Wilderness Sabyinyo
Wilderness Sabyinyo Is An Old Favourite Located On A Hillside With Views Towards The Virunga Volcanoes
Wilderness Sabyinyo is built along the ridge of a hill in the shadow of the Volcanoes National Park, about a 15 minute drive from the Kinigi Headquarters. Sabyinyo is a lovely, traditional property offering warm personal service, good food and very comfortable surroundings. It was the original ‘luxury’ gorilla lodge in Rwanda and while newer lodges have superseded Sabyinyo in terms of elevated levels of luxury and facilities, it remains a luxurious base for gorilla trekking, offering homely elegance and charm. It’s the perfect base for those that do not need opulent accommodation, but who value authenticity, exclusivity and a convivial atmosphere. Please note that there are several steps around the property, including up from the car park.
Rooms
There are six standard chalets, two suites, and one family cottage accommodating, in total, a maximum of 20 guests. The family cottage has two rooms linked together by an external verandah, each room with a separate entrance (not internally linked) – all the other rooms are individual. All rooms have private furnished verandahs and sitting areas with fireplaces that are lit in the evenings and during the day if needed. Each cottage has an en suite bathroom consisting of a flush loo, vanity, bath and separate shower, and also includes a dressing area. The two suites are privately located and are larger, with four poster beds and large sitting areas.
Central Areas
The traditional central house consists of a reception area, a cosy lounge with a fireplace where videos can be viewed, a formal dining room, and a curio shop. Lunches can also be enjoyed out on the terrace when the weather is warm enough.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for Charging – Yes
Swimming –No
Habitat & Wildlife
Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) is one of the last remaining strongholds of the endangered Mountain Gorilla and is located in north-western Rwanda on the borders of the DRC and Uganda. It comprises of a group of five volcanoes, the Virungas, which rise to some 15,000 ft above sea level. The steep slopes and valleys provide a variety of rich montane ecosystems – from evergreen and bamboo forest, to mature canopy forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.
The Parc National Des Volcans is the original home of the ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ made famous by Dian Fossey. It is possible to trek to her grave at ‘Karisoke’, the location of her research centre. She named it such due to its location between Karisimbi (the highest of the range) and Bisoke volcanoes.
Aside from the gorillas, the park is also home to the rare Golden monkey, two habituated groups of which can also be visited (must be pre-booked like the gorilla permits). There are also a number of full day treks which can also be undertaken, including the ascent of the Bisoke (3,700m and known for its crater lake), Muhabura (4,107m) and Gahinga (3,400m) peaks. For an ascent of Karisimbi (4,705m), you’ll need to overnight on the mountain.
There are currently 12 habituated mountain gorilla families. Some groups are considered easier to locate (less walking), though tough walking up and down slopes through thick vegetation should still be expected, especially if the gorillas are mobile when you find them. A maximum of eight people is taken in each trekking group, and you are led by a local guide. Trekking for gorillas in Rwanda can be slightly easier than in Uganda. However, a good level of fitness is required as the terrain over which tracking takes place is extremely difficult (and remember, you’re already at altitude before you even start trekking). Treks can last anything from an hour (on well-worn tracks which present little difficulty) to well over five hours, traversing steep-sided mountains and ravines, often clambering over nothing but suspended vegetation.
Golden Monkeys occupy the bamboo forests so are much more accessible and treks are usually completed by mid-late morning.
Activities
In addition to the park activities mentioned above (primate viewing and hiking), a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is also very worthwhile (entrance fees payable locally). From the lodge In the afternoons it is possible to undertake local guided walks – to the vegetable gardens, local village or just to view the myriad of birds that are found around the lodge. Visits to Sabyinyo’s various community and conservation projects and cultural experiences can also be arranged.
Our experienced team will provide full details of what to expect for park activities in Volcanoes National Park, including clothing and gear required (most lodges will provide kit and walking sticks are available from the park headquarters), together with regulations for primate viewing and timings.
Seasons
Wilderness Sabyinyo is open year round and trekking is available year round too. However, the best times are from December to March or from June to September.
Children of all ages are accepted at Wilderness Sabyinyo, however, the family cottage does not connect bedrooms internally so for younger children, a parent would need to sleep with the children. Furthermore the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years so the destination is not an obvious holiday choice for families with younger children. For older teenage children, they would need to be comfortable with the very physical requirements of gorilla trekking.
As the pioneers in mountain gorilla conservation tourism in Rwanda, Sabyinyo is Rwanda’s first-ever community owned lodge. Sabyinyo was developed with the idea to create a lodge whose revenue streams would improve the livelihoods of local community members and directly support gorilla conservation. In partnership with the African Wildlife Foundation, and the International Gorilla Conservation Program, it was decided that the ownership of the lodge would rest with a community trust, Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association (SACOLA).
Lease rentals and community development levies paid by every guest staying at the lodge are received by SACOLA. These income streams are the driving force behind the socio-economic development projects undertaken by SACOLA and have directly benefited thousands of households, resulting in a positive impact on the lives of community members, as well as gorilla conservation.
The majority of staff hail from the local community, which not only generates and warm and authentic hospitality, but feeds back to community empowerment. Guests can take part in community empowerment activities, visit the Sabyinyo community, or learn about the various SACOLA community and conservation projects.
SACOLA funds numerous projects in the local community, all with the purpose to provide access to safe drinking water and housing, protect the environment, improve education, and preserve our culture.
