The lodge has been designed and built by Governors’ Camp but is
owned by a community trust called SACOLA. Governors’ Camp leases the
lodge from SACOLA, and SACOLA will use rental and other income from
Governors’ Camp to finance its socio-economic development and
conservation objectives in the area. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is
therefore an exciting combination of a top quality lodge and a power
for driving socio-economic development and conservation in the areas
adjacent to the Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda.

The lodge comprises of a central building, with reception, bar,
dining room, library / games room, community awareness centre,
client washrooms and a shop. Both the bar and dining room have
extensive outdoor decks from which our clients can enjoy the
spectacular views. Client accommodation comprises 5 cottages, 2
suites and 1 family suite. All client accommodation rooms have at
least one private veranda, a sitting room with fireplace, bedroom,
dressing room and a large modern bathroom. The family suite has an
extra bedroom and bathroom incorporated.

The lodge is constructed of local stone, finished with an ochre
coloured plaster. Terracotta tiled roofs give a stylish contemporary
Rwandese flavour. All guest rooms have large windows to make best
use of the wonderful views. Double thickness walls maintain the
warmth from the fireplaces when it is cold outside, and keep the
rooms cool in the warmer weather during the day. The lush gardens
have been extensively landscaped.

The rainforests of the Virunga Volcanoes are the last refuge of the
Mountain Gorilla. The Virungas span Rwanda, Uganda and the
Democratic Republic of Congo, with the Parc National des Volcans
being the Rwandese element of this ecosystem. The lush slopes of the
volcanoes provide an appropriately dramatic natural setting for what
is perhaps the most poignant and thrilling wildlife experience to be
had anywhere – to see the Mountain Gorilla in its natural habitat.
Roughly half of the world’s wild population of Mountain Gorillas are
resident on the Rwandan slopes of the Virungas. Seven habituated
families of gorillas are visited, and these families have from seven
to over thirty-five individuals in each.

A total of 56 gorilla viewing permits are issued each day by the
Rwandese Wildlife and Tourism Authorities (“ORTPN”). Permits can be
obtained by Governors’ Camp, or by your tour operator. It is
important to book and pay for permits early as they are in high
demand. Clients are advised to book these permits at least 6 months
in advance.

Gorilla trekking is not the only activity on offer. Sabyinyo
Silverback Lodge provides the perfect base from which to explore
this fascinating corner of Africa. Clients may wish to visit the
bustling nearby market town of Ruhengeri, the beautiful lakes Kivu,
Burera, Ruhondo and Karago, the genocide memorials, or the community
and conservation projects organised by SACOLA. Yet other clients may
wish to try to add some of the 670 species of birds recorded in
Rwanda to their lists.

Rwanda was plunged into the depths of despair during a terrible 100
days of killing in 1994. The horror of that period was brought to an
end shortly after the Rwanda Patriotic Front (“RPF”) captured Kigali
in July 1994. The RPF has since largely succeeded in forging a
strong sense of national rather than ethnic identity in Rwanda, and
the incredible spirit of reconciliation and the high level of
political stability have encouraged the repatriation of millions of
refugees. The main instigators of the genocide are being tried at
the International Tribunal in Arusha (Tanzania), and locally in the
Gacaca Courts in Rwanda. We encourage our clients to take the time
to understand the events of 1994 and appreciate the truly remarkable
progress the country has made since then.