Rwanda Safari Lodges: Where To Stay, Best Hotels in 2024

Rwanda Safari Lodges: Where To Stay, Best Hotels in 2024 – The best hotels in Rwanda generally fall into two types: hotels in the capital Kigali, and Rwanda safari lodges and tented camps situated in Rwanda’s parks and reserves, the most popular of which is of course the Volcanoes National Park. Accommodation here provides the ideal base from which to go gorilla trekking – expect clean and comfortable lodges, good food, amazing forest views, and plenty of adventure.

Top10 Recommended Hotels in Kigali, Rwanda

Our selection of top Rwanda hotels includes luxury ranch-style lodges, affordable bush camps, and stylish city hotels – ask one of our African Safari Experts for advice on choosing the right lodge or hotel for you.

Magashi Camp

Exploring: Magashi Camp

Magashi offers a traditional safari experience in one of the world’s epicenters of gorilla trekking. It is situated in the only exclusive-use region of the big game sanctuary Akagera National Park. Magashi is a high-end, luxurious tented camp that provides all the modern conveniences possible and will make your stay one remember. Stop over at Akagera to see the Big 5 roving the wild plains after getting up close to the largest living primates on the globe. On your Rwanda safari, you’ll not only view large animals and learn about living in the African wilderness, but you’ll do it in the lap of luxury.

Highlights:

• Luxury tented safari camp in Akagera National Park’s only exclusive-use area
• Uninterrupted views of Lake Rwanyakazinga
• Reliable Big 5 viewing
• Day & night drives, guided bush walks & boating
• Akagera is one of the world’s best birding areas

Best for…
Safari-lovers & small groups.

Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Akagera National Park, Rwanda & Ruzizi Tented Lodge Stay

Similar to Magashi, Akagera National Park’s Ruzizi Tented Lodge provides a traditional safari experience. In every way, Ruzizi immerses visitors in their surroundings. You may get a real safari experience here by roughing it in the wild Rwandan countryside while sleeping in real canvas tents, going on wildlife drives to look for the Big 5, and taking a boat out on Lake Ihema’s serene waters. Ruzizi promises an amazing experience, whether you choose thrilling activities like night drives and water-based safaris or more laid-back ones like an afternoon snooze in a hammock on the balcony suspended over the lake.

Highlights:

• Luxury tented eco-lodge in Akagera National Park
• Exceptional views of Lake Ihema
• Day & night drives, guided bush walks & boating
• Fantastic birding opportunities

Best for…
Family getaways & nature- & safari-lovers.

Classic Holiday Fun

One & Only Nyungwe House

One&Only Nyungwe House

One of the most desirable places in all of Rwanda is Nyungwe House, which was constructed atop a functioning tea plantation in Africa’s greatest mountain rainforest. The lodge is a 5-star resort that echoes the Nyungwe Forest’s unending beauty with its chic, contemporary design and furnishings. For visitors looking to create priceless memories on their Rwandan safari, Nyungwe is a wonderland because of the abundance of activities on offer, like chimpanzee walking.

Highlights:

• Uber-luxury 5-star lodge in Nyungwe National Park
• Nyungwe Forest is home to a large population of chimpanzees & endangered monkeys
• 4 hiking trails through the forest to suit every fitness level
• Experience a Canopy Walk via the treetop walkway
• Chimpanzee & monkey trekking
• Tour the beautiful, working tea plantation
• Mountain biking, scenic helicopter flights & kayaking
• Nocturnal spotlighting & stargazing experience

Best for…

Families, romantic getaways & honeymoons.

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel – Spending some time on a beautiful beach is a necessary component of any successful vacation. Despite being a landlocked nation, Rwanda offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. One of Africa’s Great Lakes, Lake Kivu, is bordered by the Serena Hotel, which is situated on a private beach. You can sunbathe, swim, and create as many sandcastles as you like here. The hotel offers a variety of other attractions in addition to the serene waters of Lake Kivu, catering to all types of tourists.

Highlights:

• Luxury hotel overlooking one of Africa’s Great Lakes
• Private beach on Lake Kivu
• 45-minutes away from Volcanoes National Park, home to gorilla trekking
• Hike up the active Nyiragongo Volcano
• Boat rides to Lake Kivu Islands & coffee farms
• Paradise Islands Cruise & speedboat ride to Kibuye
• Biking tours of Gisenyi City & other guided expeditions

Best for…
Families & couples.

Kigali Serena Hotel

Kigali Serena Hotel

The Kigali Serena Hotel, located in Rwanda’s lovely capital, is the ideal place to begin or conclude your gorilla trekking journey. After a long journey or time spent in the jungle, guests may decompress at the opulent hotel because it places a significant emphasis on relaxation and well-being. A plunge in the pool or a mouthwatering gourmet lunch at one of the two on-site restaurants will definitely put you in a good mood. Maisha Spa offers a wide variety of treatments and massages to melt your cares away. And Kigali is rich of sights and attractions that will titillate the mind for cultural vultures.

Highlights:

• Family-friendly luxury hotel in Kigali
• Children’s menu available
• Visit the Natural History Museum, Nyamirambo Women’s Center & the Kigali Genocide Memorial
• Fine dining & world-class spa treatments

Best for…
Families & history buffs.

The Retreat

Fusion Restaurant and The Retreat Hotel in Kigali

In Rwanda’s capital city, The Retreat offers a memorable 5-star experience. From the farm-to-table gourmet foods at Fusion Restaurant to the private butler who attends to all of your needs while you’re there, everything at The Retreat is exclusive and opulent. But The Retreat offers much more than luxury. Visitors can get a glimpse of everyday life in Rwanda by engaging in cultural activities like gardening and crafting peace baskets with local women.

Highlights:

• Premier 5-star boutique hotel in Kigali
• Personal butler service
• Saltwater swimming pool, spa, yoga, tennis & gym
• Farm-to-table meals at Fusion Restaurant
• Horse riding on Mount Kigali
• Bike ride with a professional Rwandan biker
• Weave peace baskets with the local women
• Farm activities, like learning to hoe & harvest
• Wide variety of cultural experiences & tours

Best for…
Families with older kids, couples & small groups.

Volcanoes Virunga Lodge

Virunga Lodge in Rwanda, near Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking is hardly something you would normally associate with glamour, yet Virunga Lodge manages to make the experience just that. With this luxurious, flawlessly built refuge as your base, explore an old Rwandan rainforest and come across these enormous, majestic primates. You’ll have the opportunity to see gorillas, track golden monkeys, and climb dormant volcanoes while remaining close to modern conveniences in Volcanoes National Park.

Highlights:

• Stylish luxury lodge near the popular Volcanoes National Park
• Gorilla trekking & golden monkey tracking excursions
• Personal butler service
• Panoramic views of the volcanic Virungas Mountains
• World-class spa treatments at Ikirunga Spa
• Hike to Dian Fossey’s grave
• Visit Lake Kivu & Gisenyi town
• Climb the Karisimbi and Visoke volcanoes

Best for…
Travelers want an upscale experience.

Bisate Lodge

Bisate – Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda

The six luxurious villas that make up the unusual and eccentric Bisate Lodge resemble traditional Rwandan cottages. Bisate, which is tucked away in an eroded volcanic cone on the outskirts of Volcanoes National Park, expertly combines world-class luxury travel with morally and environmentally conscious eco-tourism. The resort provides a luxurious retreat in a stunning location with convenient access to see the magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural environment. You will undoubtedly have memorable moments while at Bisate.

Highlights:

• Unique eco-luxury lodge bordering Volcanoes National Park
• Awe-inspiring views of volcanoes & mountains
• See endangered Mountain Gorillas & Golden Monkeys
• Visit the volcanic twin lakes, Musanze Caves & local villages
• Guided walks, hikes & spa treatments

Best for…
Couples & romantic getaways.

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Best Rwandan Hotel : One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

The charming One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is located in the foothills of the well-known Volcanoes National Park. Being a member of the One & Only family, you should expect nothing less than a luxurious, first-rate vacation. And Gorilla’s Nest meets the description with its opulent luxury products and stunning contemporary design. Although the critically endangered mountain gorillas may have drawn you to Rwanda, the way of life at Gorilla’s Nest will have you immediately considering a return trip.

Highlights:

• Über-luxury 5-star haven in the foothills of Volcanoes National Park
• Spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes & forestland
• Scenic helicopter flight on arrival (optional)
• Gorilla & golden monkey trekking
• Climb the surrounding volcanoes
• Farm-to-table meals at The Nest restaurant
• World-class treatments at the One & Only Spa

Best for…
Honeymoons & romantic getaways.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Kwitonda Lodge’s beautiful architecture complements the breathtaking grandeur of its natural surroundings. This luxurious resort, which is conveniently located near Volcanoes National Park, offers quick access to the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the renowned mountain gorillas while still maintaining the highest levels of luxury and style. When you’re not scaling a volcano or hiking through a rainforest, Kwitonda offers all the comforts of home to unwind after an exciting day.

Highlights:

• Stylish luxury lodge on the outskirts of Volcanoes National Park
• Breathtaking views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga & Muhabura volcanoes
• Easy access to gorilla trekking & golden monkey tracking trails
• Farm-to-table gourmet dining
• Cooking lessons in the interactive kitchen
• Tours of the local village & Kigali
• Children’s activities keep the little ones busy
• Hike to Mount Bisoke Crater Lake & Musanze Caves

Best for…
Multi-generational families & nature-lovers.

Singita Kataza House

Singita Kwitonda Lodge & Kataza House Launch

An exclusive-use private villa is available at Singita Kataza House, which is ideal for vacationers who value privacy or big families who require lots of space. The property, which is modern, stylish, and immaculately designed, is the height of luxury and provides so many private-use amenities that it might as well be a mini-resort all by itself. Additionally, Singita Kataza has a committed team that will grant all of your wishes.

Highlights:

• Exclusive-use villa on the edge of Volcanoes National Park
• Uninterrupted views of volcano & forest landscape
• Access to all Kwitonda Lodge’s facilities & amenities
• Private house manager, chef, guide & safari vehicle
• Farm-to-table fine dining
• Children’s Activities
• Private wine cellar, interactive kitchen & bar
• Heated swimming pool, gym, spa room & cinema room
• Gorilla & golden monkey trekking
• Mount Bisoke Crater Lake hike & Musanze Caves visit

Best for…
Multi-generational families.