Sambora Kinigi

I stayed at Sambora Lodge, in Sabiyino House, for 3 nights. Sambora is a wonderful location in lush countryside, close to the Volcanoes National Park and the Dian Fossey Ellen Generes Reseach Centre. The Lodge and grounds are beautifully presented and maintained. The garden is quiet, lush, private and secure, with trees, lawn and flowering plants. It includes an attractive bbq area. The accommodation houses are very private and not seen from each other. Each has it's own setting and terrace amongst the lush trees and plants. They are cozy and thoughtfully furnished with natural materials and contemporary Rwandan style. The bed was very comfortable, the bathroom was large, stylish and had good plumbing and hot water. The wood fire was lit each evening. Each has good wifi. The service is attentive, professional and friendly, melting into the background when not needed, but always available. I very much enjoyed the all inclusive stay and the exceptional and original cuisine, prepared on site and served in a finely presented and contemporary dinning room, with a log fire and well stocked bar. Special food requirements are well understood. Dining is in English countryhouse style at a single table, reflecting the owner's English background. With just 6 bedrooms, expanding to 8, and discerning guests from around the world, conversation is vibrant and adds to the experience. Services such as massage and local guided birdwatching and cultural walks in a mosaic of woodland and traditional fields and pathways enrich the visit. These can be guided in English, French or Kinyarwandan and can be designed to meet the expectations of the guests. A hotel car is available. My visit was a real retreat in a wonderful setting, the best place I have stayed in Rwanda. I would certainly return and recommend it to other visitors.

Excellent on all levels! We recently spent three nights at this lovely lodge as we visited with the gorillas. The whole experience was fantastic from start to finish. The food was fresh and delicious, and the accommodations were perfect, but what made our visit so memorable was the warm and welcoming staff. They went above and beyond in every regard, greeting us, cleaning our muddy boots, helping us with our gators, packing delightful lunches, etc. Highly recommend!

Exceptional experience! I don’t even know where to begin to describe how amazing my experience at Sambora was. The service was unlike anything I’ve ever seen: so much care, attention to detail, and a truly personal touch. Every single staff member was kind, helpful, and always ready to assist with a smile. The room and facilities were perfect, and they handled every detail of our gorilla trek, making sure we felt completely prepared. When my partner got sick, they went above and beyond to take care of him, and I’ll never forget that. I’ve stayed at many hotels, but I’ve never felt so genuinely cared for. Thank you so much, Sambora team! I’ll recommend you to everyone I know! Renata 🇧🇷

I stayed at Sambora Kinigi for three nights, and it was truly a magical experience. With only about six rooms, it felt incredibly intimate—like my home away from home. Nestled right next to the luxurious One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Sambora Kinigi offers a similarly remote and serene atmosphere but at a much more reasonable price point. It’s the perfect private oasis to disconnect and unwind after daily adventures. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and cared for. The manager, Khairat, greeted me warmly every time I returned from an excursion, and Christine was like my new Rwandan mother—always making sure I was well-fed, hydrated, and comfortable. Traveling solo, I never felt awkward or out of place; the staff’s kindness and attention made the experience feel personal and special. The meals were absolutely incredible—fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. As someone who avoids dairy, I deeply appreciated how accommodating the kitchen was in crafting delicious meals that suited my needs. Christmas dinner was particularly memorable, and dining at the communal table allowed me to meet other friendly, engaging guests. For those nights when I was too tired to socialize, I could enjoy my meal in my room. The small touches elevated the experience to another level. Every evening, a fire was lit in my room, which made the chilly Rwandan nights feel cozy (even as someone who sleeps hot, I loved it!). They even provided a warm bottle for the bed—an incredibly thoughtful detail. After two weeks of travel, the laundry service was a lifesaver, especially since they were willing to use the detergent I brought from home (Americans and our allergies, haha). One service that deserves a special shout-out is the boot cleaning. After hiking through mud up to a foot deep, my boots looked brand-new, thanks to their meticulous cleaning. The gaiters they provided were a lifesaver on muddy trails, too. Sambora Kinigi struck the perfect balance of luxury and comfort. The owner, Greg, was responsive and friendly, answering all my questions with ease before my stay. I booked through Golden Rwanda Safaris, but Sambora Kinigi also has its own tour company for those interested. If you’re looking for a remote, boutique, and deeply personal experience, I can’t recommend Sambora Kinigi enough.

Look no further - perfect lodge for National Park! Our stay at Sambora Kinigi lodge in Rwanda was absolutely fantastic. Stunning property with lush greenery and the view of Verunga mountains. The rooms were comfortable, with beautiful views of the garden, and a great fireplace in each room. The service at Sambora Kinigi lodge was top-notch. The staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating, always going above and beyond to make sure that our stay was enjoyable. The food was absolutely delicious! They even packed us lunch for our daily National park trips. All the food and drinks were included in our stay! One of the best things about Sambora Kinigi lodge is its proximity to the National park. It was so convenient to be able to wake up in the morning and quickly head out for a day of exploring the stunning wildlife and scenery that Kinigi area has to offer. Gorilla trekking was absolutely out of this world, but we also appreciated coming back to the lodge. The staff were so helpful, helping us with our muddy boots and cleaning them off. There is also a complementary massage - truly heavenly after a long hike. Would highly recommend Sambora Kinigi lodge to anyone looking for a peaceful and wonderful retreat in Rwanda. The beautiful property, great service, and convenient location near the National park make it perfect! Don’t look any further - this lodge offers a GREAT value - book it quickly since there are only a few cottages on this property.

Wonderful stay! Staff are friendly and attentive. Food was excellent. Herbal teas and juice tasty. Great selection. Rooms and lounge gorgeous. Hot water bottles and fireplace in the room a lovely cosy touch. Great location for trekking in the park. Will return!