# Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge *Source: https://bonamy.co.uk/lodges/sabyinyo-silverback-lodge* A luxury retreat in the Volcanoes National Park, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge offers tranquillity, conservation, and a gateway to Rwanda’s legendary mountain gorillas. ## Profile Some places stay with you forever. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is one of them. Perched on the foothills of Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains, this is a lodge where fireplaces glow, mist rolls over the volcanic peaks, and adventure begins the moment you wake up. From your private veranda, the emerald slopes stretch towards Volcanoes National Park, home to one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters - **trekking to see endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.** With just **six charming cottages, two suites, and a spacious family cottage**, Sabyinyo offers a secluded retreat that feels like home - only with panoramic views and the occasional monkey swinging past your window. ## Profile Sabyinyo is Rwanda’s first community-owned lodge, with revenue directly supporting local conservation and development projects. Over $3.5 million has been invested into surrounding communities through the Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association (SACOLA) -ensuring that protecting gorillas also uplifts the people who live alongside them. ## Activities list This exciting adventure begins at the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park, where visitors are assigned to one of the 12 habituated gorilla groups for a breathtaking one-hour experience. Enjoy a brief hike to observe this stunning primate, which is native to the region and resides in groups ranging from 30 to 80 members within the Park’s bamboo forest. Experience the rich stories of Rwandan rural life, including crop cultivation, traditional milling, and the use of traditional medicines. Enjoy the vibrant Rwandan dancing, an essential aspect of the culture, during this engaging cultural tour. Sabyinyo is a paradise for bird watchers. Covering an area of seven hectares (approximately 17 acres), Sabyinyo hosts more than 40 species of birds that struggle to survive in the nearby agricultural regions. Former poachers now share their customs and heritage, allowing visitors to see a local king's traditional house, watch a medicine man prepare herbal mixtures, try shooting with a bow and arrow, and enjoy cultural dances and drumming. The trek begins at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, situated between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. The camp, at 3,000 meters (over 9,000 feet), was abandoned during the 1990s unrest. Today, it features the grave of Dian Fossey and several graves of her gorillas, creating a poignant experience for visitors. The Twin Lakes provide stunning vistas of the Virunga Volcanoes, while the nearby hills form a picturesque border around the deep blue waters. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around one of the lakes and experience excellent birdwatching. Located in Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri), the market serves as the administrative and commercial hub of Rwanda's Northern Province. Offering a variety of local goods, souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional Kitenge fabric. Walk along the sandy shoreline by the lake and enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool waters, then relax with a drink at one of the charming cafes situated along the palm-lined lakeside walkway. --- ## Contact Email: safari@bonamy.co.uk Phone (UK/EU): +44 (0) 20 3575 1098 Phone (US): +1 917 310 1920 Website: https://bonamy.co.uk