Wilderness Sabyinyo Camp Newsletter – March 2025

At the heart of our guest adventures were Volcanoes National Park’s most iconic residents: the majestic mountain gorillas. Despite the rain, spirits remained high, and the wet conditions only added to the thrill of trekking through the dense, emerald-green rainforest. The moody, misty, and undeniably enchanting setting showcased numerous remarkable encounters with these Albertine Rift primates.

Guests returned from their treks deeply moved by their experiences, often describing their time as both breathtaking and humbling. Observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat offers a rare and profound connection to nature that words can hardly describe.

After days filled with exploration and excitement, our guests appreciated relaxing in serene comfort at Sabyinyo. Evenings were spent enjoying peaceful birdwatching on the lodge grounds, where a variety of bird species make their appearance as the sun begins to set. To conclude each day, the inviting camp fire was the perfect gathering place for guests to share stories, sip wine, and soak in the sounds of the forest – a truly perfect ending to these memorable experiences. 

As we move into a new month, we reflect with gratitude on the moments of awe and connection that March brought, and we look forward to welcoming more guests to experience the wonders of this extraordinary landscape.

Our reforestation efforts continued to make steady progress this month. A key focus has been the selective harvesting of eucalyptus trees – an important step in our ongoing mission to restore the natural integrity of the forest. While eucalyptus trees have their uses, they are non-native and can disrupt the ecological balance over time.

In their place, we are planting a diverse range of indigenous tree species that are better suited to the local environment. This transition plays a vital role in promoting biodiversity, supporting the wildlife, and encouraging a more harmonious and resilient ecosystem.

The impact of this work is already becoming visible. As we reintroduce species and give the forest room to regenerate naturally, we’re seeing encouraging signs of renewed vitality in the landscape. It’s a long-term commitment, but one we believe is essential for ensuring that this rich and beautiful ecosystem thrives for generations to come.

On March 8th, we put on our best smiles and celebrated International Women’s Day, giving a big round of applause to the incredible women who keep everything at Sabyinyo running like clockwork. Whether it’s managing operations, leading the way in the field, or making sure we all stay happy, the women in our team truly make Sabyinyo what it is.

The day was filled with heartfelt thanks, a few laughs, and a deep appreciation for everything our women staff do. We’re proud to stand with these trailblazing champions, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s celebrations.

This month was slightly quieter, allowing our staff to focus on the lodge maintenance that is crucial to our continued success. With fewer guests, this was the perfect time for deep cleaning, maintenance, and refining systems that help things run smoothly. It's the unseen work that keeps the lodge ticking over, and prepares us for busier months ahead.

It’s a reminder that every part of the Sabyinyo experience, from the kitchen to the office to the grounds, relies on the effort and commitment of our remarkable staff.

Only superlatives in every category, the staff, the service, the personal attention, the location and it is inspiring country! We hope to be back; you are wonderful people.
S&S; W.Hartford CT

We enjoyed every minute of our stay. The lodge is exceptional and the staff are the best! The gorilla trekking was truly a once in a lifetime experience.
J&L; Holland

What a warm welcoming place. We are truly sad to leave. Rwanda is inspiring in so many ways. We appreciate you sharing your country & culture.
R&R; Newton, USA

What a lovely place with the loveliest staff that made us feel very happy and the greatest trekking experience of my life to the Muhoza gorilla family. With love!
J&M; South Africa