Wilderness Sabyinyo
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda · by Wilderness · also known as Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Sabyinyo
Photos of Volcanoes National Park, not the lodge. Lodge photos coming with permission.Wilderness Sabyinyo is a lodge of 6 stone cottages, 2 suites and a family unit run by Wilderness on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Rates run $1,613 to $2,369 per person per night sharing over the next 12 months (fully inclusive). Gorilla permits are bought separately: $1,500 per person per trek.
Location
Sits on the park boundary in the foothills of Mount Sabyinyo, the volcano it is named after. The lodge is set in large landscaped gardens on a 7-16 ha plot, with farmland spreading below and village communities around it.
Cottage verandas look over the Virunga volcanoes with Mount Sabyinyo as the backdrop; panorama of peaks and farmland.
Operator says 15 minutes to park HQ; Expert Africa says 20.
Getting around
Quite a few fairly steep steps between rooms and up to the main area; a 4x4 buggy carries guests and luggage up the steep hill.
Neighbours
One of two permanent lodges directly on the park boundary; owned by a community trust for six surrounding parishes; local villages close by.
Lodges within 2 km: Sambora Kinigi (2 km).
Location from a mapping source. Pins show the lowest published rate per person per night.
Who it's for
Tags come from verified facts, not opinions. Each one shows why it applies.
Gorilla trekking and activities
Treks are run by the Rwanda Development Board, not the lodge. Every visitor meets at park headquarters in Kinigi at 7am and is assigned to a gorilla family. Your lodge books the permit and drives you there.
*With at least 2 nights in Akagera or Nyungwe on the same trip. Fees from the Rwanda Development Board, 2026.
Activities at Wilderness Sabyinyo
| Activity | Cost | Min. age | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla trekking | $1,500 | 15 | Permit not in lodge rate; via park authority |
| Cultural / community visit | Included | — | Cultural village visit |
| Conservation experience | Included | — | Tree planting |
| Walking safari | Included | — | Guided nature trail |
How reliably you'll see
Park fees and permits
| What | Adult | Per |
|---|---|---|
| Golden monkey tracking | $100 | per person |
| Mount Bisoke climb | $75 | per person |
| Dian Fossey tomb hike | $75 | per person |
| Exclusive gorilla trek (whole group, max 8) | $15,000 | per group |
Foreign non-resident rates from Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
When to go
Volcanoes National Park is at its best Jun – Aug, in the long dry season. The long rains run March to May and the short rains October to November. Treks and drives go ahead in the rain, and lodges often charge less.
Rates
Per person per night, sharing. Fully inclusive: meals, activities, most drinks; check park fees and laundry separately. We don't sell trips; these are the operator's own published prices.
| Dates | Season | Room | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | |||
| Jun 1 – Oct 31 | High | Cottage/suite (all units) | $2,235 |
| Nov 1 – Dec 15 | Shoulder | Cottage/suite (all units) | $1,689 |
| Dec 16 – Feb 28 | High | Cottage/suite (all units) | $2,235 |
| 2027 | |||
| Mar 1 – Apr 30 | Low | Cottage/suite (all units) | $1,613 |
| May 1 – May 31 | Shoulder | Cottage/suite (all units) | $1,791 |
| Jun 1 – Oct 31 | High | Cottage/suite (all units) | $2,369 |
| Nov 1 – Dec 15 | Shoulder | Cottage/suite (all units) | $1,791 |
| Dec 16 – Feb 29 | High | Cottage/suite (all units) | $2,369 |
Also included or excluded: laundry; 3% tourism tax; lodge-based activities; Sanctuary wellness use. Excl. conservation levy & park fees.
Rooms and amenities
Rooms
- 6 × Stone cottage, fireplace; en-suite; veranda
- 2 × Suite, king-size four-poster bed; fireplace
- 1 × Family unit, two separate bedrooms
Amenities
Getting there
Fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL), then go by road or helicopter.
From $395 per vehicle, one way. Your lodge or agent arranges the driver; there's no need to find one yourself.
From $1,771 per aircraft, one way. Smallest helicopter seats 3 with a 180 kg limit for people and bags.
Who flies
Helicopter charters, lodge/park transfers and scenic tours across Rwanda. Limit is total weight (passengers + luggage) per aircraft per route.
Compare nearby
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FlagshipQuestions
How much does Wilderness Sabyinyo cost?
$1,613 to $2,369 per person per night sharing over the next 12 months, from the operator's published rates (checked 2026-10-21). Rates are fully inclusive. Gorilla permits ($1,500 per person per trek) are extra.
When is the best time to visit Wilderness Sabyinyo?
June, July and August are the driest, best months in Volcanoes National Park. The long rains run March to May; lodges stay open and prices are lower.
How do you get to Wilderness Sabyinyo?
Fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL). Volcanoes National Park is about 3 hours by road from Kigali or about 30 minutes by helicopter.
Before you go
Rules change. Check official sources before you travel.
Sources
Every fact on this page is tied to a source. Facts checked 2026-10-21. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
Photos show Volcanoes National Park, not Wilderness Sabyinyo: Photo: Nina R from Africa, CC BY 2.0; Photo: Carine06 from UK, CC BY-SA 2.0; Photo: Adygrafix250, CC BY 4.0; Photo: Carine06 from UK, CC BY-SA 2.0; Photo: Wood Wildlife Photography, CC BY-SA 4.0.