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African Safaris and Tours
Rwanda Lodges
Rwanda Lodges by Area: Gorilla Lodges, Savannah Camps and Lakeside Hotels
Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills, packs a remarkable range of safari experiences into one small country, and where you sleep shapes every day of your trip. Our lodges, tented camps and hotels sit in five areas, each with its own reason to be there:
- Volcanoes National Park – lodges outside the park for mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking, with the Virunga volcanoes on the skyline
- Nyungwe National Park – a base for chimpanzee trekking, forest trails and the canopy walkway in south-western Rwanda's montane rainforest
- Akagera National Park – Big Five game drives and boat trips on Lake Ihema in Rwanda's savannah park, a wonderful contrast to the forests of the west
- Lake Kivu – lakeside hotels for a slower day or two between parks
- Kigali – city hotels for your first and last nights, close to the airport, the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the capital's galleries and restaurants
Uyaphi has been arranging African safaris since 1999. We match each property to your trekking dates, your travelling party and the way you like to stay, from intimate gorilla lodges to tented camps beside an Akagera lake, and price every one as part of your full itinerary.
See how the areas fit together on our Rwanda safaris, or tell us your plans and we'll suggest the right lodges for you.
Where to Stay in Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park Lodges
Lodges outside Volcanoes National Park in north-west Rwanda, within reach of the Kinigi park headquarters where gorilla treks begin. Wake to the Virunga volcanoes, trek for mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, and choose a base to suit your trekking date and budget.
Nyungwe National Park Accommodation
Stay close to Nyungwe National Park, the montane rainforest of south-western Rwanda, for chimpanzee trekking, forest trails and the canopy walkway. Every property is chosen to put you within easy reach of an early start in the forest.
Akagera National Park Lodges
Lodges and tented camps for Akagera National Park, Rwanda's savannah park in the east, with its lakes, plains and papyrus swamps. Base yourself here for game drives, boat trips on Lake Ihema and superb birding: the perfect counterpoint to gorilla trekking.
Lake Kivu Hotels
Hotels on the Rwandan shore of Lake Kivu, the great lake Rwanda shares with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A restful stop between Volcanoes and Nyungwe, for lakeside walks, fresh lake views and slow afternoons by the water.
Hotels in Kigali
Hotels in Kigali, Rwanda's capital and your arrival point at Kigali International Airport. Ideal for the first and last nights of a safari, with time for the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the city's art galleries, markets and restaurants.
Rwanda Lodges: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose where to stay in Rwanda?
Choose by what you want to do. Stay near Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking, Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzee trekking in montane rainforest, and Akagera National Park for savannah game drives and boat trips. Add Lake Kivu for a slower day between parks, and Kigali for your first and last nights.
What's the difference between a lodge and a tented camp?
A lodge has solid-walled rooms, suites or cottages; a tented camp puts you under canvas, with the sounds of the bush just beyond your walls. Comfort depends on the property rather than the format, and Rwanda's tented camps range from simple to luxurious. In Akagera National Park you can choose either, and we'll match the style to you.
Are Rwanda's lodges inside the national parks?
It depends on the park. There is no accommodation inside Volcanoes National Park, so gorilla lodges sit outside the boundary and you drive to the Kinigi park headquarters for your trek briefing. In Akagera National Park, several lodges and camps sit inside the park itself. Kigali hotels are in the city, and Lake Kivu hotels on its shore.
Can children stay at Rwanda lodges?
It depends on the property: each lodge, camp and hotel sets its own child policy and minimum age, and some suit families far better than others. Activity age limits, including for gorilla trekking, are set separately and covered on our Rwanda safaris page. Tell us your children's ages and we'll suggest only properties that welcome them.
What price range do Rwanda lodges cover?
Rwanda's accommodation runs from guesthouses and mid-range hotels to top-end luxury lodges. Around Volcanoes National Park alone, that spans hotels in Musanze town through to high-end lodges near Kinigi. We don't quote standalone nightly rates: every property is priced as part of your full itinerary, so you see the real cost of the whole trip.
What's included when I stay at a Rwanda lodge?
That depends on each property's rate basis, which ranges from bed and breakfast to full board or fully inclusive. Gorilla and primate trekking permits and park entry fees are separate from your accommodation, so check how they are covered in your quote. Ask us and we'll set out exactly what each night includes before you book.
How far ahead should I book a Rwanda lodge?
Book as soon as your travel dates are fixed. Your Volcanoes lodge needs to line up with your gorilla trekking date, so the two are best secured together, and Rwanda's smallest camps have only a handful of rooms. Booking early gives you the widest choice of properties in every area, from Akagera to Lake Kivu.
Map of Lodges in and around Rwanda
Rwanda Travel Topics
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Rwanda Travel Bucket List
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10 Best Lodges In Rwanda
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Best Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Explore Rwanda with our expertly crafted safari itinerary. Journey from the vibrant streets of Kigali to wildlife in Akagera National Park, the lush Nyungwe Forest, and unforgettable gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Whether you're seeking thrilling adventures or serene moments in nature, this itinerary showcases the best Rwanda has to offer. Prepare for a safari tour filled with incredible wildlife, rich cultural experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Popular Rwanda Destinations
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Things To Do In Kigali
Ready your senses for an artistic adventure at the Inema and Niyo Art Galleries, where the vibrant pulse of Rwandan creativity beats the strongest. These spaces are not just galleries but sanctuaries where art and community intersect, offering a deep dive into the local artistry and craftsmanship. From contemporary pieces that challenge the status quo to traditional crafts that tell tales of Rwanda's heritage, these galleries offer a kaleidoscope of perspectives bound to inspire. Whether you're an art aficionado or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of human expression, these spots are must-visits for a touch of Kigali's creative spirit.