On the 9th July 2014, Volcanoes Safaris hosted a celebration for the 10th Anniversary of Virunga Lodge, while launching the Into the Virungas photo essay to illustrate this story.
The event was held at the National Geographic Store in London's Knightsbridge. Here guests were taken through the humble beginnings of the Virunga Lodge story to the present day, where Virunga is the leading eco-luxury lodge in Rwanda.
Launch event attendees included representatives from the Rwandan High Commission, travel agents and tour operators, journalists, and a great turnout from members of the wider support network that has helped Volcanoes Safaris reach where we are today. Sophy Roberts, Michael Turek and Rashna Mody Clark, the team responsible for putting the book together, were also able to attend.
Speakers on the night included David Benello, member of the Volcanoes Safaris Advisory Committee; Baroness Shreela Flather, member of the House of Lords and a former guest; Justin Wateridge, Managing Director of the Steppes Travel group; Jillian Miller, Director of the Gorilla Organisation; and Praveen Moman.
The magnificent Virunga Lodge is perched high on the peak of a hill in the Rwandan foothills and has stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the twin lakes Bulera and Ruhonda. The premier luxury destination for tracking the endangered mountain gorillas, Virunga Lodge has now been open for a landmark 10 years.
When Virunga Lodge first opened, it represented a significant investment in tourism in Rwanda, re-energising the industry after the events of 20 years ago. Volcanoes Safaris were the first international company to bring guests to see the gorillas in Rwanda and today the growth in the region has been startling.
The Into the Virungas photo essay tells this inspiring story.
Click here to purchase your copy of 'Into the Virungas.'
All proceeds from the book will go towards towards the Virunga Lodge Community projects.
To visit Virunga Lodge and experience Rwanda's unique gorilla trekking adventure for yourself, contact our African sales team to book your safari today.
Write to us on [email protected] or send us a message via the form on our contact page.
Rwanda: +250 (0) 252 502 452
Uganda: +256 (0) 414 346 464
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Write to us on [email protected] or send us a message via the form on our contact page.
Rwanda: +250 (0) 252 502 452
Uganda: +256 (0) 414 346 464
Tracking chimpanzees in their natural habitat, as they swing from the branches in the canopy high above the forest floor is nothing short of exhilarating. The chimps effortlessly cross and scamper through the trees above the gorge, and visitors on the other hand must cross the river using natural bridges in order to keep up with the chimps. So although the walk usually lasts only 2–3 hours, descending the steep gorge and crossing the log bridges over the river requires some agility and fitness.
Chimpanzee tracking is also available in nearby Kalinzu, a forest reserve 30 minutes drive from Kyambura Gorge Lodge where there is a community of about 40 habituated chimpanzees.
