Best of Rwanda Safari Lodges and Camps

The Rwandan hospitality scene has evolved significantly over the past decade from ordinary guest houses to some of the most exclusive ecotourism resorts around the world. Luxury ecotourism is the hallmark of the industry, with ultra-luxury lodges set up in the vicinity of Volcanoes National Park for visitors seeking to track mountain gorillas. Such facilities may come with top-notch services such as personalized butler service, massage services following trekking, and specialized cleaning of trekking equipment.

Away from the primate circuits, the Land of a Thousand Hills features different accommodation options ranging from permanent tented camps to luxury city boutiques. Tented camps in Akagera National Park have been known to offer a glamping experience complete with the thrill of tented living and the luxury of bathrooms and personal viewing decks. On the other hand, there is a growing trend of boutique hotels in the capital city of Kigali.

Sustainability is one of the most important pillars of Rwandan accommodation options, thanks to eco-lodges that can compete with the rest of the world. Examples of these properties include Wilderness Bisate Lodge, which was created to have as little an impact on the environment as possible by reforesting its surroundings and supporting communities through development. The majority of such places feature traditional Rwandan construction with volcanic stone walls, bamboo detailing, and Agaseke patterns hand-woven into the design.

The middle range is gaining popularity among budget-conscious tourists who are looking for affordable yet comfortable lodging options. Such places feature fireplace rooms to keep visitors warm in a cool mountain climate, as well as balconies from where one can watch the birds. Most often, you will find mid-range accommodations around the Nyungwe Forest and Lake Kivu, giving you a great place to observe chimps in the forests.

In effect, the country’s hospitality approach aligns with its conservation aims: low volume, high value. No matter whether the visitor opts for a luxurious volcano villa or a secluded savannah camp, he/she will be assured of a focus on seclusion, spectacular vistas, and closeness to nature. Since the favored accommodations have relatively small room counts, frequently less than ten, early booking is essential, particularly during the high season months of June through September and December through February.