Rwanda has made great strides towards democracy and reconciliation in the past decade. A core component of its regeneration has been the development of the Volcanoes National Park, home to some 350 mountain gorillas, the largest concentration in the world. The eight-chalet Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge opened in late August at the base of the Virunga volcanic range where Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo meet. Owned by a local community trust, the lodge is managed by Governor's Camp of Kenya, one of Africa' most experienced small- scale, family-owned safari operators. Built over two years, the chalets are very private, comfortable and decorated with original artwork from Rwanda, Cameroon and the Congo. Each has a spacious bathroom and open-air shower, a shady veranda with volcano views for sundowners, and a fireplace for cool nights. There is a bar and restaurant in the main building, where chefs from Governor's Camp's Kenyan properties produce sophisticated pan-African dishes. Treks to find one of the seven gorilla families from a base camp in the park can take between one and five hours, but the lodge provides water, snacks and protective gear. About 800 villagers benefit directly from profits at the lodge.
WHEN TO GO
July to September.
ROOM TO BOOK
The grand Family Suite, which has two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Volcanoes National Park (00 254 20 273 4000; www.governorscamp.com). From US$371 per person per night, full-board |
