Wilderness Sabyinyo Newsletter - January 2026

We welcomed the year in true Sabyinyo style, bubbly in hand, warm laughter around the fire, thoughtful gifts for our guests, and an atmosphere bristling with excitement for the adventures ahead. Midnight arrived with toasts, smiles, and that unmistakable feeling that the mountains were celebrating right alongside us.

And of course, nothing says Happy New Year like kicking off the first days of January with gorilla trekking. Some mornings started soft and misty, others dramatically wet, but each one held the promise of an unforgettable journey. The weather kept us guessing, sometimes clearing just in time for a trek, sometimes delivering a surprise evening rainstorm, but it all just added to the charm.

When the skies were damp, the forest softened underfoot, making the trek blissfully easier. On the days the mountains woke wrapped in cloud and cold, we knew that adventure mode had been activated.

No matter the mood of the weather, our focus never wavered, beginning the year with a renewed commitment to our guests, ensuring every stay is warm, memorable, and deeply personal.

A highlight of this January was our continued reforestation work. We planted around 1,000 indigenous trees, each one carefully chosen to support biodiversity and restore the natural rhythm of the land for its inhabitants. 

These young trees are already beginning to rewrite the landscape. With them, even more birds are returning, insect life is busier than ever, and small mammals are once again exploring spaces that were once quiet. Nature, it seems, doesn’t need an invitation, just a little encouragement.

And so, the forest grows… and with it, the spirit of Sabyinyo.

This month, SACOLA (the Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association that owns the lodge) continued its commitment to uplifting surrounding communities, while championing environmental protection through a focused support initiative in the Nyange and Kinigi sectors. The goal was simple yet impactful: help families embrace cleaner, greener cooking practices and provide meaningful support to vulnerable households.

To reduce reliance on firewood and lessen the associated deforestation, SACOLA donated gas cookers and gas to 65 vulnerable families. Beyond offering essential equipment, the initiative served as a hands‑on aid to sustainable living.

During the distribution, families received awareness and training on: The environmental toll of firewood use; the health and household benefits of cooking with gas; and the long-term value of adopting clean, modern energy solutions.

With this knowledge, community members were encouraged to become ambassadors for conservation, helping spread environmentally mindful practices throughout their neighbourhoods.

This is our first trip to Rwanda and we are so happy we chose wilderness Sabyinyo. This place is incredible in terms of hospitality, service and amenities. The pictures and service don’t do justice to what this place is!!
P & A, San Francisco, USA

This is our very first trip to Africa and you could not have made it more special. We are so grateful for your incredible hospitality, food, service, friendliness and culture. Our hearts are full. Much love to you all.
K, L & E B, USA

Thank you for the most special stay – you made our family feel like yours! Everything was absolutely perfect, warm and intentional. We are leaving with full hearts and feeling very grateful.
S Family, USA 

This is an incredible place! Everything was perfect and beautiful! Most importantly every staff member was so wonderful, kind, warm and welcoming. We love you.
M C, California, USA