Sabyinyo Lodge

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Spectacular forest retreat

Sabyinyo Lodge lies just outside the Parc National des Volcans, an ideal location for exploring this fascinating corner of Rwanda and tracking its endangered gorilla population. Half of the world’s wild Mountain Gorillas live on the Rwandan slopes of the Virungas and include four habituated families of up to 35 individuals.

Sabyinyo Lodge is run by the luxury safari company, Governor’s Camp, and is owned by a Rwandan community trust. With panoramic views over five volcanoes, the lodge’s elegant accommodation lies in individual cottages scattered throughout an 11-hectare estate. Each has a sitting room, fireplace and large bathroom, while a library, games room, bar and dining room are ideal venues for discussing the exploits and achievements of the day.

On trekking days after breakfast, guests take a short drive or walk to Park Headquarters where you are introduced to the excellent local guides/trackers who will give a talk on the etiquette of gorilla trekking, before commencing the hike into the forest. The trackers go ahead to the point where the gorillas were last seen the night before and start tracking from there with the use of clues such as dung droppings, broken branches and footprints.

The trekking can take from 1 to 6 hours and climb to altitudes in excess of 2,300 metres. The terrain is rough and muddy. Although the hike is physically demanding the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world.

You will love

  • The mountain gorillas
  • The jungle eco-system
  • The experience
  • Unique fauna & flora
Sabyinyo Lodge exterior with elegant seating area, surrounded by lush greenery and views of the Virunga Mountains.
Group of Rwandan women in traditional attire smiling and waving, embodying community spirit near Sabyinyo Lodge, surrounded by lush greenery and showcasing local culture.
Cozy outdoor seating area at Sabyinyo Lodge featuring a wicker sofa with patterned cushions, a wooden coffee table, and a potted hydrangea plant, set against a backdrop of elegant architecture and lush greenery.
Elegant bedroom suite at Sabyinyo Lodge with a four-poster bed, decorative cushions, and large windows showcasing natural light, emphasizing luxury accommodation in the Virunga Mountains.
Mountain gorillas relaxing in their natural habitat, showcasing the unique wildlife experience near Sabyinyo Lodge in the Virunga Mountains.
Elegant twin bedroom in Sabyinyo Lodge featuring plush bedding, stylish decor, and large windows with views, highlighting luxury accommodation near the Virunga Mountains.
Group of trekkers navigating a lush jungle path, showcasing vibrant greenery and rocky terrain, emphasizing the adventurous experience near Sabyinyo Lodge in the Virunga Mountains.
Elegant lodge interior featuring a cozy sitting area with a fireplace, plush seating, and stylish decor, highlighting the luxurious accommodations at Sabyinyo Lodge near the Virunga Mountains.
Memorial site of Dian Fossey in lush jungle setting, surrounded by moss-covered stones and towering trees, honoring her legacy in gorilla conservation near Virunga Mountains.
Elegant lodge interior featuring a cozy sitting area with a fireplace, comfortable seating, and decorative elements, reflecting the luxurious accommodations of Sabyinyo Lodge near the Virunga Mountains.
Panoramic view of the Virunga Mountains, showcasing five volcanic peaks, surrounded by lush greenery and valleys, highlighting the natural beauty near Sabyinyo Lodge in Rwanda.
Elegant exterior of Sabyinyo Lodge at dusk, showcasing cozy seating area, stone pathway, and panoramic views of the Virunga Mountains.
Sabyinyo Lodge panoramic view of the Virunga Mountains, showcasing layered blue and gray peaks under a soft sky, emphasizing the serene landscape surrounding the luxury accommodation.
Mountain gorillas resting in lush vegetation near Sabyinyo Lodge, highlighting unique wildlife experiences in the Virunga Mountains.
Elegant lounge area at Sabyinyo Lodge featuring a cozy fireplace, plush seating, and decorative pillows, designed for relaxation after trekking in the Virunga Mountains.
Elegant cottage at Sabyinyo Lodge surrounded by greenery, featuring a cozy patio with seating, ideal for enjoying views of the Virunga Mountains.
Sabyinyo Lodge view of the Virunga Mountains at dusk, showcasing dramatic silhouettes of five volcanoes under a cloudy sky.
Elegant bathroom in Sabyinyo Lodge featuring a freestanding bathtub, dual sinks, large mirrors, and natural light from windows, set in a luxury accommodation near the Virunga Mountains.
Elegant cottage interior at Sabyinyo Lodge featuring a plush bed with a fur throw, a cozy fireplace, large windows with lush views, and a stylish seating area.
Elegant outdoor seating area of a Sabyinyo Lodge cottage, featuring a fireplace, soft furnishings, and lush garden views, highlighting luxury accommodation near the Virunga Mountains.
Elegant lodge interior at Sabyinyo Lodge featuring a cozy sitting area with a fireplace, plush sofa, armchair, coffee table, and decorative accents, showcasing a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests.
Elegant bathroom at Sabyinyo Lodge featuring a freestanding bathtub, dual mirrors, wooden furniture, and natural light from large windows, surrounded by lush greenery.
Elegant Sabyinyo Lodge room featuring a four-poster bed, cozy seating area, and large windows with natural light, showcasing luxury accommodation in the Virunga Mountains.
Elegant interior of Sabyinyo Lodge cottage featuring a bed with a cozy blanket, a wooden desk and chair, and large windows opening to views of the surrounding landscape and volcanoes.
Elegant bedroom at Sabyinyo Lodge featuring a plush bed with decorative pillows, luxurious fur throw, and large windows offering natural light, reflecting the lodge's upscale accommodation and serene atmosphere near the Virunga Mountains.
Sabyinyo Lodge cottage surrounded by lush greenery, featuring cozy sitting area, warm lighting, and scenic views, ideal for luxury safari experiences near the Virunga Mountains.
Elegant interior of Sabyinyo Lodge cottage featuring a cozy fireplace, comfortable seating, large windows with views of nature, and stylish decor.

Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing.  We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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