One & Only Gorilla Nest
Wilderness Bisate
Nestled in the picturesque town of Kinigi, on the doorstep of Volcanoes National Park, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge offers a comfortable and welcoming retreat for travelers exploring one of Rwanda’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Surrounded by rolling green hills, lush gardens, and breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes, the lodge provides the perfect balance of relaxation, modern comfort, and easy access to unforgettable gorilla trekking adventures.
Whether you are visiting Rwanda for mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking, birdwatching, or cultural experiences, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge serves as an excellent base for discovering the natural beauty of northern Rwanda. With warm hospitality, well-appointed accommodation, delicious cuisine, and personalized service, the lodge caters to couples, families, solo travelers, and small groups seeking an authentic and memorable safari experience.
About Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge is a boutique safari lodge designed to provide guests with a peaceful and comfortable stay close to Volcanoes National Park. The lodge combines contemporary amenities with traditional Rwandan charm, creating a relaxing atmosphere where visitors can unwind after a day of adventure. Beautifully landscaped gardens, elegant interiors, and attentive service make the property a popular choice for travelers looking for quality accommodation in northern Rwanda.
The lodge emphasizes personalized hospitality, ensuring every guest receives exceptional care from arrival to departure. Whether enjoying the tranquil surroundings, relaxing by the fireplace, or taking in the spectacular mountain views, guests can experience the warmth and friendliness that Rwanda is known for.
Its convenient location near the park headquarters makes Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge an ideal choice for travelers planning gorilla trekking and other outdoor activities in the Virunga region.
Location of Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge is located in Kinigi, Musanze District, in Rwanda’s Northern Province, just a short drive from the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park. This prime location allows guests to reach the park quickly for early morning gorilla trekking briefings while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Rwanda’s scenic countryside.
The lodge is approximately 110 kilometres (68 miles) from Kigali International Airport, with a driving time of about 2½ hours through Rwanda’s beautiful rolling hills, terraced farmland, vibrant villages, and coffee-growing regions. The scenic journey introduces visitors to Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Guests staying at the lodge also enjoy convenient access to several nearby attractions, including the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Gorilla Guardians Village, Musanze Caves, the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, and hiking trails leading to Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, and Mount Muhabura.
Accommodation
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge offers a selection of spacious and tastefully furnished rooms designed to provide comfort and relaxation after a day of exploring Volcanoes National Park. The accommodations feature a blend of modern design and local Rwandan influences, creating warm and inviting spaces for every guest.
Room categories are suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups, with options that provide privacy and beautiful views of the surrounding gardens and volcanic landscapes. Each room is equipped with comfortable king-size or twin beds, private en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold showers, complimentary toiletries, comfortable seating areas, work desks, wardrobes, tea and coffee-making facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, and private balconies or terraces.
Large windows allow plenty of natural light into the rooms while showcasing the stunning scenery surrounding the lodge. Daily housekeeping and attentive room service ensure guests enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay throughout their visit.
Dining Experience
Dining at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge is a delightful experience that celebrates both local and international cuisine. The lodge’s restaurant serves freshly prepared meals using seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and nearby markets. Guests can begin their day with a hearty breakfast before setting off for gorilla trekking and return to delicious lunches and carefully prepared dinners after their adventures.
The menu includes traditional Rwandan dishes, international favorites, vegetarian and vegan options, freshly baked bread, seasonal fruits, homemade desserts, premium coffee, tea, fresh juices, and a selection of local and international beverages. Guests may choose to dine indoors in the elegant restaurant or enjoy meals outdoors while taking in the fresh mountain air and spectacular views of the Virunga Mountains.
Gorilla Trekking Experience
One of the main reasons travelers choose Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge is its close proximity to Volcanoes National Park, making gorilla trekking convenient and stress-free. After an early breakfast, guests are transferred to the park headquarters, where they attend a briefing conducted by Rwanda Development Board rangers before being assigned to one of the habituated gorilla families.
Accompanied by experienced ranger guides, visitors trek through bamboo forests, dense vegetation, and volcanic slopes in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. Depending on the gorilla family’s location, the trek may take between one and six hours. Once the gorillas are located, guests spend up to one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates as they feed, groom, play, and interact in their natural habitat. This extraordinary wildlife encounter remains the highlight of many visits to Rwanda.
Activities at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
In addition to gorilla trekking, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge offers access to a variety of exciting activities throughout northern Rwanda. Guests can enjoy golden monkey trekking, guided nature walks, birdwatching, cultural visits to the Gorilla Guardians Village, hiking adventures on Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, and Mount Muhabura, excursions to the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, visits to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, and tours of the fascinating Musanze Caves. These experiences allow visitors to discover Rwanda’s diverse wildlife, rich culture, and spectacular volcanic landscapes.
Facilities
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge provides a range of modern facilities designed to ensure guests enjoy a relaxing and comfortable stay. The lodge features a spacious restaurant, well-stocked bar, comfortable guest lounge, beautifully landscaped gardens, outdoor seating areas, complimentary Wi-Fi, free parking, laundry services, conference and meeting facilities, airport transfers upon request, a 24-hour reception, room service, and a tour desk that assists with gorilla permits, transportation, and safari planning. The peaceful environment and attentive staff make the lodge an ideal place to relax before or after exploring Volcanoes National Park.
Best Time to Visit
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge welcomes visitors throughout the year. The dry seasons from June to September and December to February are generally considered the best times for gorilla trekking, as the forest trails are drier and easier to navigate. However, the rainy seasons bring lush green landscapes and fewer visitors, offering equally rewarding wildlife experiences and excellent photography opportunities. Since mountain gorillas remain in Volcanoes National Park year-round, gorilla trekking is available in every season.
Why Stay at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge?
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge is an excellent choice for travelers seeking comfortable accommodation, personalized service, and easy access to Volcanoes National Park. The lodge combines a peaceful countryside setting with modern amenities, delicious cuisine, and warm Rwandan hospitality, making it ideal for gorilla trekking safaris, family vacations, honeymoon holidays, wildlife photography tours, and nature escapes. Its convenient location and welcoming atmosphere ensure guests enjoy a memorable stay while exploring one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations.
Booking Your Stay
As Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda’s most popular tourist destinations, it is recommended to book your stay at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge well in advance, especially during the peak gorilla trekking seasons. Travelers should also reserve their gorilla trekking permits early, as permits are issued in limited numbers each day. Many safari operators offer complete travel packages that include accommodation, permits, airport transfers, and guided excursions, providing a convenient and hassle-free safari experience.
Conclusion
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge offers a perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and authentic Rwandan hospitality in the heart of northern Rwanda. With its excellent location near Volcanoes National Park, comfortable accommodations, delicious dining, modern facilities, and easy access to gorilla trekking and other unforgettable experiences, the lodge provides an ideal base for exploring Rwanda’s incredible wildlife and natural beauty. Whether you are visiting for adventure, relaxation, or a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking safari, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge promises a memorable and rewarding stay.