Luxury Lodges · Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Wilderness Sabyinyo
Overview
Highlights
- Get to within metres of Rwanda’s iconic mountain gorillas in one of Africa’s most biodiverse and scenic national parks.
- Discover the future of impactful tourism at Rwanda’s first-ever community-owned lodge.
- Thrilling golden monkey treks and endemic bird species await, right on our ‘doorstep’.
Destination: An impactful combination of world-class lodge and community force driving socio-economic development and conservation, Wilderness Sabyinyo nestles in the foothills of the mist-shrouded Virunga Massif, a chain of eight immense volcanoes, which straddle three countries.
Set on a lush 10.78-hectare property (26.64 acres), Sabyinyo invites you in with its dramatic backdrop of the misty volcanoes which gave the lodge its name – Sabyinyo means old man’s teeth in Kinyarwanda. Here guests can get close to the stories of the land, the wilderness, and the communities. And venture out to encounter our beloved mountain gorillas.
Experience: Besides thrilling mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking, there is much to see and discover at Sabyinyo. Guests can hike to Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke and marvel at the stunning views, hike to the ruin of Dian Fossey’s research centre, and her burial site and visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Take nature walks in search for endemic Rwandan bird species, with a knowledgeable guide, or enjoy a leisurely stroll in our vegetable garden and learn more about our farm to table ethos. Be inspired by a cultural tour and learn more about our conservation efforts, which are leading the way in community tourism.
Purpose: As a pioneer in mountain gorilla conservation tourism, Sabyinyo is Rwanda’s first-ever community-owned lodge – operated by Wilderness, but owned by the SACOLA community trust in partnership with the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and the International Gorilla Conservation (IGCP). Guests at Sabyinyo are encouraged to engage with the community and learn more about how the lodge started Rwanda’s impactful mountain gorilla tourism.
Wildlife: Volcanoes National Park is famously known for its mountain gorillas. Guests can trek to see one of the 12 mountain gorilla families in the park – an experience that will stay with you long after you’re home. Here, you will also find the very entertaining golden monkey, side-striped jackal and serval.
Sightings of black-fronted duiker, elephant, tree hyrax, bushbuck, Rwenzori sun squirrel and Egyptian mongoose have been recorded, as well as a variety of genet and squirrels.
Birders will delight at spotting over 40 species of birds around Sabyinyo’s grounds, like the Ruwenzori double-collared sunbird, Archer’s robin-chat, mountain black boubou, strange weaver, mountain masked apalis, Rwenzori turaco and Rwenzori (collared) apalis.
Wilderness Sabyinyo: The views from Sabyinyo across Karisimbi, Bisoke, Mikeno and Sabyinyo volcanoes can only be described as cinematic. And each charming cottage, (discreetly tucked away in the folds of the hills), offers a front row view.
After a thrilling day exploring the park, guests meet in the convivial main lodge, which has been designed to create an intimate space for guests to unwind in and share the day’s adventures. Open log fires, and assorted seating areas in the main lounge and dining room create a luxuriously warm and inviting atmosphere.
Suites & Rates
Choose how you stay
Cottages
Sabyinyo has six charming cottages with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs. Each has a spacious sitting area, a fireplace and extra-roomy en-suite bathroom. Space heaters by the beds supplement the log fire, to create a...
Family Cottage (Unit)
Sabyinyo has one spacious family cottage with the same traditional Rwandese terracotta tile roofs.The cottage offers two separate bedrooms, each with its own en-suite facilities. Families can enjoy breakfast outdoors on the shared deck,...
Suites
Sabyinyo offers two extra-spacious luxury suites. Each features an expansive sitting area, two decks with impressive views and en-suite bathroom (shower and bath). Log fires are lit every night, and space heaters beside the...
Details
Good to know
Languages spoken
English, French, Swahili
Ideal for
Adventure, Birding, Flora, Hiking, Nature, Wildlife
Property facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Vegetarian
Accommodation & amenities
Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Fireplace, Fridge, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Services
24-hour Security, Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Room Service
On-site activities
Bird Watching, Garden Tours, Massages
Nearby activities
Bird Watching, Canoeing, Cultural Tours, General Sightseeing, Gorilla Tracking, Hiking, Walks (Guided)
Location
Where you'll be
Video
See the stay
We Are Wilderness
Discover Earth’s ultimate, untamed places with Wilderness. Let us take you on an unrivalled journey through a collection of the world’s most iconic wild destinations. Our company exists to make sure the world will always have a version of its iconic wild places that is unfenced, wild, unpredictable. It’s not our reputation as one of the first, or the largest, in the conservation tourism space that makes us Wilderness. It’s our determined push to keep going. To keep protecting, exploring and expanding Earth’s ultimate, untamed places. To then bring guests to discover the beating pulse of each one.
Discover Rwanda: The Land Of A Thousand Hills
Explore an unforgettable Rwanda safari Nothing can prepare you for it. The moment you encounter a mountain gorilla in the wild. As you close in quietly to see a mother cradling her baby, just metres away from you in the legendary mist-shrouded Virunga Mountains, there’s a palpable sense of interconnectedness. From the land, to the wildlife, to the people. Everything is seamlessly woven into every level of the ecosystem. And the ripple effects are seen everywhere.
Mountain Gorillas & Big Five Safaris - Explore Rwanda With Wilderness
Discover Rwanda through a safari journey that combines mountain gorilla trekking, Big Five wildlife encounters, volcanic landscapes, and intimate wilderness camps across two of the country’s most remarkable national parks. Begin at Wilderness Sabyinyo near Volcanoes National Park, where mist-covered volcanic peaks and dense rainforest create the setting for unforgettable encounters with endangered mountain gorillas. Continue east to Wilderness Magashi in Akagera National Park, where savannah plains, shimmering lakes, and exceptional wildlife viewing reveal a completely different side of Rwanda. From gorilla trekking and rainforest experiences to game drives in search of lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and giraffes, this itinerary showcases the extraordinary diversity of Rwanda in one seamless East African safari journey. Featuring beautifully designed camps inspired by local culture and conservation-led travel, this Rwanda safari blends wilderness, wildlife, and immersive experiences across Volcanoes and Akagera National Parks
Activities
What you can do
Wilderness Sabyinyo – A Trip To Twin Lakes
A visit to see Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo is a must on any itinerary. Located between Musanze and the Ugandan border, the Twin Lakes offer magnificent views over the Virunga Volcanoes, while the surrounding hills create a picture-perfect frame around the deep blue waters. Guests can take a gentle walk around one of the lakes, and enjoy wonderful birding. However, due to the steep nature of the landscape, it is often preferable to drive up the small track leading to a lodge tucked away at the top of the hill: the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing drink and soak up the glorious vistas. The Twin Lakes are 45 minutes by car from Sabyinyo, and are reached via a good tarmac road south to Musanze, and then back north towards Cyanika, or via a narrow but picturesque dirt road that follows the contours of the mountain.
Wilderness Sabyinyo – Golden Monkey Trekking *
Enjoy a short trek to view this beautiful primate, which is endemic to the area and lives in groups of between 30 to 80 individuals in the Park’s bamboo forest.* Park fees are not included and are at extra cost.
Wilderness Sabyinyo – Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village
The Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village is located about 15 minutes drive from Wilderness Sabyinyo and is an interesting cultural excursion. The village convinced ex-poachers to turn their back on poaching and instead showcase their customs and heritage.Visiting the village guests can discover the traditional house of a local king, watch an authentic medicine man prepare herbal mixtures, try their hand at bow and arrow shooting, or enjoy cultural dances and drumming performed by people from the local area.
Wilderness Sabyinyo – Gorilla Trekking *
The legendary Virunga Mountains in north-western Rwanda are home to volcanoes, swathes of cloud forest and half the world’s total population of Endangered mountain gorillas. The primates of Rwanda are unparalleled, and Wilderness Sabyinyo is the perfect base for mountain gorilla trekking. This thrilling excursion takes place from Volcanoes National Park headquarters, where guests are allocated to one of the 12 habituated gorilla families for an awe-inspiring one-hour encounter. * Park fees are not included and are at extra cost.
Wilderness Sabyinyo – Guided Bird-Watching Walks
Birding with a knowledgeable Wilderness guide at Sabyinyo is a truly enriching experience. Sabyinyo extends across seven hectares (about 17 acres) and is a haven for over 40 bird species that do not otherwise easily thrive in the surrounding agricultural plots, where natural shelter is rare and human disturbance is high.Guests are welcome to enjoy the nature trails on their own (armed with a good pair of binoculars), or are invited to enquire about our guided walks.
Wilderness Sabyinyo – Guided Cultural Walks
At Sabyinyo you can get up close to the stories of the land on a guided community walk, which offers fascinating insights into Rwandan rural life, as well as a glimpse into the struggles of the past. Guests will learn how crops are grown, how milling and processing is done by hand, and learn more about how traditional medicines are used. Rwandan dancing, an integral part of today’s culture, will be part of this fascinating cultural tour, which is one to three hours long.
Wilderness Sabyinyo – Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Eexperience
Enjoy a guided walk to Iby’Iwacu cultural village either on foot (a one hour downhill walk from Sabyinyo) or by car, a 15-minute drive). Here you’ll learn the fascinating story of how one village convinced ex-poachers to turn their backs on poaching. Visit the traditional residence of a local king, watch an authentic medicine man prepare herbal mixtures, and try your hand at bow-and-arrow shooting.Cultural dances and drumming performances are also on offer. The guided walk takes around an hour and guests are free to take photographs. It is customary to leave a tip of USD 20.00.
Wilderness Sabyinyo – Lake Kivu
The lakeside resort of Gisenyi makes for a wonderful contrast to the high altitude of the Virunga Volcanoes. Located 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Sabyinyo (two hours by car) Lake Kivu offers a relaxing day out. Stroll along the sandy beach on the lakeshore, and take a refreshing swim in the cool waters, followed by a refreshing drink at one of the quaint cafes along the palm-tree fringed lakeside promenade. The mild tropical climate adds to the springtime mood, which not even the imposing Nyiarongo Volcano can dampen. Guests will also enjoy strolling past the hotels, mansions and lush gardens that echo its opulent past.
Wilderness Sabyinyo – Musanze Market
Local markets are the lifeblood of any town and Musanze market is a prime example. A bustling place full of local character and virtually everything you may need under the sun. Found in Musanze town (formerly known as Ruhengeri) it is the most important town in Rwanda’s Northern Province and in the Volcanoes area. It serves as the area’s administrative, commercial and service capital. You can also find all sorts of interesting souvenirs and handicrafts, and a wide range of traditional Kitenge fabric.
Wilderness Sabyinyo – The Ellen DeGeneres Campus Of The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund *
Another very rewarding outing is a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International was established in 1967 to protect and study gorillas and their habitat, as well as to empower the people in the community. With a team of hundreds working in Rwanda and the DRC, the Fossey Fund is the world’s longest-running and largest organisation dedicated entirely to gorilla conservation.In 2022, the organisation moved to its first permanent, purpose-built home, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.Nestled in a beautiful, reforested landscape near Volcanoes National Park, why not add this to your itinerary. Here you can stop in for a tour, grab a cup of coffee at the Gorilla Café, browse the gift shop and learn more about the gorillas and the important work done to help conserve them. * The visit is an additional cost per person in USD and are subject to change without prior notification.
Wilderness Sabyinyo – Trek To Dian Fossey Research Camp & Grave
A visit to Dian Fossey’s research camp, Karisoke, and her grave, is another highlight at Sabyinyo. The trek starts from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, and is located in the saddle area between two volcanoes, Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke (from which the name Karisoke is derived). The camp site sits at an altitude of 3 000 metres (over 9 000 feet.) and was abandoned during the unrest of the 1990s. All that remains today is the grave of Dian Fossey and several graves of her beloved gorillas, buried alongside her. A poignant and cherished moment for all who visit.
Wilderness Sabyinyo – Visit Sabyinyo Village
While staying at Wilderness Sabyinyo, we recommend enjoying a guided community walk, which offers fascinating insight into Rwandan rural life today, as well as a glimpse into life in the historical past. An enriching experience, guests are invited to understand the agricultural lifestyle of Rwanda, including how crops are grown, how milling and processing is done by hand, traditional medicines, as well as enjoying the frenetic activity of traditional Rwandan dancing, which is an aspect of the culture still very alive today. A walk may range in duration between one to three hours.
Ready to plan your stay?
Tell us your dates and we'll handle the rest — flights, transfers and the lodge itself.
Enquire nowKeep exploring
