Alternatively you can charter a helicopter from Kigali international Airport which takes around 40 minutes – the lodge itself is very easy to get to. Virunga Lodge is a stunning top lodge which has the most spectacular locations built on a high ridge overlooking both Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo in the eastern direction - the ridge is estimated to be around 2000m above sea level. While on the western side you are able to view almost all of the six volcanic mountains (Mt Bisoke, Karisimbi, Mgahinga, Sabinyo, Nyiragongwa and Mikeno) which form the Virunga ranges - Popularly known as the home of the endangered Mountain Gorillas. On arrival at the lodge the readily waiting staff helped me with my bags to the reception which is situated in the main building. The architectural design was done with ease, and comfort which makes it blend into the surrounding Eco environment. The main lobby features a hearty fireplace, Papyrus hand woven sofas, Pictures and paintings well displayed on the walls with colorful African fabrics. The lobby has a great collection of African wood carvings / antiques and a cabin with a wide variety of different books which patrons can read. The reception area doubles as the bar with a selection of wines, beers, Whisky and soft drinks. The evenings get really cold so you can enjoy your freshly brewed the lodge are on constant alert and they keep checking on you to make sure you are very comfortable and that you have what you need which makes you feel like you are in a very homely environment. The lodge has eight spacious volcanic stone built bandas, all with wooden floors, chunky wooden furniture and large verandas. Each Banda was named after the surrounding crater lakes.

Every banda is connected by a short covered walkway to a private toilet and shower. The toilets are environmentally-friendly - composting toilets and hot water is brought on demand for the bucket shower. The Bandas are very spacious with twin beds, reading table well positioned by the window which enables you to view the stunning scenery in the neighborhood. Before you go to bed at night hot water bottles are put into your bed to make it warm. I was booked in Cythania which overlooks Lake Burera – it has the nicest view in my opinion and a cool breeze that blows in from the lake. My most favorite moment was enjoying my coffee on the spacious Verandah with two safari chairs and a table while enjoying the beautiful sunrise

from the Kisoro ranges, the chimes from birds in the surrounding bushes. This was really very gorgeous. For
guests going on a Gorilla Track, breakfast orders are placed at dinner time and they are served at 6.00 am so that they can get to the park headquarters on time. The lodge is very sociable and homely and during my stay at the lodge, I experienced excellent service. Dinners were served in the dining area at a large table where you are able to share your experiences with other guests. The dinners were tasty and very enjoyable. I had cream mushroom soup with freshly home-made bread as a starter with a glass of red wine. My main course choice was that of Grilled Chicken with mashed potatoes and a mixed salad. I decided to forego on the desserts (which there was a wide variety of) and drank more wine instead. The food is fresh, simple and very tasty which complements that whole look and feel of the lodge’s attention to detail with its simple and elegant touches. By the end of they year guests staying at the Virunga Lodge will notice a lot of changes. I noticed that renovations were already under way. While talking to the Operations Manager l was given a brief insight into the changes are going to be taking place.

The main lounge: The main lounge building is fine in most respects, however, changes in the interior decor and furniture are going to be reassessed and replaced– a new route will be created to get to the garden area.

The Bandas: They are going to make some adjustments to the general interior design on the bedrooms and the bathrooms where they will get a new homely feel to them by making them a lot more comfortable than they already are. In addition to that the lodge is introducing better furniture designs and increased lighting. Two new Bandas are being constructed to bring the number to Ten.

Heating: The rooms can get really cold and there is a debate going on as to whether or not wood burning stoves should be placed in each bedroom – at the time of going to print, this had not yet been resolved.

The toilets: There are three basic options for the replacement of the toilets on which a decision is yet to be taken: 1. Normal flushing toilets along with a standard drainage system 2. Low flush (0.5 Litre) toilets with specialised drainage system 3. Stand alone modern versions of composting toilets

Terraces: Having had a look at the proposals for extending the terraces of the bandas, we agree that it would enhance each room. Removing or moving a section of the low wall on the terrace edge would benefit the guests’ options for using the space more flexibly. Taming the gardens somewhat directly outside the rooms and adding some specimen plants could be an option.

Guests who are not going gorilla tracking can engage in other activities which include, visiting Dian Fossey’s
Grave which is located between the Karisimbi and Bisoke mountains. The walk takes about 6 – 8 hrs. You will find the graves of the research gorillas that died over the last 30 years there as well as that of Dian Fossey herself. Tracking the Golden monkey, one of the most endangered primates in Africa is only viable in the Virunga Volcanoes.

Hiking: You can hike Mt Karisimbi the highest in the Virunga Volcanooes (4507m) this takes two days and clients sleep in tents on the Mountain. Bisoke is a day’s hike (3711m) High. All this can be organised by Volcanoe Safaris.

Virunga Lodge is owned and run by Volcanoes Safaris and there is no doubt why National Geographic voted them “best adventure travel Company on earth” This has been said by other individuals and publications. (“Volcanoes trip did a great Job! Guides were professional, informative and friendly, they made our trip successful’’ – BUSHTRACKS ‘’The Best Lodge in Africa’’ – Senator Frist MAJORITY LEADER – US SENATE “Organic bush chic rather than transatlantic luxury, this is the finest lodge anywhere in Rwanda’’ – Bradt Guide to Rwanda Indeed it’s a rare gem on the roof of the world and a must visit. All the food and drinks are inclusive of the package

For more information, please contact:-
Volcanoes Safaris
Hotel des Mille Collines, Kigali
Tel: +250252502452 Mob: +25078 830 2069
Email: salesrw@volcanoessafaris. com
Web: volcanoessafaris.com