Wilderness Sabyinyo Lodge
CEDARBERG RATING
Luxury
Overview
- Beautiful location at foot of Sabyinyo Volcano
- One of the most upmarket lodges in the area
- Very close to Kinigi, HQ for gorilla tracking
- Only 9 rooms
Wilderness Sabyinyo Lodge is one of the most upmarket lodges in the area, with a beautiful location at Ruhengeri near the foot of the Sabyinyo volcano. It lies very close (3km) to Kinigi, headquarters of the Volcanoes National Park. This is part of the Virunga Volcano range which straddles Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. These lush rainforest slopes are the last refuge of the mountain gorillas. It's location at 7,000ft above sea level will help acclimatise you to the altitude for the gorilla trek.
The lodge was designed, built and is run by well-respected Governors' Camps, but it’s owned by a Community Trust which funnels money generated by the lodge to the communities living close to the National Park to finance local community & conservation projects.
Accommodation
With only 9 rooms (six double cottages, two suites and one family suite) it oozes charm and exclusivity. The cottages and main buildings are restrained but beautifully appointed. Built of local stone, they are still in keeping with the rainforest environment and well-spaced for privacy. All the cottages have a sitting room with fireplace, bedroom, en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, dressing room, 24 hour electricity and a sheltered veranda with views toward the Virunga mountains.
Facilities at the main lodge include a restaurant, bar, games room and a library where you can relax and soak up the mountain atmosphere.
Activities at Wilderness Sabyinyo Lodge
Most guests at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge will be hoping for a thrilling encounter with one of the families of mountain gorillas. Permits must be organised as far ahead as possible. But the lodge is also a good base from which to visit the bustling nearby market town of Ruhengeri, the beautiful lakes Kivu, Burera, Ruhondo and Karago, or the community and conservation projects organised by the community trust, SACOLA. Yet other clients may wish to try to add some of the 670 species of birds recorded in Rwanda to their lists.
At A Glance
Off the beaten track
Birding hotspot
Garden
Mountain Views
Romantic
Beautiful Landscapes
Wifi on premises
Wildlife
In Pictures
Wilderness Sabyinyo Lodge on the map
Rooms
Cottage
Wilderness Sabyinyo Lodge has six cottages. All are stone buildings with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs, and feature sitting areas, fireplaces and stylish en-suite bathrooms. Space heaters supplement the log fire to create a haven of warmth. The verandah invites you to relax and enjoy the lush bird-filled gardens.
Family Cottage
Wilderness Sabyinyo Lodge has one spacious family cottage with the same traditional Rwandese terracotta tile roofs. The cottage offers two separate bedrooms, each with its own en-suite facilities. Families can enjoy breakfast outdoors on the shared veranda, and cosy up in the evenings around the inviting fireplace in the large sitting area. Please note, the family cottage is more suitable for older children, as the two individual bedrooms are not interlinked. For families with younger children, we recommend one parent sleeps with the younger child/children.
Suite
Wilderness Sabyinyo Lodge offers two extra-spacious luxury suites. Each features an expansive sitting area, two verandas with impressive views and en-suite bathroom (shower and bath). Log fires are lit every night, and space heaters beside the large king-sized, four-poster bed adds warmth and ambiance. The suites are perfect for couples and honeymooners. Please note it’s not possible to create two separate single beds.
Kate’s review of Sabyinyo Lodge
I loved Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, though it offers an unashamedly colonial-style ambience. So if you don’t like this style, you may not like Sabyinyo. As with Bisate there are plenty of steps up to the main lodge, so it is good preparation for your gorilla hike. But the views are worth it.
Exclusive Offers
No Single Supplement
First two single travellers in a booking do not have to pay single supplement!
The single supplement is waivered for the first 2 singles in a party. Offer is combinable with the Free Flying (Botswana and Zimbabwe) and Long Stay Discount (5%).
Excludes: Not including May in Botswana and Rwanda.
Terms & Conditions: Valid only during the Low and Shoulder Seasons. Also valid Nov to 20 Dec 2026.
Honeymoon Offer
Receive 50% off one partner (within 6 months of marriage)
Spend your honeymoon at any of the Wilderness camps! Offer is combinable with Free Flying offer (Botswana and Zimbabwe) and Long Stay Discount (5%).
Terms & Conditions: Proof of Marriage required at time of travel (travel must be within 6 months of wedding).
Kids stay Free (one kid per adult)
One kids stays for free per full-paying adult, (Kids from 0 to 16 years, up to a maximum of 4 kids)
Offer combinable with Free Flying Offers (Botswana and Zimbabwe), No Single Supplement and Long Stay Discount (5%).
Terms & Conditions: Valid for Family rooms only, Valid for 2025 and 2026.
