*Denotes local charge
*Denotes local charge
In a remote spot at the edge of the Nyungwe Forest, this beautiful lodge is an unexpected delight. The décor is sophisticated and modern, but the use of natural materials means that it fits in perfectly with its surroundings. The main lodge has restaurant and bar with a stone fireplace and a boma for relaxed outdoor drinks and dining. Rooms are spacious and modern, housed in six wooden villas, with air-conditioning, television, open fireplace and private terrace overlooking the lush plantation. Two suites have their own villa. After a day trekking with chimpanzees and monkeys, there’s no better place to relax than in the heated infinity pool that looks out over the rainforest, watching the toucans and colobus monkeys in the treetops.
The experience at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is high quality yet homely. Built by Governors’ Camps and owned by a community trust, it’s run by a superb small team for whom nothing is too much trouble. The main lodge building has a cosy sitting room with snug, library/games room and a dining room. You can choose to dine with your fellow travellers, with everyone gathered together around a long table to share your day’s experience. Outdoors, two patio areas make the most of the dramatic view towards the Virunga Volcanoes. Eight stone cottages are stylish with traditional touches and have a large sitting area with fireplace, lovely bathroom, dressing room and terrace.
Rustic and authentic, Cormoran Lodge is a lovely relaxing base to take in the stunning views of Lake Kivu. Its cabins on stilts are perched on a lush hillside near the ‘beach city’ of Kibuye, with the largest cabin housing a restaurant and bar that serves up some great local fish. Seven characterful cabin-style rooms are simple but perfectly comfortable and all have a television, Wi-Fi, mini fridge and a stone and slate bathroom with shower. There’s the choice of double or twin rooms or the VIP cabin, which has views of the Nyiragongo volcano in neighbouring Congo. Canoeing, boat rides and waterskiing can all be arranged on the lake at extra cost.