Reviews of Mountain Gorilla View

"It is well located and that is it. Rooms were enormous, unnecessarily and freezing.

Food was strange and not really a large range." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 6n in Zambia; 5n in Botswana; 3n in Rwanda; 1n in South Africa

"Trekking to see the mountain gorillas is what every visitor to Rwanda wants to do and as the name suggests this is an ideal base for doing this from.

Individual thatched houses set in attractive gardens with the Virunga volcanoes visible in the background. This is a very well staffed hotel - we had a wood fire lit for us in the fireplace of our room every evening (it is quite high altitude so cool in the evening). On returning from our trek it was "compulsory" to hand over our muddy walking boots on arrival at the hotel and use the slippers they lent us to get back to our room, and we had our boots returned next morning polished like new.

A local group of dancers performed for the guests on the lawn every evening.

The restaurant was a buffet and the food therefore rated good rather than excellent - but definitely good!" See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia; 10n in Rwanda; 1n in Kenya; 1n in South Africa

"The staff were all vey friendly and tried very hard - there were occasionally "lapses" but we felt that was more as a result of inexperience than carelessness.

Our only 2 criticisms were the poor lighting in the room and also the lack of safe - having to leave electronic gear in envelopes at the office was a bit of a pain! The boot cleaning service was absolutely amazing (still don't know how they could do such a good job in such a short space of time).

It's position only 15 minutes from the park HQ was great." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 4n in Rwanda

"The lodges were very comfortable. Clean and well equipped for their purpose. We particularly enjoyed the log fires and even the provision of a hot water bottle (which was standard for everyone). The bathroom was a little more rustic but was clean and did the job. The views from our lodge were stunning and we were entertained each night by local dancers and drummers.

The main building had good facilities for eating, drinking and relaxation and considering where we were, even had wifi access. The standard of food was very good and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful.

Unfortunately, they were unable to convert 20 dollar bills down to lower value ones for tipping." See all these reviews: 5n in Rwanda

"Very pleasant and comfortable--though the rooms have the goofiest shower stalls you will ever see (but they work). Water pressure, wi-fi, and those mod-cons can be a bit dodgy, but the staff does its best and you are in the heart of Africa. Get over it!

The food was excellent and huge variety. Staff was unfailingly friendly and helpful.

Fun to talk to fellow gorilla trekkers and to compare notes in the lounge." See all these reviews: 25n in Tanzania; 3n in Rwanda

"Nice caring service. We were late due to the gorilla trekking on the first day and missed lunch time. The hotel kept the buffet lunch for us. For the second day when we only returned after 4pm, the hotel managed to prepare a quick meal before we drove back to Kigali. Besides, their shoes cleaning service is really nice after a muddy day in the field.

However, I must say the communication could be improved. There is a daily dance show but we were not informed of the timing. The shoe cleaning service is definately a plus but we were only aware of it when our guide told us." See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 4n in Rwanda

"We enjoyed our stay at the Gorilla Mountain View Lodge. It is a somewhat rustic lodge with a main lodge for hanging out and dining and private cabins spread out across the property. We particularly enjoyed the afternoon entertainment when young local people did a lively, spirited dance performance: http://www.luumi.us/Public/Rwanda/i-xrGBrRL/A

The visit to the Volcanos National Park to see the mountain gorillas was naturally the highlight and an amazing experience. We made two trips over two days. The first was a 2hr at times strenuous hike up the side of the mountain. When we came to the gorillas they were "lounging" right by the trail. We spent an unbelievable hour observing them from up close. The second day was if possible even more amazing. Just a short 45 minute hike this time through the bamboo forrest and there they were. Here are a few pictures that give a bit of a sense of the experience: http://www.luumi.us/Public/Mountain-Gorillas

The knowledge and care of the guides and rangers was as encouraging as it was impressive. How well everything was organized made it very worth the relatively high price of admissions.

This article written by a New York Times reporter only two months after our visit captures the experience well, with one notable exception: the reason that some of the trackers carry weapons is not to protect humans from the gorillas - there is no danger. It is to protect the gorillas from the occasional poacher who may come over from the Republic of Congo.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/25/travel/safari-gorillas-rwanda.html?_r=0

A visit to the local, traditional village where we were given a small peek into what traditional life only a few decades ago was like was a fun and educational experience as well." See all these reviews: 5n in Rwanda; 4n in Kenya

"good service and very helpful/friendly staff,close to the parks board HQ,lots of space around hotel and the rooms are very big if a bit basic but stilll very functional." See all these reviews: 6n in Rwanda; 1n in Kenya

"Friendly and comfortable.
the fire was lit in our room on the first night and the last night only. it was lovely. It was cold the other two nights. Fortunately we had brought hot water bottles with us.

Variety of food from the buffet was good. The meat was usually very tough even when casseroled.
The staff New Year celebrations were great" See all these reviews: 8n in Rwanda

"No comment made." See all these reviews: 4n in Rwanda; 4n in Zanzibar; 2n in Tanzania