Luxury safari lodges in Rwanda

Where you stay in Rwanda shapes your entire safari experience. Wilderness’ luxury safari lodges are designed to place you at the very edge of the wild, in remote, conservation-focused destinations with access to some of the world’s best wildlife experiences.

In Volcanoes National Park, Wilderness Bisate, Bisate Reserve, and Sabyinyo offer easy access to gorilla trekking. Each is an architectural expression of Rwanda, from Sabyinyo’s cosy cottages to Bisate’s nests, designed to blend into the contours of the hillsides while offering exceptional facilities from garden nurseries, to complete wellness spaces and comfortable shared living areas with pools, wine cellars and day lounges.

In Akagera National Park, Wilderness Magashi and Magashi Peninsula reveal an entirely different experience, and one many didn’t know you could enjoy on safari in Rwanda. This is open savannah and home to the Big 5, with lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino frequently seen on our private concession. Game drives unfold in near solitude, while boat excursions on Lake Rwanyakazinga reveal hippo pods and abundant birdlife along the water’s edge. Magashi Peninsula also offers a level of exclusivity that is rare in East Africa, with just two couple’s suites and one private three-bedroom villa.

What is included in a stay at our luxury Wilderness Rwanda lodges?

A stay at a Wilderness lodge in Rwanda includes all meals, a selection of beverages, and select daily guided activities, such as game drives or boating in Akagera National Park, guided nature walks, birdwatching, cultural experiences, and conservation-led experiences such as tree planting. For those staying at our lodges in the Volcanoes region, gorilla trekking permits are arranged separately, but your Travel Designer will assist with planning and logistics. In fact, we are able to price an entire itinerary that combines multiple destinations, all transfers, Kigali city tours, all activity permits and anything else you may want to experience in Rwanda. 

What is the best time to visit Rwanda's safari lodges?

Rwanda is a year-round safari destination. June to September and mid-December to February are traditionally considered the most popular seasons for gorilla trekking as these are the drier months. Trails are less muddy and hiking conditions are generally easier.

However, the rainy seasons of March to May and October to November offer dramatic conditions for photography, with mist and soft light, and there are typically fewer visitors, enhancing the sense of exclusivity. In Akagera, wildlife tends to congregate around water sources in the dry season, but is still excellent year-round, with the greener months bringing lush scenery, newborn animals, and superb birding.

Can I combine a Rwanda safari lodge stay with other destinations?

Yes, absolutely. The true advantage of choosing Wilderness is the ability to experience a variety of safari experiences in a single journey. From gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park to a Big 5 safari in Akagera National Park, we can help you craft a tour that includes the very best of Rwanda. If you want to extend your safari even further, we also have camps in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, as well as access to various other East African partner properties, for a multi-country itinerary.