Karen Country Club | Nairobi City
Karen Country Club enjoys a privileged position overlooking the breathtaking Karen Country Club Golf Course. The country club has excellent sporting facilities, including golf, tennis, squash, bowling, snooker, cycling and a fully equipped gym. Guests can enjoy dining at the country club's restaurants serving delicious local and international cuisine or relax with a refreshing drink from one of the comfortable bars.
Your Stay
1 Night
Bed and Breakfast
Loldia House | Naivasha
Set on the north-western shores and enjoying a spectacular view over Lake Naivasha, Loldia House is a peaceful, beautiful and traditional farmhouse retreat with a rich heritage, offering glimpses into a bygone era. An infinity pool positioned on a rocky outcrop between two ancient fig trees, has beautiful views out to the lake.
Loldia House sits in a conservancy of 6,500 acres that stretches from the shores of Lake Naivasha back to the edges of the lush and beautiful Eburru Forest. Set in flower filled gardens and soft lawns, the greenery surrounding Loldia House is grazed daily and nightly by the conservancy’s resident wildlife - hippos, impala, waterbuck, giraffe and warthogs. Nine beautifully adorned ensuite cottages enjoy lake views and provide a chic yet traditional style haven in which to relax.
Loldia is perfectly located to enjoy a multitude of different activities, discovering the varying landscapes and wildlife areas of the Great Rift Valley. After a day of exploring, Loldia House ensconces you in a warm, candle-lit atmosphere.
Double and Twin Cottages
Loldia House offers accommodation original settler style ensuite rooms set in separate cottages in the garden, in the main house, or in an exclusive location on a hill with a beautiful view over the lake and accessible by vehicle from the main house.
All rooms enjoy views over the pretty green gardens and to Lake Naivasha.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Pool, Spa
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, En-Suite, Fan, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower, Verandah
Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card, Room Service
One of the highlights whilst staying at Loldia House is a day trip to the picturesque Lake Nakuru National Park, which is world famous for it’s thousands of colourful flamingoes and abundant rhino.
Guests depart from Loldia after an early breakfast and enjoy a drive through the Rift Valley on their way to Lake Nakuru, which is approximately 2 hours from Loldia House. Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya’s smaller National Parks, yet it is one of the most beautiful. The park is abundant with a wide variety of wildlife, large numbers of rhino and millions of both Great and Lesser Flamingoes. Enjoy game viewing around the park in our specially designed 4wheel-drive Landrovers before choosing a shady spot for a sumptuous picnic lunch. Return to Loldia House for afternoon tea and delicious cakes, on the lawn overlooking Lake Naivasha.
Nakuru Park fees are $60 per adult and $30 per child, subject to change.
Accessed by our boat launched from Loldia House, take a boat ride over to the picturesque Crescent Island, which is actually a peninsular connected to the main land when the lake levels aren't too high!
With our guide, take a walk on the island to view the bird and animal life. The shores host abundant birdlife including pelicans, cormorants and fish-eagles with their haunting cry. There are herds of Wildebeest, Waterbuck, Zebra and Gazelle. The giraffe who were born on the Island return to give birth; sometimes you see three generations at a time. Hyena come to hunt at night but are not resident on the island, the many python who do live here can be seen occasionally with a kill.
From the top of the hill there is a 360 degree view across the Lake from Longonot to Hell’s Gate to the Mau Escarpment to Eburu and onto the Aberdares.
Entrance fee for Crescent Island is $33 per adult and $16 per child, subject to change. Please note that the boat charge across to Crescent Island is $30 per person.
Lake Naivasha, at over 6,000 feet, is the highest lake in the Rift Valley and one of its most beautiful. Fringed by papyrus and with the extinct Mount Longonot as a backdrop, the lake is picturesque.
The lake is extremely productive for a variety of birds, and is also home to pods of hippo.
Loldia House has it's own boat and launching jetty and a boat ride is a wonderful way to view all the feathered and non-feathered species of the region.
Boat rides on Lake Naivasha are inclusive in the accommodation cost.
We can arrange day and night game drives on Loldia Ranch to see the resident wildlife on the ranch, which includes abundant plains game. Night game drives normally depart after dinner. The drive lasts for one or so hour and you explore the ranch at night. Animals normally seen on night game drives include bat-eared foxes, aardvarks, leopard, long-tailed mongooses, spring hares, nightjars and eagle owls as well as hippos leaving the lake to graze.
Game drives on Loldia Conservancy are inclusive in accommodation costs.
Escorted by one of our highly skilled and experienced guides, depart Loldia House after an early breakfast to Eburru Forest in time for the early morning activity of it's forest birds with a bush walk. Golden-winged and Tacazze sunbirds, Doherty's Bush-Shrike, White-Headed Wood-Hoopoes, Narina's Trogan and more can be found in the lush vegetation of Eburru Forest.
After an early morning of birding, continue through the forest by road passing over the ridge of Eburru and descending down towards Soysambu Conservancy in the north, where over 450 birds have been recorded in the conservancy itself. Soysambu encompasses Lake Elmenteita, one of the Rift's soda lakes and home to a stable and larger seasonal population of Greater and Lesser Flamingoes, Great White and Pink-Backed Pelican. Avocets, Sandpipers, Snipes and Spoonbills are some of the other species occupying the water and shorelines. Out in the open grasslands, Ground Hornbills, Secretary Birds and several species of Bustards can be found.
After a picnic lunch, visit the Raptor Rehabilitation Centre on Soysambu, run by the Kenya Bird of Prey Trust. Simon Thomsett uses the principles of falconry to rehabilitate injured raptors back into the wild. View a demonstration of falconry. The centre also houses 2 African Crowned Eagle pairs, from who 11 generations of chicks have been released into the wild.
Guide price of a birding day trip with all entry fees is $90pp, subject to change.
Eburru Forest crowns the geologically active Mt Eburru, a volcanic massif in the Great Rift Valley. Mt Eburru is key in influencing local weather patterns, creating a catchment for rains that feed Lake Naivasha and Lake Elmenteita.
The biodiversity of the Eburu is astounding, with some 60 species of mammal a very small relic population of the incredibly rare Mountain Bongo, a beautiful antelope. We have teamed up the Rhino Ark and the Bongo Surveillance Program to support their conservation activities of the Eburru Forest and restoring the population of Mountain Bongo.
A walk in the Eburru Forest will reveal active steam vents, a multitude of forest bird species and a rich floral ecosystem. A demonstration of honey harvesting by the Ogiek is a fascinating experience.
A truly wonderful experience is to see a traditional honey harvesting demonstration by the Ogiek people, who are the traditional inhabitants of the Eburu forest. Enjoy a tea and biscuits with some freshly harvested honey.
Mountain Bongo experts Donna Shepherd, Colin or Tony Church can also be invited to speak about their ongoing surveillance work, and the future plans to reintroduce Mountain Bongo to where they once freely roamed.
Loldia conservancy sits between Eburru forest and Lake Naivasha.
For a drive up into Eburu Park, entrance fee is $7 per person.
Walking in Eburu Forest to see tree planting program, water extraction from steam jets, guided walk in
forest to see the flora and fauna is $15 per person. Honey extraction demonstration is $50 per experience.
We can organise a visit to the Loldia School. The manager of Loldia House and longstanding guests have together formed the Loldia School Fund, a UK registered charitable trust, which has worked hard to improve the school for the children of the area. To date the school has been completely rebuilt, making it one of the best schools in the region. Scholarships have been offered to primary school leavers to attend secondary school, and some of the brighter students have gone on to Universities in Kenya and South Africa. The school also serves the wider community offering evening adult literacy classes and a kindergarten. The Governors’ Camp Collection supports the work of the Loldia School Fund which is helping provide a standard of education that enables the children attending to better their circumstances and find a way out of the poverty that exists in this area of Kenya.
Donations in the form of pencils, footballs, etc to the school are very welcome, and we will be happy to facilitate. We encourage you at the time of booking to request for information on the most pertinent needs of the school, so as to make the most impactful contribution. Visits to the school are a rewarding experience for all, with the children learning as much from you as you from them. We will organise a visit around the children's school routine so as to not be disruptive.
This visit is by appointment only and a monetary donation is expected.
Between Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru lies another of Kenya's alkaline lakes – Lake Elementeita. The area is an incredibly important feeding ground for both Greater and Lesser flamingos and a critical breeding site for Great white pelicans. You can stop off here for a leisurely wander along the shoreline and enjoy the sight of beautiful flamingos in their thousands as well as other animals such as Zebra, Gazelle, Eland and Warthog. We generally suggest a stop off here either on your way to, or return from, Lake Nakuru National Park as it is on the way.
Entry to the Lake Elmenteita area costs $22 per adult and $11 per child (subject to change) which is paid directly to the Community Project.
Also of interest nearby is the Kariandusi Prehistoric Site: An African Early Stone Age site that dates back approximately 1 million years. It was discovered by renowned palaeontologist Louis Leakey in 1928 and is famous for the abundance of Acheulean hand axes thought to have been made by Homo erectus in a possible ‘hand-axe factory’ like setting.
We can offer a guided nature walk around Loldia Ranch. You would walk with one of our naturalist guides and another member of the Loldia team. During the walk it is possible to see some of the wildlife resident on the ranch and be introduced to some of the smaller flora and fauna of the ranch.
Included in the accommodation price.
We are able to arrange a climb up Mt Longonot. Mt Longonot is a dormant volcano which lies in the Great Rift Valley and is visible from Lake Naivasha. Mount Longonot is a demanding hike but the views from the top across the Great Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha are glorious. There is a thick forest on the crater floor and the volcano's slopes are home to buffalo, eland, lion, leopard, bushbuck, zebra, giraffe, Grant's gazelles as well as countless species of wild flowers and some interesting birdlife.
We arrange a picnic lunch for guests going on the climb, the park entrance fee is payable direct and our manager will be happy to advise you of the current rates. Please note Mt Longonot is a strenuous climb and clients must be in good health and fit to take on the climb.
Climb Mt. Longonot costs $26 per adult and $17 per child (subject to change). Park Fees paid direct.
Head off on a 45-minute drive around the western side of Lake Naivasha from Loldia House brings you to another small lake where boats are available for hire and will take you for a leisurely cruise along the lake edge. This lake has particularly prolific birdlife and a healthy population of hippo. Take a picnic basket of tea and cake and stop along the lakeshore to take in the beauty of this little corner of Africa.
Boat trip on Lake Olodien - $50 for the boat (maximum 6 pax).
Kenya is one of the largest growers and suppliers of flowers to the European market - it's where many Valentine's Day long-stem roses come from!
We can arrange a visit to a nearby flower farm for guests staying at Loldia House. Guests are given a guided walk through the farm's greenhouses to see how the flowers are grown, harvested and prepared for shipment to Europe. From cutting to arriving at auction in Europe the process and transport takes just over 48hrs to ensure they arrive fresh!
Entry fee is $10pp, subject to change.
Head off on a 1.5hr horse ride throughout wildlife-rich Sanctuary Farm, an area teeming with bat-eared foxes, warthogs, giraffes, hippo, eland, zebra, buffalo and gazelles. You’ll ride across the open plains to view the abundant game and then along the lake shore where you’ll see lots of hippo in the lake.
This is a safe and professional outfit where riders of all skills are welcome and total beginners can be hand-led by the guide if desired. You will be asked about your experience prior to arrival to pair you with the right horse and provide the right level of support. We highly recommend this activity! Must be booked the day before.
Horse Riding costs $75 per person per hour. From Sanctuary Farm.
We can arrange for guests to go to play golf at the nearby Great Rift Valley Lodge. The golf course has 18 holes and is located above Loldia and there are lovely views out over Lake Naivasha, Mount Longonot and across to the Abedare Mountains. There is also swimming pool. There is plenty of birdlife on the course and guests can sometimes see zebra wandering across the fairways. Guest need to pay entrance fee, green fees, hire of golf clubs and caddie fees. The manager of Loldia House can advise on these fees.
Costs for Golf at Great Rift Valley Golf Resort (also has a tennis court):
Hire of Golf Clubs $10 pp
Green fees to play 18 holes $35 pp
These rates apply to week days only
After a long drive, boat ride or bush walk immerse yourself into the tranquil world of your Lake Naivasha surroundings in our poolside spa room, while our fully-trained spa therapist pampers you using the finest products by Terre D'Afrique, Wild Earth Botanics, or Cinnabar Green ensuring that you emerge feeling totally relaxed and recharged.
Please request our spa price-list once you are at Loldia House.
Hell’s Gate National Park is known for its interesting geology and the steam geysers that are found in some areas. The cliffs in the park provide ideal nesting and vantage points for many birds of prey. It is possible to hike down the gorge to the hot springs and one of our resident naturalists will be happy to accompany you on the walk.
Hell's Gate Park fees are $26 per adult and $17 per child, subject to change.
We can arrange guided morning or afternoon walks around this 14-hectare lake, home to a troop of over 70 Black and White Colobus monkeys and 400 bird species (100 of which can easily be spotted in a day). At certain times during the year flocks of flamingos congregate here in numbers as high as three or four thousand.
Visit Crater Lake - $25 per person (subject to change). Park Fees paid direct.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Fast Facts
Spoken Languages: English, Swahili
No. Rooms: 9
Special Interests: Big 5, Birding, Flora, Golf, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
Little Governors' Camp | Masai Mara National Reserve
The award-winning Little Governors’ is intimate in character, with just 17 luxury ensuite tents dotted around a large watering hole that teems with both birds and wildlife. The camp is approached by a boat ride across the Mara River, then an escorted walk through the riverine forest. Vehicles are left on the far river bank, and the camp is therefore quiet and undisturbed. The guest tents at Little Governors’ have wooden decks with large verandahs for guests to enjoy the constant game activity that takes place around the camp’s watering hole. Guests may need to make way for elephants which often visit the camp.
The guest tents at Little Governors' are all tucked into the forest overlooking a waterhole frequented by a myriad of animals. Each one is spacious with an en-suite bathroom, with polished wooden decks and large verandas to enable guests to relax and enjoy the panorama of animals visiting the watering hole in front.
Breakfast and lunch are served in the open air, and the resident family of warthogs frequently wander amongst the tables. Since all Governors' properties are unfenced and in the heart of the Reserve, elephants may also stroll past. In the evening a warming log fire burns in front of the Bar Tent, and dinner is served in the nearby Dining Tent.
Tent 17 or the Honeymoon suite is located at the edge of the camp with wonderful wide views over the waterhole and plains. It has a wild and private feeling. The tent is spacious with an en-suite bathroom, polished wooden deck with large veranda to enable guests to relax and enjoy the panorama of animals visiting the watering hole in front.
Breakfast and lunch are served in the open air, and the resident family of warthogs frequently wander amongst the tables. Since all Governors' properties are unfenced and in the heart of the Reserve, elephants may also stroll past. In the evening a warming log fire burns in front of the Bar Tent, and dinner is served in the nearby Dining Tent.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant, Spa
Room Facilities
Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Safe, Shower, Verandah
Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card, Room Service
Governors’ Camp Collection properties combine superb locations in the Masai Mara with custom designed vehicles and exceptionally highly trained and experienced guides to give our clients un-matched game-viewing and photographic opportunities in the world’s prime wildlife area. We are in the heart of what is widely considered to be the best game viewing area of the Masai Mara.
Our vehicles are custom built 4 wheel drive landrovers. We take you out twice a day on a game drive into the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve and surrounding areas. Our driver-guides are hand-picked and nurtured by us. They undergo a continuous guide training scheme mentored by experts in the field. Having operated in the Masai Mara for 50 years, our driver-guides have an un-paralleled knowledge of the reserve combined with a deep understanding and respect for the sanctity of this wilderness area, its flora and its fauna.
For those looking for an adventure of a different kind, we suggest a magical hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara.
The adventure begins just before dawn. Departure is from a launch site just 15 minutes drive away. Guests assemble at the launch site for a briefing as the flames from the hot air balloon burners light the darkness as the crews inflate their craft. As the dawn breaks, the hot air balloon fills and then rises. Suspended in a basket beneath the rainbow-coloured canopy, you’re off for a wildlife viewing adventure with an entirely different perspective.
What amazes most first-time balloonists is the absolute stillness – the silence as you float above the plains, the forest and the rivers of the Masai Mara.
After about an hour or so, your balloon safari finishes with a flourish. In the time-honoured tradition of balloon flights the world over, toast your return to earth with sparkling wine and enjoy a delicious breakfast that is set up and served at a very special spot. The experience ends with a game drive back to your camp.
For a very unique experience, enjoy the excitement of a bush dinner in the wild.
You will arrive at a special secluded location on the banks of the Mara river. A welcoming drink awaits by the warming campfire, followed by a delicious meal prepared by our Bush chefs, served under the stars, with the soft lights of safari lanterns and accompanied by the sounds of the African night and the grunting Mara river hippos.
Bush dinners are a non-inclusive activity, please request costs from our office. You can book these in advance or while staying with us. Bush breakfasts are also available.
Leave your vehicle behind and take a walking safari with one of our experienced and qualified naturalists for the true thrill of the bush. Down on the same level as the animals you will experience the untamed beauty of the Mara. Our walking safaris take place in the morning in a private concession area adjacent to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The scenery here very much differs from the Masai Mara. Picturesque acacia trees characterise the hilly landscape. The walk takes approximately 21⁄2 to 3 hours but can be tailored to any needs.
Ask for a 5.30am wake up call. Depart from your camp by vehicle at 6.00am and a 45 minute drive will
take you to the walking area. Hot beverages and biscuits will be available during which time the guide will brief you. Most walks commence at 7.00am, with the walk will take you through differing habitats from open grassland plains to acacia thickets and riverside forests. You will track game, unsure what waits round the next corner - giraffe, buffalo, hyena, zebra or even lion. You will catch the scents and sounds of the wild Africa.
The walk ends approximately at 9.30 – 10.00am in the Lemek group ranch under the shade of African Olive trees. A classic Governors Camp champagne breakfast is served after which a game drive will take you back to your camp in time for lunch. Your drive back to the camp again is a game drive through the Masai Mara. Afternoon walking safaris are finished with sundowner drinks and canapés.
Participants in a walking safari should be in good health and be reasonably fit and active. There is no path as such and some parts of the walk lead through hilly and rocky areas. Children under 12 years are, for safety reasons, not allowed to participate in walking safaris. Walking safaris can either be booked in advance or in camp subject to availability.
Available at an additional cost.
The Masai people of East Africa are a striking image, synonymous with safari. A proud people with many traditional practices still very much alive in their culture. Visit a local Masai village and learn about who they are in their own words.
Visits to our responsible tourism projects can be organised from camp. Mara Rianda Primary School and Mara Rianda Medical Centre are two inspirational projects supported by Governors’ Camps.
Find more information about the projects here:
https://www.governorscamp.com/discover/community-conservation/new-health-centre-at-mara-rianda/
https://www.governorscamp.com/discover/community-conservation/mararianda-school-program/
Since the beginning of the 20th Century the cheetah population has fallen dramatically from 100'000 individuals to 7'500 individuals with human activity a major cause.
It is therefore important to understand the cheetah-human interface, which is one of the key works of the Mara-Meru Cheetah Project, led by Dr. Elena Chelyseva.
Our Governors' Guides play a critical role in the data collection for Dr. Elena and her team, reporting through sightings and behaviour observations of cheetah spotted.
Dr Elena enjoys sharing her expertise on the cheetahs in the area with our guests through talks or by accompanying guests game drives.
Please let us know if you would like to pre-book a talk or a guided game drive with Elena when booking your safari for advice on costs.
Governors’ hosts a wildlife photographer in the Mara who is available to be booked by our guests for accompanied photo safaris and in-depth tutorials on all elements of photography, including editing. Do let us know if you would like to guarantee a full day with them capturing the very best of this incredible wildlife reserve. Please note that guests will need to secure an exclusive use vehicle at a daily rate, on top of the photographer's daily fee.
Governors' also has 3 'photo safari' vehicles. Listening to the specific needs and recommendations of the photographers we've hosted over the years, we've modified three Landrover vehicles to include same level seating throughout, cut-out side panels in the middle row to get those much desired low angle shots, high roofs, fully folding windscreens and wide side panelling to offer the perfect place for resting a beanbag and long lens. The cars are available on an exclusive use basis and can be requested for and reserved while making your Governors' booking. They are available at all our camps in the Masai Mara.
After your late afternoon game drive, end the day with a 'sundowner' at our very special spot on the banks of the Mara River. Our team will have set up a traditional 'safari bar' ahead of your arrival. Sundowners are included in the nightly rate but premium drinks are extra.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Fast Facts
5 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English, French, Swahili
No. Rooms: 17
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
Kigali Serena Hotel | Kigali
Ideally located on one of Kigali's most charming boulevards, the five-star Kigali Serena Hotel is built around a polished granite atrium, which showcases the very best of Rwandese cultural art. Relaxed yet elegant, the hotel centres on the Executive Lounge and Bar, which opens onto a wide sundeck overlooking the newly refurbished swimming pool. Also overlooking the pool, the popular Milima Restaurant offers a wide range of all-day buffet choices, while the relaxed Sokoni Café offers inside and outside poolside seating. The capital's natural business hub, the hotel also boasts its own extensive conference centre, 500-seater auditorium and lavish ballroom.
The hotel features 148 rooms. Guests can choose from a selection of 60 Standard Rooms, 37 Superior Rooms, 19 Deluxe Rooms, 18 Junior Suites, 7 Prime Rooms, 6 Executive Suites and a luxury Presidential Suite. In-room facilities include 24 hour room service, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, tea/coffee making facilities, mini fridge, hair dryer, private safe and a flat screen satellite TV.
Varying slightly in size between 25 and 30 sq metres, these rooms offer either twin or king-sized beds and a luxury bathroom with both tub and shower.
Facilities include :
- 24-hour room service
- Air-conditioning
- Wi-Fi and in-room modem hook-up
- Direct-dial phone
- Voice-mail
- In-room flat-screen satellite TV
- Mini-bar
- Private safe
- Tea and coffee-making facilities
- Hair dryer
- Porter/concierge
- 24-hour on-call doctor
- Walk in shower and bathtub
- Working desk
Varying slightly in size between 25 and 30 sq metres, these rooms offer either twin or king-sized beds and a luxury bathroom with both tub and shower.
Facilities include :
- 24-hour room service
- Air-conditioning
- Wi-Fi and in-room modem hook-up
- Direct-dial phone
- Voice-mail
- In-room flat-screen satellite TV
- Mini-bar
- Private safe
- Tea and coffee-making facilities
- Hair dryer
- Porter/concierge
- 24-hour on-call doctor
- Walk in shower and bathtub
- Working desk
Varying slightly in size between 25 and 30 sq metres, these rooms offer either twin or king-sized beds and a luxury bathroom with both tub and shower.
Facilities include :
- 24-hour room service
- Air-conditioning
- Wi-Fi and in-room modem hook-up
- Direct-dial phone
- Voice-mail
- In-room flat-screen satellite TV
- Mini-bar
- Private safe
- Tea and coffee-making facilities
- Hair dryer
- Porter/concierge
- 24-hour on-call doctor
- Walk in shower and bathtub
- Working desk
Varying slightly in size between 25 and 30 sq metres, these rooms offer either twin or king-sized beds and a luxury bathroom with both tub and shower.
Facilities include :
- 24-hour room service
- Air-conditioning
- Wi-Fi and in-room modem hook-up
- Direct-dial phone
- Voice-mail
- In-room flat-screen satellite TV
- Mini-bar
- Private safe
- Tea and coffee-making facilities
- Hair dryer
- Porter/concierge
- 24-hour on-call doctor
- Walk in shower and bathtub
- Working desk
Studio Suites (40 sq m) offer king-sized beds, luxury bathroom with both tub and shower, and an integrated work space.
Facilities include :
- 24-hour room service
- Air-conditioning
- Wi-Fi and in-room modem hook-up
- Direct-dial phone
- Voice-mail
- In-room flat-screen satellite TV
- Mini-bar
- Private safe
- Tea and coffee-making facilities
- Hair dryer
- Porter/concierge
- 24-hour on-call doctor
- Walk in shower and bathtub
- Working desk
Executive Suites (70 sq m) offer king-sized beds, a luxury bathroom with both tub and shower, an integrated work space and a separate sitting room.
Facilities include :
- 24-hour room service
- Air-conditioning
- Wi-Fi and in-room modem hook-up
- Direct-dial phone
- Voice-mail
- In-room flat-screen satellite TV
- Mini-bar
- Private safe
- Tea and coffee-making facilities
- Hair dryer
- Porter/concierge
- 24-hour on-call doctor
- Walk in shower and bathtub
- Working desk
The resplendent Presidential Suite (300 sq m) offers a king-sized bed, luxury en suite bathroom (with Jacuzzi, tub and shower), two en suite guest rooms, private office, private conference room, private dining room (and galley kitchen), elegant sitting room, reception area and private vestibule entrance.The suite is one of the finest examples of luxury accommodation in Kigali and throughout Rwanda.
Facilities include :
- 24-hour room service
- Air-conditioning
- Wi-Fi and in-room modem hook-up
- Direct-dial phone
- Voice-mail
- In-room flat-screen satellite TV
- Mini-bar
- Private safe
- Tea and coffee-making facilities
- Hair dryer
- Porter/concierge
- 24-hour on-call doctor
- Walk in shower and bathtub
- Working desk
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Disability Services, Eco Friendly, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, TV Room
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Hair Dryer, Mini Bar, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Television
Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Babysitting Service, Room Service (24 hours)
Your Stay
1 Night
Bed and Breakfast
Wilderness Sabyinyo | Volcanoes National Park
The lodge is only minutes away from the headquarters of the Volcanoes National Park from where guests trek on foot to see the magnificent mountain gorilla – perhaps one of the most dramatic, thrilling and poignant wildlife experiences possible.
Accommodation at Wilderness Sabyinyo comprises six double cottages, two suites and one family unit. All are stone buildings with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs, and feature large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms.
INSIDER'S TIP: Wilderness Sabyinyo is Rwanda's first ever community owned lodge. The lodge is operated by Wilderness, however, the ownership rests with a Community Trust, SACOLA (Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association) which uses rentals and community fees from the lodge to drive socio-economic and conservation initiatives in the communities adjacent to the national park.
Sabyinyo has six charming cottages with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs. Each has a spacious sitting area, a fireplace and extra-roomy en-suite bathroom. Space heaters by the beds supplement the log fire, to create a haven of warmth. Outdoors, a spacious veranda invites you to relax and enjoy the bird-filled gardens.
Sabyinyo has one spacious family cottage with the same traditional Rwandese terracotta tile roofs.
The cottage offers two separate bedrooms, each with its own en-suite facilities. Families can enjoy breakfast outdoors on the shared veranda, and cosy up in the evenings around the inviting fireplace in the large sitting area.
Please note, the family cottage is more suitable for older children, as the two individual bedrooms are not interlinked. For families with younger children, we recommend one parent sleeps with the younger child/children.
Sabyinyo offers two extra-spacious luxury suites. Each features an expansive sitting area, two verandas with impressive views and en-suite bathroom (shower and bath). Log fires are lit every night, and space heaters beside the large king-sized, four-poster bed adds warmth and ambiance. The suites are perfect for couples and honeymooners.
Please note it’s not possible to create two separate single beds.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Restaurant, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fireplace, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Services
Credit Card, Room Service
The legendary Virunga Mountains in north-western Rwanda are home to volcanoes, swathes of cloud forest and half the world’s total population of Endangered mountain gorillas. The primates of Rwanda are unparalleled, and Wilderness Sabyinyo is the perfect base for mountain gorilla trekking.
This thrilling excursion takes place from Volcanoes National Park headquarters, where guests are allocated to one of the 12 habituated gorilla families for an awe-inspiring one-hour encounter.
* Park fees are not included and are at extra cost.
Enjoy a short trek to view this beautiful primate, which is endemic to the area and lives in groups of between 30 to 80 individuals in the Park’s bamboo forest.
* Park fees are not included and are at extra cost.
At Sabyinyo you can get up close to the stories of the land on a guided community walk, which offers fascinating insights into Rwandan rural life, as well as a glimpse into the struggles of the past.
Guests will learn how crops are grown, how milling and processing is done by hand, and learn more about how traditional medicines are used.
Rwandan dancing, an integral part of today’s culture, will be part of this fascinating cultural tour, which is one to three hours long.
Birding with a knowledgeable Wilderness guide at Sabyinyo is a truly enriching experience.
Sabyinyo extends across seven hectares (about 17 acres) and is a haven for over 40 bird species that do not otherwise easily thrive in the surrounding agricultural plots, where natural shelter is rare and human disturbance is high.
Guests are welcome to enjoy the nature trails on their own (armed with a good pair of binoculars), or are invited to enquire about our guided walks.
While staying at Wilderness Sabyinyo, we recommend enjoying a guided community walk, which offers fascinating insight into Rwandan rural life today, as well as a glimpse into life in the historical past. An enriching experience, guests are invited to understand the agricultural lifestyle of Rwanda, including how crops are grown, how milling and processing is done by hand, traditional medicines, as well as enjoying the frenetic activity of traditional Rwandan dancing, which is an aspect of the culture still very alive today.
A walk may range in duration between one to three hours.
The Gorilla Guardian Village is located about 15 minutes drive from Wilderness Sabyinyo and is an interesting cultural excursion. The village convinced ex-poachers to turn their back on poaching and instead showcase their customs and heritage.
Visiting the village guests can discover the traditional house of a local king, watch an authentic medicine man prepare herbal mixtures, try their hand at bow and arrow shooting, or enjoy cultural dances and drumming performed by people from the local area.
A visit to Dian Fossey’s research camp, Karisoke, and her grave, is another highlight at Sabyinyo. The trek starts from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, and is located in the saddle area between two volcanoes, Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke (from which the name Karisoke is derived). The camp site sits at an altitude of 3 000 metres (over 9 000 feet.) and was abandoned during the unrest of the 1990s. All that remains today is the grave of Dian Fossey and several graves of her beloved gorillas, buried alongside her. A poignant and cherished moment for all who visit.
A visit to see Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo is a must on any itinerary. Located between Musanze and the Ugandan border, the Twin Lakes offer magnificent views over the Virunga Volcanoes, while the surrounding hills create a picture-perfect frame around the deep blue waters. Guests can take a gentle walk around one of the lakes, and enjoy wonderful birding. However, due to the steep nature of the landscape, it is often preferable to drive up the small track leading to a lodge tucked away at the top of the hill: the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing drink and soak up the glorious vistas.
The Twin Lakes are 45 minutes by car from Sabyinyo, and are reached via a good tarmac road south to Musanze, and then back north towards Cyanika, or via a narrow but picturesque dirt road that follows the contours of the mountain.
The lakeside resort of Gisenyi makes for a wonderful contrast to the high altitude of the Virunga Volcanoes. Located 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Sabyinyo (two hours by car) Lake Kivu offers a relaxing day out. Stroll along the sandy beach on the lakeshore, and take a refreshing swim in the cool waters, followed by a refreshing drink at one of the quaint cafes along the palm-tree fringed lakeside promenade. The mild tropical climate adds to the springtime mood, which not even the imposing Nyiarongo Volcano can dampen.
Guests will also enjoy strolling past the hotels, mansions and lush gardens that echo its opulent past.
Local markets are the lifeblood of any town and Musanze market is a prime example. A bustling place full of local character and virtually everything you may need under the sun. Found in Musanze town (formerly known as Ruhengeri) it is the most important town in Rwanda’s Northern Province and in the Volcanoes area. It serves as the area’s administrative, commercial and service capital. You can also find all sorts of interesting souvenirs and handicrafts, and a wide range of traditional Kitenge fabric.
Enjoy a guided walk to Iby’Iwacu cultural village either on foot (a one hour downhill walk from Sabyinyo) or by car, a 15-minute drive).
Here you’ll learn the fascinating story of how one village convinced ex-poachers to turn their backs on poaching. Visit the traditional residence of a local king, watch an authentic medicine man prepare herbal mixtures, and try your hand at bow-and-arrow shooting.
Cultural dances and drumming performances are also on offer.
The guided walk takes around an hour and guests are free to take photographs. It is customary to leave a tip of USD 20.00.
Another very rewarding outing is a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International was established in 1967 to protect and study gorillas and their habitat, as well as to empower the people in the community.
With a team of hundreds working in Rwanda and the DRC, the Fossey Fund is the world’s longest-running and largest organisation dedicated entirely to gorilla conservation.
In 2022, the organisation moved to its first permanent, purpose-built home, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Nestled in a beautiful, reforested landscape near Volcanoes National Park, why not add this to your itinerary. Here you can stop in for a tour, grab a cup of coffee at the Gorilla Café, browse the gift shop and learn more about the gorillas and the important work done to help conserve them.
* The visit is an additional cost per person in USD and are subject to change without prior notification.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English, French, Swahili
No. Rooms: 9
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Hiking, Nature, Wildlife