Virunga Lodge Rwanda | Luxury Gorilla Trekking Retreat

Gorilla Trekking, Volcanoes Safaris, Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Trekking, One&Only, Volcanoes National Park

Luxury suite at Volcanoes Safari Virunga Lodge, Rwanda

A Classic Gorilla Lodge with Unrivalled Views

Burera District, Rwanda

Overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes, the Musanze Valley, Lake Bulera and Lake Ruhondo, Virunga Lodge is widely regarded as one of Rwanda’s most iconic gorilla lodges. Often described as Rwandese Afro-chic, the lodge blends eclectic design with warm, heartfelt hospitality, creating an atmosphere that feels both refined and deeply comforting.

Accommodation is offered in just 10 beautifully designed bandas, each ensuite and featuring a private terrace with sweeping views over either the Virunga Volcanoes or the shimmering twin lakes. Between treks and excursions, guests can unwind in the convivial bar, spend quiet time in the library or enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals inspired by local flavours and seasonal produce.

Highlights and Activities at Virunga Lodge:

ROOMS: 10 luxury bandas

BEST FOR: Couples escapes, private groups and multigenerational families

ACTIVITIES:

Gorilla trekking (Volcanoes National Park)
Golden monkey trekking
Mount Bisoke crater hike
Dian Fossey Grave Site hike
Lake Bulera Village Walk
Wellness & spa

Volcanoes Safari Virunga Lodge with views of volcanoes, Rwanda

WHY WE LOVE Virunga Lodge

Virunga Lodge’s elevated position delivers some of the most dramatic views in Rwanda, enjoyed directly from private verandas. The experience is elevated further by thoughtful touches such as complimentary massages after gorilla treks. The Rungu massage is a particular highlight and a well earned reward after time spent on the forest trails.

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FAQs About Virunga Lodge

Virunga Lodge is located in Rwanda’s Burera District, set high on a ridge between Lake Bulera and Lake Ruhondo, with sweeping views over the Virunga Volcanoes. The lodge sits close to Volcanoes National Park, making it an excellent base for gorilla trekking.

Yes. Virunga Lodge is one of Rwanda’s most established gorilla trekking lodges and offers convenient access to Volcanoes National Park. Treks are arranged to visit habituated mountain gorilla families, with permits secured in advance.

Volcanoes Safaris Virunga Lodge is located approximately 20 to 30 minutes by road from the main gorilla trekking briefing points in Volcanoes National Park, depending on which sector your trek is allocated to on the day.

Yes, Virunga Lodge can work well for families and multigenerational groups. Please note that the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years, while the minimum age for golden monkey trekking is 12. Families with older children will find the lodge comfortable and welcoming.

Virunga Lodge stands out for its dramatic hilltop setting, panoramic views of volcanoes and lakes, and its long standing commitment to conservation. Its Afro-chic design, intimate size and warm hospitality create a classic yet deeply personal gorilla trekking experience.

Ready to start planning Gorilla Trekking Safari?

Reach out and let’s start talking. We’ll listen and begin to tailor an experiential, private, luxury vacation based on exactly how you want to experience Africa. From adventure to relaxation—and everything in between—let us handle every detail of your unforgettable journey.

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What Ubuntu Travelers Are Saying

      
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   Brianna Gleason 
 23 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From the very first zoom call with Leah to the detailed itinerary that Jenna put together to the boots on the ground communication from Jacinta, Mandie, Nyameka and the whole team we had the most incredible first safari experience in Kenya thanks to Ubuntu. They put us up in the most iconic tents with staff that went above and beyond to make sure we had a memorable experience. Our plane transfers from lodge to lodge were seamless and very easy to navigate. We had the absolute best safari vacation and we owe that to Ubuntu!
  
 
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   Kelly Mordecai 
 18 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We worked with Ubuntu to plan our honeymoon, and throughout the entire process, we experienced such wonderful customer service. With so many things pulling us in different directions between wedding planning, our personal lives, and work, there were definitely times when our responses and decisions took longer than expected. No matter how long an email sat in our inbox, though, the Ubuntu team was always quick to respond. They patiently answered all of our questions, no matter how silly, and consistently provided helpful specifics, whether that was a direct link or step-by-step instructions. We really appreciated that the team focused on giving us the information we needed to make informed decisions without ever making the process feel like a sales pitch. They were respectful and realistic when it came to conversations about our budget while still making sure they were creating the best experience possible for us. Once we arrived in Africa, the experience continued to be top-notch. The accommodations were beautiful, and every staff member we interacted with was professional, welcoming, and went above and beyond to make our trip memorable. Having all of our airport transfers and domestic travel taken care of was such a relief and exactly what we needed after the chaos of wedding planning. We would recommend working with Ubuntu to anyone we know who is planning a trip to Africa. They made the entire experience seamless, stress-free, and incredibly memorable. We are so grateful for the role they played in making our honeymoon so special.
  
 
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   Christopher Tower 
 18 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We just arrived home from a 31 day epic adventure in Africa.  We covered SA (Cape Town and surrounds), Singita at Sabi Sands, Vumbura Plains in the Okavango Delta, Joburg, Vic Falls Zimbabwe, Tanzania (Nomad at Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks), Rwanda (Kigali and Singita at Volcanoes National Park).  Ubuntu did an absolutely amazing job in arranging the trip.  They were with us every step of the way.  Excellent team and service!  CDT
  
 
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   Carol Loftus 
 16 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Could not ask for a better safari firm.  No stone is left unturned and you always feel like you can get answers, day or night!  This is my second time using Ubuntu and I highly recommend them.
  
 
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   Kyle Song 
 13 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolute 1st class travel planning.  We had the most amazing and memorable trip, and as a person who likes to travel plan myself, this trip had so many moving parts there's no way I could have tackled it. I'd give Ubuntu an 11/10 rating if I could.  They made our travel seamless, relaxed, and delivered the most incredible experience.  100% we will use them again.
  
 
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   Lindsey Colner 
 12 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had the BEST experience with Ubuntu planning our South Africa trip! From the beginning, they were so easy to work with and were amazing at communicating with us both before and during the trip. They put together the perfect itinerary for us with safari at two different lodges, time on Benguerra Island, and we even decided to add Franschhoek a couple of months before we left. They made everything so easy and somehow managed to make the entire trip feel completely seamless. One of the biggest things that stood out was how responsive they were when we had our international flight canceled. I literally just had to send them a WhatsApp message with our new flight information, and they immediately took care of rearranging everything for us. We never had to stress about figuring out transfers or logistics ourselves. They even had porters meet us at every airport, so we barely had to think about our luggage or where we were supposed to go. We truly felt taken care of every step of the way. It was honestly the trip of a lifetime, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We are already talking about when we can go back and will 100% be using Ubuntu again to plan our next trip. Highly, highly recommend them!
  
 
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   Tawanda Mukora 
 1 September 2026
 
 
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   K O 
 19 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What an incredible South Africa trip Ubuntu planned for my wife and I! Ubuntu set us up with full-day guided Peninsula and Winelands tours during our few days in Cape Town, followed by four days of Safari game drives at the Savanna Lodge within the Sabi Sands Nature Reserve. A huge thank you to Ubuntu for finding a perfect balance/mix of fun activities and relaxed downtime throughout out trip! Ubuntu took care of all the travel logistics once we got down to South Africa. Ubuntu set us up with our Guest Experience Liaison that would check-in with us ever couple of days and was available on call if we needed any sort of logistical support. We didn't end up needing to lean on our liaison since everything went so smoothly, but surely felt we had all the support we needed had something come up. We know we will be utilizing Ubuntu the next time we travel to Africa and highly recommend Ubuntu to anyone else planning a trip to Africa!
  
 
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   Eddie Nunns 
 12 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From the plains of the Serengeti to the shores of Zanzibar, Ubuntu Travel designed an unforgettable Tanzanian package to celebrate a milestone birthday. I was especially grateful that they embraced this solo traveler and ensured that every detail was planned out in advance, making this a trip of a lifetime.
  
 
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   Kristin Titov 
 24 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ubuntu Travel planned the most epic safari vacay for my husband and in Tanzania.  We loved every place we stayed and every detail was taken care of!  Their communication was exceptional! 100 out of 10!

Volcanoes Safaris Virunga Lodge, Burera District

An iconic Afro-chic lodge overlooking Rwanda’s volcanoes and twin lakes, perfectly positioned for luxury gorilla trekking.

A Classic Gorilla Lodge with Unrivalled Views

Highlights and Activities at Virunga Lodge:

WHY WE LOVE Virunga Lodge

FAQs About Virunga Lodge

Where is Virunga Lodge located?

Is Virunga Lodge suitable for gorilla trekking?

How far is Virunga Lodge from Volcanoes National Park?

Is Virunga Lodge suitable for families?

What makes Virunga Lodge unique?

Ready to start planning Gorilla Trekking Safari?

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What Ubuntu Travelers Are Saying