Incredibly perched on a ridge overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes in Rwanda, the verdant Musanze Valley, and the twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera is the luxurious Virunga Lodge. This is one of Africa’s most popular and adored safari lodges.
Since opening its doors in 2004, Virunga Lodge has continued to welcome travelers interested in tracking the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park while providing extraordinary hospitality, locally-inspired food, and private butler service which are known to be the “hallmarks” of the Lodge’s visitor experience.
This timeless and hand-crafted stylish Lodge is one of Praveen Moman’s Lodges (others being Bwindi Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mount Gahinga Lodge in Uganda’s smallest National Park). Comfort, breathtaking views, and delicious meals are just the tip of the iceberg at Virunga Lodge because the accommodation facility has a lot to offer.
Rooms and amenities at the luxurious Virunga Lodge
Virunga Lodge has 10 stupendous Bandas, each featuring a private terrace that overlooks the breathtaking surrounding landscape. 6 of these Bandas are standard while 4 are Deluxe with a private Suite, more space, and comfort thus perfect for honeymooners or family travelers.
Each of these Bandas has a fireplace for warming the rooms (given the extremely cold temperature during wet months), an en-suite bathroom (with cold/hot running water, double vanity, and a flushing toilet), hair dryers, and complimentary Wi-Fi (and in the main lodge building).
Other facilities and services to try out at Virunga Lodge
Virunga Safari Lodge’s spa- known as “Ikirunga Spa” is available for a complimentary 50-minute massage for every guest per stay, although any extra massage calls for an extra fee (only $50 for 50 minutes).
There is a spacious sun terrace overlooking the Virunga Mountains thus providing endless views.
Virunga Lodge guests are provided with personal butler service to attend to guests’ individual needs during their stay.
Guests can pay tribute to Dian Fossey (an American primatologist who dedicated over two decades of her life to studying mountain gorillas until her untimely death in 1986) by visiting the Dian Fossey Map room that was built in 2017 when celebrating 5 decades since the Karisoke Research center was established. Here, conservation lectures, pictures, and other useful materials are provided.
Lodge and park activities enjoyed by the guests at the Lodge
Trekking the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is the main activity enjoyed by Virunga Lodge guests, offering an opportunity to spend time with one of the 12 habituated gorilla families.
Guests can also track the frisky golden monkeys in the lower slopes of Virunga Mountains within Volcanoes National Park.
Virunga Lodge guests can also hike to the Dian Fossey Gravesite as a way of paying homage to her legacy and learning more about her conservation journey. Similarly, it is possible to visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus while staying at this luxurious Lodge.
Guests are sometimes treated to lovely entertainment from the Intore Dance Troupe as a way of winding up the evening.
It is possible to take part in community projects such as the “one-sheep-per-family” and the water tank project under the “Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust” while staying at Virunga Lodge.