Virunga Lodge is situated in the magnificent region of Rwanda. This is one of Africa’s most loved lodges. Virunga is perched high on a ridge with the finest views in Africa, overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes and the Musanze valley to the west and Lake Bulera and Ruhondo to the east.

Virunga Lodge is an iconic property that defined Rwandese Afro-chic since the lodge was built by Praveen Moman in 2004. The elements of this lodge are understated, timeless, and hand-made and has been further refined to meet the needs of today’s luxury traveller. Exceptional hospitality and locally inspired food make it the first accommodation choice for tracking the endangered mountain gorilla.

Each of the ten elegant bandas has a private terrace from which guests can watch the sunrise over the dramatic landscape of mountains and lakes. The two deluxe bandas – named after the lakes Ibirunga and Ibiyaga – have their own private sitting room and more refined interiors, and a large terrace overlooking the majestic Virunga volcanoes or the twin lakes.

About the Volcanoes National Park

Situated in northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Since reopening in 1999, it has experienced a growing number of visitors each day, thanks in large part to its role as the world’s most popular mountain gorilla sanctuary. With fewer than 700 of these species left, tourists can catch a rare glimpse of the gorillas as they can nowhere else in the world. Beyond gorilla trekking in Rwanda, the park is also able to offer some of the country’s most spectacular scenery and diverse vegetation. It is part of the Virunga Conservation Area and covers more than 125km2, including five extinct volcanoes: Muhabura, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, Karisimbi and Bisoke. The latter two can be climbed during one or two-day treks.

Against this backdrop, tourists can hike through the lush bamboo and Hygenia rainforest, open grassland and swamp of Volcanoes National Park to discover golden monkeys, bush duiker, buffalo and spotted hyenas. You will not have to listen too hard before you hear one of the 178 recorded bird species in the park. Look through the gaps in the dense forest canopy and you will also see the breathtaking peaks of the volcanoes standing tall at over 4,500m.