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.

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.

Truly an excellent place to stay for gorilla trekking. Fantastic staff who help with any and all needs. Delicious and plentiful food with a great chef who will make basically whatever you want as long as he has the ingredients in stock. Meals are at a communal table and are included in the nightly lodging rate. The bungalows/rooms are very well equipped and quite comfortable. Internet is via starlink and is totally functional. I cannot recommend this place enough if in the area do gorilla trekking.