Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

While in the Virungas, we stayed at a lodge called Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge in Kinigi. Upon arrival we met the owner who also happens to be a member of Parliament. We were immediately served with spiced tea while checking in. This hit the spot given that the temperature was quite cool and the elevation so high that we felt like we were among the clouds. Each “room” is a little cottage unto itself complete with fire place. Needless to say we availed ourselves of the fireplace quite early in the evening. It’s always surprising to muzungus that one can freeze one’s butt off in Africa, but it’s something we experienced both in Namibia and now in Rwanda. We rather enjoyed it though because the temperature in Kigali is relatively constant year round and so we felt like we had a taste of fall weather, at least temporarily. The lodge also served some of the best soups we’ve ever had. This too hit the spot as the heating in the dining room consisted of hot coals in terra cotta pots placed strategically around the tables. In the afternoons, we were treated to a performance of dancing and singing by a local troop of youngsters. The “star” among the group was a small boy with a big voice, what we like to term the “voice of Africa”. His showmanship was remarkable for one so young in age. It was clear that he loved what he was doing and did it well. The kids were even able to get the muzungus to participate and dance along with them.

Located within a 10-12 minute driving distance from the entrance of the Volcanoes National Park, with attentive service and quaint little cottages nestled among an explosion of flowers, we felt like this little lodge was worth the expense. Additionally, the variety of birdlife kept Gus and the girls busy for hours on end photographing the different species attracted by the flora. There was even a volleyball net and ball provided by the staff and we got to exercise our cold muscles with a bit of a 4 man game. Annie was too interested in the birds to play.