Rwanda’s wilderness offers a selection of exceptional safari retreats that combine luxury with conservation efforts, providing guests with immersive experiences in pristine environments. Below are some of the top safari retreats in Rwanda’s wilderness;
Wilderness Bisate Lodge. Wilderness Bisate Lodge is a creative eco-friendly resort that offers stylish lodging and champions all the amenities of a conventional eco-lodge.
Located near Volcanoes National Park, this lodge is an ideal base for mountain gorilla trekking experience.
With just 6 distinct accommodations, the lodge offers stunning views of the Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno volcanoes. All of the rooms have opulent en suite bathrooms and prioritize the comfort and privacy of guests though it maintains its natural environmental principles. The rooms are thatched pods that blend in perfectly with the surroundings. Inside, they have a blend of natural wood and bamboo materials with accents of plush and artistic elements.
Bisate Lodge provides its guests with a very unique Rwandan experience with its vast wine cellar and the elegant yet authentic decor of its dining and communal facilities.
Apart from gorilla trekking in Rwanda, there are number of activities available to visitors including riding mountain bikes around the surrounding trails, visiting Bisate Village to experience local customs and taking part in indigenous tree planting events at the nursery. All these support local conservation efforts.
Wilderness Magashi. Perched on Magashi Peninsula, Magashi Camp is situated in the north-eastern corner of Akagera National Park, overlooking beautiful Lake Rwanyakizinga towards the Mutumba Mountains in the west.
Akagera comprises open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamp and grassy low mountains. This area is one of the most scenic in East Africa and is home to highest hippo densities, very large crocodiles and more than 500 bird species.
Magashi has been established in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and African Parks, demonstrating Wilderness Safaris’ commitment to pioneering sustainable and authentic ecotourism in Rwanda. Magashi consists of about 8 spacious and airy tented guest rooms with uninterrupted views of Lake Rwanyakizinga. The main area comprises of a luxurious lounge and dining area, bar and pool as well as an expansive viewing deck with convivial fire pit. The architecture and interiors pay homage to traditional Rwandan culture.
The camp provides opportunities to see wildlife such as lions, elephants, rhinos and is involved in significant conservation initiatives within the park.
Meals at Magashi are designed with sustainability in mind, offering healthy flavorful recipes that tread lightly on the Earth.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest. The Lodge is strategically set in the foothills of the breathtaking African tropical rainforest right underneath the five volcanoes. One & Only Gorilla’s Nest is located 6 kilometers from the Kinigi Park headquarters and is one of the lodges that are on the trailhead of many gorilla families and golden monkey adventures.
One & Only Gorilla’s Nest features 21 guest suites seven one-bedroom suites and fourteen deluxe rooms. The rooms are extremely spacious with ensuite bathrooms, showers and toilets.
The lodge also features well-trained employees and a restaurant that serves a variety of meals based on the client’s requests and orders.
The hotel serves tasty African food that is grown right from the gardens nearby.
Gorillas Nest’s amenities include free Wi-Fi, airport transfers, free parking, a spa, a swimming pool, a health center, a fully stocked bar and a restaurant with experienced chefs that make exquisite local and international cuisine. Activities offered at One & Only Gorilla’s Nest include gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, hiking and nature walks, birding, Dian Fossey hike, cultural visits, twin lake tours, kayaking and excursions to Musanze caverns among others though at an extra free from the accommodation fee.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. Sabyinyo is located near Volcanoes National Park in north-western Rwanda. It is nestled in the foothills of the mist-shrouded Virunga Massif, a chain of eight immense volcanoes, which straddle Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These three countries preserve this section of the Virungas for one crucial reason: to protect Endangered Mountain gorillas. The lodge encourages the spirit of conservation and rehabilitation.
Accommodation at Sabyinyo comprises 6 charming stone cottages, 2 luxurious suites with king-size four-poster beds and one spacious family unit with two separate bedrooms. Each elegant cottage features large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms and a sheltered veranda with cinematic views over the volcanoes.
Surrounded by the tropical forests of Rwanda, guests can unwind in their choice of stone cottage or suites, each with a large sitting room, fireplace, stylish ensuite bathroom and private veranda. The stone buildings feature traditional terracotta tile roofs and polished wooden floors.
Meals can be taken in the small dining room, either inside, where there are fireplaces for the colder months or on the outside decks during warmer weather. Alternatively, there is limited room service, so you can dine in privacy on your own balcony if interested.
Bisate Reserve. An extension of Wilderness Bisate Lodge, Bisate Reserve offers enhanced luxury with larger villas and private dining options. Guests can enjoy gorilla trekking, spa treatments, and personalized services in an intimate setting.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge. Singita Kwitonda Lodge is set right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park and is part of the Singita brand of high-end stayovers in Rwanda.
Each of the 11 luxurious suites features a private heated plunge pool, wellness treatment area, in- and outdoor fireplaces and large timber-framed windows that welcome breathtaking scenery and volcano views inside. One of these units has two bedrooms to accommodate a maximum of 4 guests while the Kataza House is a self-contained villa with 4 bedrooms.
Being created in response to its dramatic setting, this luxury lodge includes elements such as woven ceilings and hand-fired terracotta brickwork crafted by local artisans.
This lodge has a conservation room, on-site nursery plus a vegetable garden which provides fresh produces to the lodge’s restaurant.
Offering guests a nurturing space within which to contemplate their encounters with the gorillas, the lodge envelopes them in a sanctuary of warmth, stillness and solitude.
Being set within a landscape of wetlands and lush meadows, this lodge provides magnificent views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes.
Designed around local materials, the buildings have been crafted using volcanic rock, river stone, handmade ceramic tiles and oven-red clay bricks made by surrounding communities.
a central hub with beautiful indoor and outdoor living spaces serves as the heart of Singita Kwitonda lodge. this space forms an experiential enclave with lounges, dining areas, an outdoor fire pit, an interactive kitchen, bar delicatessen and a wine cellar for guests to enjoy.
Guests enjoy a lot of amenities from the lodge such as in-room massage treatments, central fireplaces in suites and the main lodge, Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the lodge, Electricity, Wine cellar and tastings, Singita Boutique & Gallery store, Conservation Room, the on-site Akarabo Nursery and garden, Private outdoor heated plunge pools among others.
Children of all ages are welcome at the lodge though the gorilla trekking age is 15 and above.
Akagera Game Lodge. Akagera Game Lodge is a luxurious accommodation situated within Akagera National Park in Rwanda, offering visitors an exceptional safari experience amidst diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. Located on the eastern border of the park, the lodge provides a comfortable base for exploring the park’s rich ecosystems including savannahs, lakes and wetlands. The lodge features a blend of modern comfort and authentic African design with spacious rooms, chalets and a central lodge area that offers panoramic views of the park’s wilderness.
Facilities at Akagera Game Lodge include a swimming pool, restaurant serving local and international cuisine, bar and lounge areas, ensuring guests enjoy relaxation after game drives.
The lodge offers guided game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema and birdwatching opportunities hence allowing visitors to spot wildlife such as elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo and numerous bird species. The lodge’s eco-friendly initiatives include solar power use and sustainable waste management, aligning with conservation goals. Akagera Game Lodge also actively supports community development projects and park conservation efforts, emphasizing responsible tourism. Its strategic location and comprehensive amenities make it a popular choice for travelers seeking an immersive safari experience in Rwanda, combining luxury, adventure and conservation in one memorable destination.
Each of the above retreats offers a unique way to experience Rwanda’s rich wildlife and stunning landscapes. Whether you are seeking luxury, adventure or cultural immersion, these retreats provide exceptional safari experiences.
