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The Original Gorilla Lodge in Rwanda

The magnificent Virunga Lodge in Rwanda is one of Africa’s most loved lodges. Perched high on a ridge with dramatic views overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes, Musanze valley, Lake Bulera and Lake Ruhondo.

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 gorilla.

Exceptional hospitality, locally-inspired food and a private butler are hallmarks of the guest experience.

Each of the ten elegant bandas has a private terrace overlooking the dramatic landscape. The four deluxe bandas offer a private suite.

Lodge Overview

Enjoy the finest views in Africa, overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes and the Musanze valley to the west and Lake Bulera and Ruhondo to the east.

Ten elegant hand built guest bandas facing either the Virunga Volcanoes or beautiful twin lakes (Four deluxe and six standard rooms).

Wifi throughout the lodge and all-inclusive premium wines, whiskies and cocktails.

Trek the endangered mountain gorillas and rare golden monkeys in the Virunga Mountains in the Volcanoes National Park. 

Enjoy complimentary spa treatments and massages, including the famous Rungu massage at Ikirunga – Spa & Sauna. 

Exceptional hospitality and locally-inspired food. Personal butler service for all guests. 

Dian Fossey Map Room, built in 2017 to celebrate 50 years since Dian Fossey founded the Karisoke Research Centre. Available for conservation lectures. 

Join in with the “One Sheep per Family”, “Donate a Water Tank” and the Intore Dance community projects.

Hike to Dian Fossey’s grave in the Volcanoes National Park and visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Kinigi.

The Dian Fossey Map Room

The Dian Fossey Map Room at Virunga Lodge has been built in honor of Dr. Dian Fossey, the pioneer primatologist who set up the Karisoke Center high in the Virunga volcanoes in 1967. The exploration and conservation of the Virunga volcanoes is a very interesting and unique story and has been brought together for the first time in the amazing exhibition at the Dian Fossey Map Room at Virunga Lodge.

The Dian Fossey Map Room was opened on 2 March 2017. A permanent exhibition has been set up in the Map Room charting the ‘Conservationists and Explorers of the Virunga Volcanoes’ from 1850 to 1985 when Fossey died. The exhibition and catalogue have been curated by Giulia Ajmone Marsan, a writer on historical subjects.

Booking Enquiry

To make a booking, please complete this form or click here to chat to one of our sales consultants via our live chat. Alternatively, send us an email on [email protected].
To protect gorillas from disease, no children under 15 years are allowed to go gorilla tracking. For guests booking a stay at Virunga Lodge, please note that the minimum age limit for children at Virunga Lodge is 12 years.
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Safari Activities

Chimpanzee Tracking

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.