Enquire
Why book with us?

What are you looking for?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY

Last Updated: 10 May 2024

Lodge Review | Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Volcanoes National Park

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Part of the Rwanda Safari Collection

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is a charming lodge at the foot of the impressive Virunga Mountain range and only 15 minutes from the famed Volcanoes National Park, making it the perfect home from which to begin your gorilla trekking adventure.

Lodge Review | Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Volcanoes National Park

Operated by Governors’ Camp, the lodge is locally-owned and all fees and rentals go back into the community trust (SACOLA) that works in association with the African Wildlife Fund.

Consisting of a main lodge and eight extremely spacious guest cottages, each suite has a fireplace to warm up next to in the cool night air, large sitting rooms and ensuite bathroom. Your verandah looks out towards the jungle canopy of the dramatic Virunga Mountains and the surrounding farmlands, perfect for impromptu picnics in the day or sundowners after a long trek in the mountains. There is a family lodge available too.

Cosy and tasteful, the lodge is perhaps best known for it’s extremely attentive and personal service as well as the wide variety of activities on offer. From gorilla trekking to mountain biking and hiking, you’ll also get the chance to meet the local people and learn more about what makes a Rwanda safari so magical.

Relax after a long day of walking with a spa treatment or lift your weary feet up as you gaze across the ancient volcanic mountain range. No matter what you choose to do during your time at Sabyinyo, you’ll arrive as a guest and leave as part of the family.

Lodge Review | Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Volcanoes National Park

Our rating:

Luxury level: 4/5

Malaria-free: No

Activities and services:

  • Gorilla trekking
  • Golden monkey trekking
  • Guided birdwatching walks
  • Guided mountain biking
  • Cultural excursions
  • Trek to Dian Fossey Research Camp
  • Trip to surrounding highlights such as Twin Lakes, Buhanga Scared Forest, Gishwati Forest and Lake Kivu

Lodge Review | Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Volcanoes National Park

Wildlife highlights: Mountain gorillas, Golden monkeys, roaming elephants and leopards and a variety of other primates

Best time to go: June to mid-September as this is the long dry season

Type of traveller: Active travellers who enjoy physical adventures, birdwatchers and  those who have dreamed of meeting Mountain gorillas.

What previous guests had to say

Magnificent experience

“We were two couples taking a safari, beginning with the Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda. This lodge offered luxurious accommodations and welcoming, supporting staff. Food was exquisite. Thank you to all who made us so comfortable,” Dernes, USA

Lodge Review | Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Volcanoes National Park

Outstanding hotel and lodge

We just spent two nights here. The managers Philip and Charlie were absolutely incredible. The staff could not of been better and more helpful. Peter attended to us as if we were royalty. Nothing was too much. The food was outstanding and gourmet style. Close to gorilla trek. In addition they supply all the things you need. I cannot recommend highly enough,” mark S, Australia

Perfect in every way

“We only stayed on night for our gorilla trek but I wish we could have stayed more. The lodge knew it was my birthday and they arranged a local dance and also made me a birthday cake with dinner. It was so kind and it genuinely touched me. It is a birthday I will never forget,” Jen 729, USA

 

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Discover the African Journey that’s Right for You

Discover Africa Through Travellers' Stories

These stories capture the real magic of Africa – where every journey becomes a chapter worth sharing.

The true magic, though, is with the people. They’re not just staff; they’re my friends, my family.

JJ Towler

United States

Matthys Van Aswegen

JJ Towler's journey was crafted with the expertise of Matthys Van Aswegen

I went to Africa to help my parents check a box, but I returned with a new perspective on my own life. Africa is no longer a "someday" destination for me; it’s a "must-return".

Steven

United States

Vihann Van Wyk

Steven's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

We trusted our guide implicitly as we sat mere metres from elephants, lions, and hippos.

Cathy & Debb

Canada

Vihann Van Wyk

Cathy & Debb's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

The Serengeti offered us sights we had never witnessed before, such as the surreal image of lions lounging high in the trees

Cathy & Nat

Canada

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"Going to south and central Africa was a bucket list item for me and booking a big and expensive trip always feels a bit risky and you hope you have made the right choice. Booking with Discover Africa was fantastic from beginning to end! Our trip coordina..."

Deanna Rozak, United States25 May 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"We had an amazing safari experience in Botswana thanks to Chrizaan! She planned everything perfectly and was very professional, honest, and helpful throughout the entire trip. She supported us every step of the way and was always available whenever we ne..."

Mojgan Owliaey, Germany18 May 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"We travelled last August on a trip planned with Dev at Discover Africa. It was a family trip that i wanted us to remember forever and we definetly will! We could not have had an easier or more wonderful time and we would never have been able to plan and man..."

Megan Gray, United Kingdom16 Feb 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"This was our first time going on a Safari, and also the first time using a travel expert to organise part of our trip. I was so impressed with how quick and easy the whole process was and Chrizaan tailored our experience to meet our travel needs whilst prov..."

Matthew Childs, United Kingdom18 Dec 2025

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"Magic tour, the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen in all my life, I really love this ancestral land: nature, wise animals, and humans with very big heart."

Griselda Woo Gonzalez, Mexico12 Nov 2025

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"We just returned from our first African trip and had an absolutely amazing and memory making trip. We are usually self planners for our vacations but with essentially no knowledge I attempted to do research on Africa and felt overwhelmed. As suggested from ..."

Tedd Ritchie, United States05 Oct 2025

Read More
View All Testimonials

Our safari traveller reviews are independently verified and sourced from trusted third-party review platforms.