Rwanda

Wilderness Sabyinyo newsletter – May 2026

Camp news

Eunice Umumararungu

6/25/2026

A change in the air at Wilderness Sabyinyo

If May were a person, it would be the kind who arrives quietly, in a soft drizzle, and then leaves bathed in golden light, stealing the show on its way out.


At Sabyinyo this month, the final reminders of the rainy season lingered over the Virunga Mountains, but beneath the mist, a subtle transformation was underway. Hiking boots looked less muddy, backpacks seemed a little lighter, and a welcome energy rippled through the lodge.


As guest numbers steadily grew and excitement returned to the trails, our team was equally busy behind the scenes, preparing, refining, and recharging for the season ahead. It was a month of renewal, readiness, and the happy spark of momentum building once again.

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Community news: Standing together in remembrance

During the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, our Sabyinyo lodge owners SACOLA (Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association) once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to supporting genocide survivors in the Kinigi and Nyange sectors.


In the spirit of remembrance, solidarity, and healing, SACOLA provided essential support to 20 vulnerable survivor families. Each household received packages including staple foods, household supplies, Kitenge fabric, and financial assistance to help meet their individual needs.

 

 

This initiative reflects SACOLA’s enduring dedication to community care – recognising that commemoration is not only about remembering the past, but also about showing compassion through meaningful action. For 

Staff news: Ready, refreshed, and energised

As we approach peak season, there’s something special about this time of year: the sense of readiness, of shared purpose, and of gearing up to deliver our very best. What’s more, at Sabyinyo, we know that exceptional seasons are built on thoughtful preparation.


A highlight this month was our two-day first aid training in partnership with Emergency, Safety and Health Services. Practical, hands-on, and highly engaging, the training was designed to equip every team member with the confidence and capability to respond effectively in a range of emergency situations. Given the remote and often challenging environments in which we operate, these skills are not just beneficial, they are vital. From managing minor injuries to responding to more complex scenarios, the training reinforced both individual competence and team co-ordination. Perhaps most importantly, it strengthened a shared sense of responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of our guests and one another.

 

At a leadership level, our Heads of Department also took part in a series of in-depth training sessions with Dr Collins and Malora, which proved both insightful and thought-provoking. These sessions went beyond simple refreshers, offering space for reflection, discussion, and growth across several key areas: renewed focus on the application and understanding of Wilderness24 standards, enhanced first aid techniques (with particular emphasis on remote-area response), discussions on risk awareness, and incident management systems.


What made these sessions particularly valuable was not just the content, but the dialogue they encouraged. They challenged us to think critically about how we operate, how we respond under pressure, and how we can continually refine our approach.


As we step into the busy months ahead, one thing is certain: our team is not only ready, but better prepared, more confident, and fully aligned in delivering safe, seamless, and exceptional experiences.

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Guest feedback

What an amazing trip!! The property was beautiful: our every need was not only met, but your staff bent over backwards to accommodate us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. 
R&J-L, Houston, Texas

 

We express our heartfelt gratitude to the entire team for this experience of a lifetime. We enjoyed every single moment with you and truly appreciate your dedicated efforts to make our vacation exceptional. Thank you, with much love!
D&M, Canada

 

A truly unique experience made even more special by all the people here. We learned so much about this special place! Memories for a lifetime,
IV, Netherlands

 

What an amazing experience! Words cannot express the gratitude I have for the incredible service, food and accomodation. 11/10 rating and a million stars.
SB, Canada

 

We had such an amazing time at your lodge. The staff feels like family, the lodge feels like home. We thank you everyday!
K&C-B, Miami, Florida

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