Reviews of Virunga Lodge

"The place is at the top of a mountain over the second worst road (ie, dirt track) ever seen. Great view over a lake, if not hazy. BUT it's a long way to the gorillas, and that means having to get up an hour earlier from the already plenty early start. Bishops is so much more convenient.

The people there are so nice, though." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 4n in Rwanda

"A friend and I stayed at Virunga Lodge in 2008 and were the only guests there at the time (off season), which was also before the major renovations that were made in 2010 (e.g. the en suite bathrooms were "rustic" in that they had no running water or flushing toilets in 2008 but they do now, and all on solar power). The dining area, which was also not there in 2008, is a great addition and makes socializing with other guests at dinner a nice treat. Because I found it such a wonderful place on my first visit, I chose to stay here again for second trip to see the incredible Mountain Gorillas, and I was not disappointed! Well done to the owners and staff at Virunga Lodge!" See all these reviews: 5n in Rwanda

"We have to say that the Virunga Lodge exceeded all expectations. The drive to the lodge itself was phenomenal. We had a beautiful banda (Bunyonyi) overlooking part of the lakes and the volcanoes – a breathless view!

Arranging the proposal surprise was seamless – thank you for providing David’s (Lodge Manager) email address – I connected with David and he re-assured me that they would make it a memorable event, a private dinner on the terrace of our banda – it was amazing! Kirsten and I both work in the hospitality industry and we were amazed by the team’s positive attitude, level of helpfulness and professionalism. We also managed to have a village walk, our guide Emmanuel was very helpful and insightful – a pleasure to walk with! Grison as well (Ast. Lodge Manager) who organized the logistics of the proposal surprise was very helpful (we managed to have a discreet conversation without Kirsten around to discuss and plan how we were going to get her down to the banda from the bar – an excuse to do with housekeeping did the trick!) and professional – hats off to the whole team at the Virunga Lodge for making our stay one of the best stays we have ever had and one that we will cherish for the rest of our lives! The lodge should definitely look into the viability of developing a gym and a pool - an infiniti pool would perhaps round-off a very impressive lodge :-)" See all these reviews: 3n in Rwanda

"Our Expert Africa consultant advised that there are two high end lodges for luxury-minded gorilla trekkers: Sabyinyo and Virunga. We opted for the latter because we understand that staying at Sabyinyo required an arduous uphill walk from the carpark to the lodge.

However, Virunga is located at the top of a hill about an hour's drive to the Volcanoes Park headquarters, whilst Sabyinyo is just 20 minutes away. The longer drive did not bother us because it enabled us to have more time enjoying the lovely mountainous scenery and teeming village life en route. Do note that the last ten minutes of the drive to Virunga are bone-jarring!

Our banda at Virunga was spacious and, though it lacked internet access (which is available only in the lodge's very comfortable main lounge), it afforded all modern amenities. A recent renovation has upgraded the lodge's electrical system, and now powerpoints for charging batteries are now available ensuite.

Service by lodge personnel was accommodating and gracious, and the boot cleaning service it offered was world-class. (Our mud-caked boots post-trek were cleaned so thoroughly that they looked brand new when they were delivered to our banda!)

We were a bit disappointed with the meals . . . breakfasts were fine, but the mains offered at lunch and dinner were ordinary and not well-seasoned. Virunga does have an excellent baking staff because all the cakes and cookies offered at tea time were scrumptious." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 3n in Rwanda

"Spectacular location, excellent and obliging staff, good food.

Quite a drive each morning to get to the Park HQ so may consider staying at a Lodge closer to the entrance should I return." See all these reviews: 9n in South Africa; 4n in Rwanda; 1n in Kenya

"The lodge a little run down.. I think in need of a renovation... and should have an electrical outlet in the room.. not of abig fan of electricicty going out at night...(eco-lodge)" See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 3n in Rwanda

"Nice, private location.

Rooms could use charging facilities for electronic devices" See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 3n in Rwanda

"Great place!

Loved the long dining table where all the guest could share their travel experiences." See all these reviews: 11n in Rwanda; 9n in Tanzania

"Virunga Lodge was amazing. The views are unreal, and there are flowers everywhere you turn. The lodge personnel were all very warm and welcoming. I don't think the photos on the EA website had been updated for the remodeling when I chose this lodge, and it turned out to be even nicer than I expected.

The bed was very comfortable with really nice linens. The bathroom had two sinks, a flush toilet, and a regular (non-bucket) shower. There was also 24 hour electricity in the rooms, and cool motion detector lights in the bathroom that were very handy if you needed to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. While it is a longer drive to the park headquarters than other lodges, I wouldn't let that discourage anyone from choosing this lodge, since the drive is so pretty and seems to go by very quickly anyway.

Patrick from Primate Safaris was a wonderful guide. I was traveling by myself and it felt almost like I had an older brother looking out for me. Patrick is very knowledgeable about the history and economy of Rwanda, and we had many very interesting discussions about public policy and economic development. I had read quite a few books about Rwanda before I visited, and my conversations with Patrick helped me connect a lot of dots and place everything I had learned in context - definitely a highlight of the trip. I would highly recommend Patrick as a guide." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 5n in Rwanda; 1n in Kenya

"I have been to heaven and it is Virunga Lodge.
We absolutely adored this place it was complete food for our souls. The setting is fantastic and I shed a tear when we left.

It is of course not 5 star in the generally accepted sense and if visitors are after marble and deep divans etc this would not be the place for them. However, for us it was perfection, the staff are fantastic and the overall ambience superb. We loved sitting round the fire in the lounge discussing our stories with fellow guests and then dining with them iaround the large table.

This is the place I will dream about when I can't get to sleep at nights!" See all these reviews: 6n in Zanzibar; 4n in Rwanda; 1n in Tanzania; 1n in Kenya