Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Our personal belief after our stay at this property is that the combination of setting, heartwarming service, and chimpanzee trekking creates a special adventure that is unforgettable.
It’s not fancy like some of the nicer hotels found near Nyungwe National Park. However, if you are looking for something clean, affordable and comfortable and that’s what Nyungwe Top View Hotel is. Each cabin has a very spacious lobby, bedroom, storage area, and bathroom.
True to its name, it sits on a unique location on a dead-end range of a hill that overlooks tea plantations and patches of forest. Each bungalow is named for its stunning view, 6 to the east and 6 to the west. On a clear day you can see the volcanoes in Congo. The smell of flowering plants and vines in the gardens are amazing.
Among the other activities that you can’t miss out on during your stay here is a walk on the canopy bridge. It is breathtaking and offers priceless views of the forest with sound of birds chirping, rivers flowing and monkeys jumping across branches.
Don’t forget to bring warm clothing when coming to this hotel, it is cold at it lies 2,500 meters above sea level. Thankfully, lovely touches include hot water bottles and a fireplace service that is incredible.
Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Most guests come here looking for a room for two nights. In the end, they stay for 4 nights, it is that good.
Owned by Dubai World, it is part of the Mantis Collection and lies in a tea plantation. It is well maintained and comprised of 20 luxurious rooms and two Presidential Suites that overlook the vast forest terrain.
The atmosphere is adorable and always fresh thanks to the lodge’s location in a pollution free area on the edge of Nyungwe National Park. Each room has its own character and style.
Their superbly appointed bathrooms feature a large tub and a shower cabin. They are stocked with a variety of quality cosmetic products, shower gels and shampoos. The heated towel rack is a good surprise, bearing in mind the falling temperatures outside. Imagine the thrill of stepping out of the shower and having a warm towel at hand.
The chef is very accommodating and great at beating expectation with a 3-course menu is absolutely delicious and original each time. He is always open for conversations and offers guests’ tips for cooking the different local and international dishes.
The only low note about the property is that its furnishings would fit better into a city hotel. Our hope is that once it is refurbished in the future, a more indigenous line of fabrics can be introduced to give the lodge a harmonious blend with the natural setting.
On the part of activities, the lodge has several hikes for chimpanzee tracking, pursuit of the Colobus monkey colonies, canopy walk, other apes, birds, trees and orchids.
One and Only Nyungwe House
From the minute you set foot at this gorgeous property, you will be swept off your feet by the warm hospitality of all the beautiful people that call it their place of work.
Their genuine friendliness and sense of humor makes you feel part of the family straight away. Set in a beautiful tea plantation, every detail is accounted for. Its rooms are quaint and clean, with nice front porches from where you can see monkeys.
The washrooms are all neat and tidy, you will love it. Because the suites are separated from each other, you will feel like you have the place to yourself.
During your relaxation at the camp fire, you will be treated to a celebratory local dance and intriguing local culture. Don’t hesitate to have breakfast in the Chef’s Garden and dinner amongst the tea plants.
It offers an introduction to tea. For a more detailed experience, you can go into the plantation and learn about the types of leaves the workers are picking. In the end, you can taste several teas along with a few sweet nibbles.
After an exhaustive climb of some of the six mountains that are nearby, have a massage and then visit the infinity pool next door. Throughout your stay here, you will experience cool air which is fresh and gushing soft winds from all the sides. This truly awe-inspiring experience might be just what you need to reset and recharge.
Volcanoes National Park
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Loved this place. Perfect for an upmarket traveler.
It sits on the edge of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the world’s most popular gorilla destination. Here, you will find a central lobby area with 3 suites on one side and 5 on the other.
The floor to ceiling window of each room is strategically positioned to face the Volcanoes. At the back of each suite is a small plunge pool that is heated and thus feels a little like a spa.
Each unit is complete with a deck and fireplace, comfy chairs and a changing area that can be converted into a massage arena. Best of all, each room has its own luxurious indoor and outdoor tubs.
The lodge is so confident in its cooking and hygiene standards that it has an “open concept”. As such, you can sit and have a conversation with the chef while seeing what he is making. His meals are complete with excellent wines from South Africa’s Stellenbosch Winelands.
Following the completion of its construction, Singita lodge has begun the reforestation of their 178-acre piece of land. The idea is to increase the numbers of animals and the areas they roam.
It will be very fascinating to see the site some years down the road. At the moment, most of the staff working at the property are employees from other Singita properties bringing their “service model.” In the end, they will leave it to the local management team as Rwanda’s Government is focused on ensuring jobs go to their people.
Amarembo Gorilla Village
Amarembo is a great lodge to use as your base for gorilla tracking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Designed with the inspirations from the Rwandan traditional house, the property is pleasantly clean and fairly luxurious. The thatched cottages are spacious and private, with views over the mountains in destination Volcanoes.
They (cottages) have an eco-friendly feel, and lots of room. The rooms are large and well laid out with netting over the bed. The showers have warm water and good pressure. The lodge also has a swimming pool where you can enjoy tropical climate, superb sunsets and the clear blue sky.
At night, they will make for you a massive bonfire before dinner. Considering that the area is cold, the heated blankets and warm water bottles that they provide are a great touch.
The staffs are all thoughtful, friendly and professional, always delighted to answer questions and to assist guests with any help. The bar is modern and warm, a great arena to share stories from the discoveries and adventures of the day.
It features an interesting and diverse selection of South African wines and gins. In the event that what you want is not on offer, the sommelier will find options that are close to the styles that you prefer. He is excellent in doing so.
At the end of each day’s adventure, the caretaker will clean your boots in preparation for the trek the next day.
La Locanda
La Locanda is only thirty minutes’ drive away from Volcanoes National Park, and thus a convenient place to spend the night ahead of your gorilla trek. It is in a quiet part of town yet at the same time within walking distance to the public market and arts center. But that is not the only reason why it is a worthwhile option. It is charming and has a lovely garden that attracts lots of birds especially at sunrise!
The lodge is so well run, they think of everything. Laundry is done at no extra cost which is particularly appreciated after a muddy day of hiking in the jungle. Even your boots too will be cleaned!
The lounge area is small to medium size. It is beautifully decorated with a blend of Italian and Rwandan items; it feels genuinely homey. Most of the chalets are simple, large and comfortable.
No need to worry about catching malaria as all beds have mosquito nets. On the other hand, the showers are lovely and have hot water for much of the time, just what you need considering that the area is cold as it is located on a highland. Each room has its own veranda and small garden.
The best place to relax and enjoy a drink is the quaint reading room. The food at La Locandais usually prepared with an Italian feel. When need arises, they serve breakfast in time for early-stage tours of the area.
Having an artist use the hotel’s premises to paint adds a nice touch to the place.
Akagera National Park
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
This is the right place to enjoy Rwandan history and National Geographic moments. It is a tented lodge on the forested shores of the second largest lake in Rwanda, Lake Ihema and yes, it has a specious deck from which you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the lake.
It is made of a thatched central area that is linked to nine luxurious tents using boardwalks. The quality of materials used in constructing it are forewarning to a memorable stay. The cozy ambiance of each tent makes the lodge a great place for any couple to stay in the wilderness.
True to the philosophy of eco-friendliness, Ruzizi is entirely powered by solar. The lodge has a special place in the hearts of wildlife too, probably due to the pristine nature of its swaying palms and fruiting fig trees.
As the day goes by, chattering monkeys and snorting hippos drop by while carrying on with their search for food. You will feel incredibly close to nature wherever you spend the day here.
The chef is great and always anticipates your needs. In three words, his cuisines are creative, fresh and tasty. Like the waiters, he is not overly obtrusive, but always around in case you need anything.
Peace is in the air, nothing is too much or too little, everything balanced at Ruzizi Tented Lodge. That is why we are confident to recommend it!
Karenge Bush Camp
Karenge is a seasonal Bush Camp in the quiet northern section of Akagera National Park, Rwanda. Most of its clients are enthusiasts of authentic camping. Its canvas tents are simple, serene, has a low negative impact on the environment. It prides in offering great access to some of the best wildlife viewing in the park.
Its six tents are raised on simple decks, with solar lights that are bright enough. Every tent has two cozy camp beds with mattresses and bedding, camp chairs and reed mat floors.
Warm water is provided daily in ensuite bathrooms next to each tent which have bucket showers and toilets. All units are smartly positioned and well-spaced, guaranteeing maximum privacy for all guests. At night, the roars of distant lions and laughter of hyenas will put you to sleep.
Although the backdrop of the plain is astonishing, the comforts of the common areas and guest rooms are equally wonderful. Solar fridges keep drinks cold in the bar.
The camp has a small gift area in the lobby where crafts and souvenirs are sold at fair prices.
We also loved how they sourced most of the materials for the property from the local community. In the same way, most of the vegetables served during meals come directly from the veggie farms of communities neighboring the park.
100% of the profits go towards the conservation and management of Akagera National Park as a whole. Simply put, by staying here, you support the local community and the park!
Akagera Game Lodge
Imagine a cozy, romantic place with a breathtaking view of small lakes that are surrounded by pristine savannah grasslands. All this in an elegant yet simple and rustic atmosphere at the same time.
This is Akagera Game Lodge. Situated in the southern section of the Akagera National Park, it is established on a ridge overlooking Lake Ihema and best of all, its rooms and infinity swimming pool takes full advantage of this view. The morning suns reflection on the lake is one of the most beautiful things you will ever see.
Recently, the 30+ year old property underwent a thorough refurbishment that has beautifully transformed it from a colonial styled hotel to a modernized place that is worth four-star recommendation!
Now managed by the South African Mantis chain, its 29 en-suite balcony rooms are tastefully fashioned with contemporary Africa décor.
The fireplace near the pool is irresistible, a great place to catch up with friends as you have beer.
Akagera Game Lodge is located within easy reach from the starting point of most activities; game drives, nature walks, birdwatching etc.