourism in Rwanda as a country and surrounding areas.
Each of the ten elegant bandas has a private terrace overlooking the dramatic landscapes. The four deluxe bandas offer a private suite.
