GMT + 2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is situated on the edge of the Parc National des Volcans in North Western Rwanda, in an undulating area of 11 hectares with fabulous views towards the Parc National des Volcans, its 5 volcanoes (comprising part of the Virunga Volcano range) and distant lowland agricultural areas. All guest cottages are discretely and privately situated in the folds of the hills, and each has its own unique view. The altitude of the lodge is approximately 7,000 feet above sea level so the climate is generally cool, and the volcanoes rise to a height of almost 15,000 feet.

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.