What language is spoken in Rwanda?

Kinyarwanda is the national language of Rwanda. Swahili, French and English are also spoken.

What do I wear to go gorilla trekking from Sabyinyo?

As the name suggests, rainforests can be cool and wet so we suggest you pack warm, protective clothing and comfortable hiking boots. Also, a hat and lightweight parka/rain jacket.

How far is the start to the gorilla trekking from Sabyinyo?

Your starting point depends on the group you are allocated to, but Sabyinyo is located just 15 minutes from the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park, where trekking permits are obtained prior to your trek.

How much is a permit to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda?

Currently gorilla trekking permits cost USD1 500.

What volcanoes are found in Rwanda?

Volcanoes National Park is home to the volcanoes of Rwanda, which are part of a chain of eight volcanoes known as the Virunga Massif. Mounts Karisimbi (straddling Rwanda and DRC), Muhabura (straddling Rwanda and Uganda), Bisoke, Sabyinyo (straddling Rwanda, Uganda and DRC) and Gahinga can be accessed from Rwanda. Mounts Mikeno, Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira are found in DRC.

What else can I do at Sabyinyo?

Sabyinyo offers a variety of different experiences. Besides gorilla and golden monkey trekking, there are several amazing hikes in the park, including a trek to Dian Fossey’s gravesite. Guided birding and gentle walks around Sabyinyo’s vast grounds are very rewarding. Observing community projects and conservation initiatives are also on offer. Indulge in a welcome massage in your cottage, or simply soak up the views from our expansive lounge-dining area.

How does the community benefit from Sabyinyo’s presence?

Sabyinyo is Rwanda’s first-ever community owned lodge. The lodge is now operated by Wilderness, but the ownership rests with the SACOLA (Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association) community trust, which uses rentals and community fees from the lodge to drive socio-economic and conservation initiatives in numerous communities close to the area.

Rwanda

Sabyinyo

Home of the Silverback

A quietly luxurious community-owned lodge offering unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Home Africa Rwanda Volcanoes National Park Sabyinyo Lodge

DESTINATIONS

Wilderness Sabyinyo

In the foothills of the mist-shrouded Virunga Massif nestles beautiful Sabyinyo. Here, the true spirit of conservation and rehabilitation can be felt everywhere: In our community-inspired luxurious lodge, our bountiful organic gardens, upliftment projects, abundant wildlife and, of course, the star attraction: Volcanoes National Park’s beloved mountain gorillas, and curious golden monkeys, among many others.

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RWANDA

Wilderness Sabinyo Rwanda Gallery Gorilla

Sabyinyo moments

Looking for a truly authentic Rwandan experience? At Wilderness Sabyinyo you can get up close to the stories of the land, the wilderness, the wildlife and people. Just by staying here, you contribute to wildlife conservation and community empowerment initiatives. You will feel the power of resilience all around you.

Sabyinyo moments

Looking for a truly authentic Rwandan experience? At Wilderness Sabyinyo you can get up close to the stories of the land, the wilderness, the wildlife and people. Just by staying here, you contribute to wildlife conservation and community empowerment initiatives. You will feel the power of resilience all around you.

Accommodation

Accommodation at Sabyinyo comprises six charming stone cottages, two luxurious suites with king-size four-poster beds and one spacious family unit with two separate bedrooms. Each elegant cottage features large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms and a sheltered veranda with cinematic views over the volcanoes.

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Cuisine

Meals at Sabyinyo are designed with sustainability in mind, using healthy, flavourful recipes that tread lightly on the Earth. Daily harvests from our organic vegetable gardens inspire our menu of traditional dishes sprinkled with cosmopolitan flair. It goes without saying our meals are served with warm Rwandan hospitality in this dreamy, mist-cloaked setting.

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THE DETAILS

Wilderness Sabyinyo

You’ve trekked through a magnificent forest. Your park rangers turn to you, and finally, you catch your first glimpse. Babies swinging playfully from branches, - just like human children, mothers chewing lazily on bamboo, the silverback keeping a close eye on a quarrelsome blackback. You have one precious hour with these iconic primates, and you’ll soak up every second of it.

Purpose

Facilities

Wildlife

Area

Activities

A community for conservation

Community. Conservation. Comfort. Volcanoes National Park and its mountain gorillas are the main draw at Sabyinyo, the first community-owned lodge in Rwanda. Engage in community empowerment activities with SACOLA, the Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association and learn how Sabyinyo pioneered Rwanda’s impactful mountain gorilla tourism.

Wi-Fi in room

Stay in touch with friends and family back home, and share your most exciting moments.

Main area Wi-Fi

Need to catch up on business? Our main area has excellent Wi-Fi.

Massages

Enjoy a soothing massage in the privacy of your cottage, after a long day of hiking.

Rwandan gorilla trekking

Set on the edge of Volcanoes National Park on a lush 16-hectare property, Sabyinyo invites you in with its dramatic backdrop of the volcano which gave the lodge its name – Sabyinyo meaning ‘old man’s teeth’ in Kinyarwanda. The lodge is located close to the headquarters of the park from where treks to see the gorillas start.

Purpose

A community for conservation

Community. Conservation. Comfort. Volcanoes National Park and its mountain gorillas are the main draw at Sabyinyo, the first community-owned lodge in Rwanda. Engage in community empowerment activities with SACOLA, the Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association and learn how Sabyinyo pioneered Rwanda’s impactful mountain gorilla tourism.

Facilities

Wi-Fi in room

Stay in touch with friends and family back home, and share your most exciting moments.

Main area Wi-Fi

Need to catch up on business? Our main area has excellent Wi-Fi.

Massages

Enjoy a soothing massage in the privacy of your cottage, after a long day of hiking.

Wildlife

Area

Rwandan gorilla trekking

Set on the edge of Volcanoes National Park on a lush 16-hectare property, Sabyinyo invites you in with its dramatic backdrop of the volcano which gave the lodge its name – Sabyinyo meaning ‘old man’s teeth’ in Kinyarwanda. The lodge is located close to the headquarters of the park from where treks to see the gorillas start.

Activities

TRAVEL WITH US

Sabyinyo experiences

Besides gorilla and golden monkey trekking, there is much to see and discover at Sabyinyo. Search for endemic Rwandan bird species with our guides; take a tour of the delightful gardens; be inspired by the hospitality and warmth of the local villagers; or indulge in a therapeutic massage. Greet the setting sun with stories around a cozy fireplace, savouring wines and feasting on local flavours.

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Birding

Birding with a knowledgeable Wilderness guide is spectacular across all our regions, with 930 different species for twitchers to tick.

Birding

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Gorilla trekking safari with Wilderness Rwanda

Encounter Africa’s gentle giants in the wild

If you’re curious as to what a gorilla trek really entails – where to stay, what to expect and how to prepare – we’ve got all the information you need right here.

Gorilla Trekking

Rwanda

Wilderness Experiences Conservation Tree Planting

Conservation experiences

Rewild. Protect. Conserve. Wilderness combines unforgettable wildlife encounters with positive impact experiences.

Conservation Experience

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Local culture

Learn. Share. Enrich. Wilderness offers unforgettable cultural experiences across eight African countries.

Local Culture

Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda

Wilderness Experiences Nature Walk Rwanda

Nature walks

Have your camera ready and lace up your walking shoes - once your feet touch African soil, you’ll understand the magic.

Nature Walks

Namibia, Rwanda

MAP

Explore camps around Volcanoes National Park

Sabyinyo is located near Volcanoes National Park in north-western Rwanda. It sits in the foothills of the Virunga Massif, a chain of eight immense volcanoes, which straddle Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These three countries preserve this section of the Virungas for one crucial reason: to protect Endangered mountain gorillas.

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Sabyinyo

Standard Season

From USD 1,440 per person, per night

Premium Season

From USD 2,080 per person, per night

TRAVEL WITH US

Life-changing journeys

From life-changing encounters with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas to the glorious wildlife-rich savannah and wetland of Akagera National Park, wherever you go with Wilderness, you’re guaranteed unforgettable encounters.

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GUEST EXPERIENCES

Testimonials from fellow safari-goers

With a perfect 5 star rating from 528 reviews, guests consistently praise Sabyinyo's exceptional wildlife viewing, dedicated guides, and luxurious accommodations. Read what fellow safari-goers have to say about their unforgettable experiences at Wilderness Sabyinyo. Read more reviews on TripAdvisor.

View the volcanoes from your balcony!

"Spent 5 nights here for our Gorilla trekking adventure. This hotel is in an amazing location with views to match. The welcome we received was overwhelming, the staff personable and polite, yet so happy you chose them for your stay. All the lodges are stand alone and dotted around the gardens, a little old fashioned but well appointed with big fireplaces that were lit every evening to ultra comfortable beds . All guests needs are taken care of from free laundry to providing trekking gear and they even clean your boots for you! The staff were first class and made us feel like one of the family. This was our second Wilderness camp in Rwanda and we weren’t disappointed. Would highly recommend."

Marian U

★★★★★

Amazing place!

"Everything about this place was amazing from the food to the beautiful room to the fun welcome upon arrival, but most of all, to the entire staff. Never have I felt so welcomed and cared for. We had a fire lit in our fireplace every night which took the chill off. Getting ready for the gorilla trek was so easy - all gear was provided including waterproof backpacks, gloves, a light lunch/snack, gators, and raincoats. Coming home after a challenging trek was delightful - our hiking boots were taken and cleaned and we were given sandals while our boots. I just wish there were more places like this to visit! My thanks to everyone in administration and on staff"

Aud Elliott | USA

★★★★★

Perfect accommodations for gorilla trekking

"This lodge provides a 5 star experience for gorilla trekking. From the moment we arrived, my group felt incredibly cared for. The dining experience was fantastic with vegan options available at each meal. My group went on the community walk with Felicien and were blown away by the kindness of the people within the local community. At night, we had the cosiest fire keeping our room warm as well as a hot water bottle warming the bed. When our group had to skip lunch before leaving due to extra long gorilla trek, they packed us bag lunches to take on our drive back to Kigali. I hope to be able to stay here again one day!"

Steffanie Shapiro | USA

★★★★★

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FAQs

General

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JOURNAL

Sabyinyo featured stories

Longing to visit the mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s National Park? Scroll through our striking wildlife photographs, read our featured collection of stories and get on the ground updates from our team at Sabyinyo.

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