Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel

Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel stands on the Ruhengeri to Gisenyi road in Muhoza, on the edge of the northern town of Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. A night here is the practical way to avoid the pre-dawn drive from Kigali on the morning of a gorilla trek, a golden monkey trek or a volcano hike. The hotel has an outdoor pool, a restaurant, a bar and terrace, a garden with a playground, a gym, free parking and free Wi-Fi, and offers meeting rooms and a banquet hall. Rooms include air conditioning, a safe, bathrobes and toiletries, with a balcony or patio in some, and the room types range from economy singles to double and twin deluxe rooms and an executive suite, many with hill views. It is a simple, comfortable hotel rather than a luxury lodge, and its main appeal is the location and the value. Pasar Modern Musanze, the main market, is about two kilometres away, and Ruhengeri Cathedral is just over a kilometre.

The Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo and the Musanze Caves are also nearby, with the caves around twenty-seven kilometres away. Check the transfer time to the park and to Kigali when you book, and ask your tour operator how long the transfer will take on your day.

\n\nRooms and who it suits: the hotel suits travellers who want comfort and value before an early start, rather than a luxury lodge setting. The rooms are clean and simple, with a choice of twin or double beds, and the pool and garden give guests a place to relax after a trek. Families will like the playground, and groups can use the meeting rooms.

Because the restaurants nearby are separate venues, plan to eat at the hotel or ask staff for recommendations in town.\n\nGood to know: check-in is from ten in the morning and check-out is at ten, which suits early departures. Pets are not allowed. Some rates include free cancellation, which helps if your gorilla permit date moves. Book well ahead in the dry seasons, June to September and December to February, when the north fills with trekkers.

Check the current travel advice for the northern border area before you go.\n\nPreparing for trek mornings: tell the front desk the evening before what time your guide will collect you, ask whether an early packed breakfast can be arranged and keep your boots, waterproofs and gloves near the door. Musanze is cool at night, so bring a warm layer for the evenings, and keep small notes for tips for porters and guides at the park.