One of Africa’s most intriguing and rapidly growing ecotourism locations is Rwanda. Its most well-known feature is the chance to go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park’s forested Virunga slopes. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park and the more traditional Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) safari region of Akagera National Park are two more animal attractions.

Accommodations were typically quite basic not too long ago, but the country now has a great selection of luxury properties. Here, we have selected ten of our top Rwandan campgrounds and lodges.

There is no set order of quality for the hotels listed below.

1. Akagera National Park’s Mantis Akagera Game Lodge

The sole non-tentative lodging option in Akagera National Park is the Akagera Game Lodge. The oldest resort in Rwanda, this 60-room highland retreat offers expansive views of Lake Ihema. It was first constructed in the 1970s and went through a number of ups and downs until being acquired by the upscale Mantis Collection in 2017.

Although the lodge’s architecture seems a little outdated, the new administration has updated the interior design to give the rooms and common areas a welcoming, modern African vibe.

A cool pool, tennis courts, expansive, well-kept gardens teeming with birds, and a variety of guided activities are among the facilities. First-time safari visitors who might feel uneasy sleeping under canvas in Big Five country are strongly encouraged to check out this Mantis property.

 

2. Ruhengeri’s Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

This well-managed boutique lodge is a popular base for upscale gorilla trekking expeditions and is named after the five volcanic Virunga ranges that are partially located within Rwanda. It is conveniently situated next to the main road leading to Volcanoes National Park on the northern suburbs of Ruhengeri, also called Musanze, the gateway city.

Built with locally sourced lava stone, the ten roomy suites and rooms have private verandas and walk-in mosquito nets. A charming terrace restaurant with great Indian-inspired food overlooks the lovely gardens, which are centered around a sizable free-form swimming pool.

3. Akagera NP’s Ruzizi Tented Lodge

In the far south of Akagera, this amazing tented camp is situated next to Lake Ihema in a thick area of lakeshore forest. In addition to being a fantastic starting point for boat excursions and game drives in pursuit of the Big Five and other animals, you can be sure to hear hippos grunting happily in the lake at night.

To provide the most solitude, the standing tents are well separated along the shore and are extremely well-equipped. The breakfast patio is perfectly situated to watch the sun rise across the lake, and it is also a very rewarding place for birdwatchers.

4. Akagera National Park’s Magashi Camp

Visit Magashi Camp for the most upscale wilderness experience in Rwanda. Six roomy and elegantly furnished standing tents, each situated on a raised wooden platform with a private balcony overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga, make up this small luxury camp.

But what really sets Magashi apart is that visitors have first dibs on a 60km²/23mi² private concession that provides some of the best wildlife viewing in Akagera. Black rhino, lion, and elephant sightings are frequently the result of guided game drives. Leopards, who have the peculiar habit of catching fish from the shore, can be found on boat tours on Lake Rwanyakazinga.

5. Volcanoes National Park’s Bisate Lodge

Bisate Lodge, our favorite lodge close to Volcanoes National Park, has just six luxurious villas spread out over a 43-hectare hill approximately 400 meters (1,300 feet) from the park’s edge. The creative layout of the roomy twin-domed homes uses a lot of local resources, including wood, thatch, lava stone, and hand-fired bricks, to create an intriguing modern interpretation of traditional Rwandan architecture.

A nature route along an eroded crater rim provides excellent birding, and there are breathtaking views of the surrounding Mt. Bisoke’s volcanic shape. Wildlife has returned to the lodge grounds thanks to a rewilding effort that includes planting over 60,000 native highland trees. Elephants, buffalo, golden monkeys, and even mountain gorillas occasionally visit.

6. Volcanoes National Park’s Virunga Lodge

Another favorite is Hilltop Virunga Lodge, which was among the first upscale establishments to emerge near Volcanoes National Park. The breathtaking panoramic vistas, which include Lakes Burera and Ruhondo as well as four of the Virunga volcanoes, are its most striking feature.

Charming stone-and-wood cabins with private verandas are available for guests to stay in. Although Virunga Lodge is much further away from the Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking meeting spot than other upscale lodges, the staff is accustomed to setting up early wake-up calls and breakfast.

7. Volcanoes National Park’s Sabyinyo Lodge

Sabyinyo Lodge, one of the most opulent lodges in Rwanda, is noteworthy for working with a local community organization that owns the property where it is located. The restored grounds, which border Volcanoes National Park, are located at a cool elevation of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) below Mt. Sabyinyo, a dormant volcano whose summit serves as the three-way border between Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Guests are kept warm at night by log fires in the tastefully furnished, traditional Rwandan-style stone huts. Since rates at Sabyinyo Lodge include a sizable community levy, it is strongly advised for anyone who wants to ensure that their trip to Rwanda benefits the locals.

 

8. Nyungwe House (Nyungwe NP) is the only one.

Only One The most renowned and expensive lodge in Nyungwe National Park is Nyungwe House. It is situated on a charming tea estate with old woodland patches that are inhabited by a variety of birds and monkeys.

The roomy chalets blend contemporary conveniences like air conditioning, television, a hot tub, and a private terrace with an organic wooden atmosphere. In addition, there is mountain riding, a spa, and a heated infinity pool. This is the clear choice if you’re searching for an incredibly luxurious base for chimp trekking and other activities in Nyungwe.

9. Nyungwe NP’s Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

This cozy and friendly lodge is unquestionably the greatest choice in Nyungwe for tourists on a tighter budget, even though it doesn’t claim to be as luxurious as the nearby One&Only. Its main feature is its breathtaking hilltop location, which provides breathtaking views of Lake Kivu to the west and the expansive jungle to the east.

The accommodations are in spacious stone chalets, each with a private balcony and a sitting area with a fireplace. A round, two-story, traditional building with a lofty thatched roof serves as the dining area.

10. Guest House Forest of Hope (Gishwati-Mukura NP)

The Forest of Hope Guest House is as elite as it gets. The sole lodging available in Rwanda’s newest national park, whose Gishwati area essentially functions as a private concession for overnight visitors only, is this two-bedroom establishment. The location, on a verdant mountaintop with a view of the farther-off peaks of the Virunga volcanoes and Gishwati Forest, is breathtaking.

There is a fair chance of seeing chimps, golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and a variety of vibrant forest birds during guided excursions. Although the lodge is quite pleasant and well-run, and the exclusivity of the experience is a luxury in and of itself, the accommodations here may not quite fall into the luxury category.