The best safari lodges in Rwanda

Wilderness Bisate

 

Wilderness Bisate is one of Rwanda’s best safari lodges for seeing gorillas. Set in a natural amphitheatre on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, the lodge is surrounded by rainforest and overlooked by the dramatic peaks of Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno. Gorilla trekking is naturally the star attraction, but golden monkey trekking, guided forest walks, birding and conservation experiences offer plenty of reasons to spend more than just a night or two here.

 

And the lodge itself is every bit as memorable as its setting. Its six circular forest villas, designed to resemble giant birds’ nests, with fireplaces, king-sized beds and views over the volcanoes, have attracted numerous awards over the years. The main area includes a restaurant, library and wine cellar, while the lodge’s vegetable garden is open to guests who can pick and choose the fresh ingredients for their meals. And, new since 2026, The Sanctuary at Bisate takes the post-trek experience to another level, with a heated indoor salt-water lap pool, sauna, steam room, outdoor ice bath, meditation pods, fully equipped gym, yoga deck and treatment rooms. 

 

 

 

Wilderness Bisate Reserve

 

For travellers looking for something even more exclusive, Wilderness Bisate Reserve offers a more intimate and private take on the gorilla experience. Its four villas provide panoramic views across the Virunga Massif volcanoes, and are particularly spacious. Each has a private deck, expansive living areas, two fireplaces, internal heating and a private outdoor wood-fired hot tub. They are the perfect place to enjoy private dining, in-room massages and a wildlife or natural history film. Like Bisate, guests have access to The Sanctuary and all its wellness wonders. This is unquestionably Rwanda’s best safari lodge for connoisseurs of conservation.

 

 

 

Wilderness Sabyinyo

 

For those who want their gorilla safari to feel closely connected to Rwanda and its people, Wilderness Sabyinyo is the best choice. Located just 15 minutes from the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park, it is ideally positioned for gorilla trekking, and as Rwanda’s first community-owned lodge, a local community directly benefits from the lodge’s presence.

 

The atmosphere is also more homely and traditional than the contemporary design of Bisate and Bisate Reserve. Set in an exquisite garden, guest accommodation comprises charming stone cottages, each with a generous sitting area, fireplace and sheltered veranda overlooking the volcanoes. There is naturally also a communal lounge and dining area, organic vegetable gardens that inspire the menus, and a particularly warm, welcoming feel throughout. 

 

 

 

Wilderness Magashi

 

If you think Rwanda is all about gorillas, Wilderness Magashi is the camp that will change your mind. Set on a private concession overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga in Akagera National Park, Magashi offers a classic East African safari experience, with additional water safari activities. Game drives provide a chance of seeing lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinos, while boat excursions on the lake bring you up close to hippos, crocodiles and the abundant birdlife. Magashi’s relaxed, tented suites are positioned along the lakeshore, while the main area with its swimming pool overlooking the lake is a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon. 

 

 

 

Wilderness Magashi Peninsula

 

If you want to see no other people on your safari other than your travel companions, Wilderness Magashi Peninsula is the best choice for your Rwanda safari. Set on a private peninsula overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga, this ultra-exclusive retreat features just two couple’s suites and a villa, deliberately spread out to create an extraordinary sense of space and seclusion.

 

The villa at Magashi Peninsula is particularly well suited to families, multigenerational groups or friends travelling together, with two en-suite bedrooms, a spacious central living and dining area, kitchen, private full-sized swimming pool and a flexible third en-suite room that can be configured as a children's room, office or private gym. Guests staying in the villa also have private guiding and in-villa dining, making it possible to create a completely personalised safari experience. The couple’s suites on the other hand each have their own plunge pool and a Star Bed on the roof for sleeping al fresco under the African sky. There is also a central dining and lounge area, communal gym and wellness facilities.