Wilderness Sabyinyo — Hotel in Kinigi

This is a very special community owned lodge with a gorgeous panorama view and super staff! We had a very impressive luxurious suite (S1) —lots more steps, though as it was furthest away from the main lodge! The suite has a cosy seating area around a fireplace which is always lit for you (thank you Ernest!), a comfy 4-poster bed (hot water bottles at turndown!), a bathtub with bath salts as well as body wash, shampoo, conditioner, etc. Other special touches included Q-tips, make-up remover rounds, a hairdryer, cookies, tea, coffee, a bar fridge stocked with pop, a bottle of wine, drinking water and milk, umbrellas, dressing gowns, slippers, a safe, beautiful coffee table books, an I-pad—you name it! ||For your trekking days, the Lodge supplies gaiters, raincoats, backpacks, trekking snacks and water, etc. The staff will put the gaiters on and take them off for you after the trek—you feel like royalty! Our treks were very muddy (end of May—nearing the end of rainy season) and our muddy clothes and boots were whisked away, cleaned to pristine and returned by the same evening, ready for trekking or departing the next day. In between trekking days, my husband got a generous, excellent in-room massage from Priscilla (thank you!).||One night we were delighted and amazed by the staff sharing their dance, Igitaramo, during a sundowner around the fit pit. Such talent and joy! Wow!!||A favourite line from the staff is ‘I am here for you!’ If you need something, just ask, they will bend over backwards to make sure you are happy and they will do it with the biggest, genuine smile on their face!! I am reluctant to mention staff names, for fear of leaving someone out, however, just to name a few of the special people who looked after us face to face (in no particular order): Eunice, Peiter, Ernest, Priscilla, Sandrine, Fidele, Mary, Donat, Bryan, Vanessa, Nadine, the chefs (giving us recipes and trying to adhere to our request for smaller portions), the security and cart drivers and then thanks to all those behind the scenes like laundry staff! Eric, you have an incredible crew! Bridge was our kind, informative and safe driver guide who took care of us for 8 days from our 1am arrival at the Kigali Airport, touring us for several days around Kigali to communicating on our behalf (easy trek, please) with the Rangers at Volcanoes National Park and taking us on the scenic drive 5-hour drive to Akagera National Park. Thank you to each and everyone of you for a most memorable stay!||For the Gorillas: This camp is very close to the Park Headquarters where everyone checks in for the treks (BTW nice washrooms!). I would strongly encourage you to do 2 gorilla treks if you can afford the time and $$$$. Our 2 breathtaking treks were totally different experiences seeing 2 different families in very distinct settings. (At the time we booked, if you stayed 7 nights in Rwanda at Wilderness properties you would get a complimentary gorilla trek! We took advantage of this by staying 4 nights at Sabyinyo Lodge and 3 nights at Magashi Camp in Akagera National Park.) We did a Golden Monkey Trek in between the 2 gorilla trekking days which kept the muscles moving and was enjoyable. Make sure to hire porters—they are extremely helpful and it is good to support the local community! We did not eat our Lodge prepared snack bags, so along with a nice tip, we gave the porters the food / drink package at the end of the treks and they seemed...

The gorilla trekking experience was unforgettable, but staying here only enhanced the experience. From the moment of our arrival we knew we would be taken care of and enjoy the lodge. I can't imagine staying anywhere else.

Property - Beautiful property nestled in the hills. There are ample walking paths and beautiful gardens, great for bird watching. The property is perfectly safe to walk at night, although it gets dark. There are great views of the surrounding volcanoes (if the clouds cooperate).

Service - The service at all levels was top notch. On arrival, you do have to walk up 100 or so stairs to them main lodge. The staff carries all your stuff to the top. We were greeted by Barbara who gave us the breakdown on the property. She also was a great host during the happy hours and dinners. She introduced us to Clement who was our the butler for our room. He was dedicated to helping us from our room needs (like building a fire or laundry), to delivering coffee in the morning, to assisting us with our boots after the trek. We also had a dedicated server in the main lodge, JMV. He was also terrific. He handles all the food orders and drink orders. It was great because he remembers your preferences. Additionally, the staff helps light the path back to your cottage after dinner.

Room - Everyone has their own standalone cottage that is a far distance from others. The cottages are very spacious with a living area, desk, fireplace, etc. Our cottage, C1 Sabyinyo, had a front porch with a couch and table. The bed was on the harder side, which I prefer, but it was comfortable. The room can get chilly at night, but there are heaters on both sides of the bed, the fire helps, and they also put hot water bags under the covers.

Happy hour - Every evening they serve happy hour in the main lodge's living room. They have some light appetizers and drinks. They have a full bar. Some of the high end spirits and wines are extra, but they had plenty of options to choose from that are included. The bartenders made some very good, but strong cocktails. Happy hour is a great opportunity to mingle with the other guests and share stories about their experiences. We met some great people.

Food - Their lunch and dinner has a couple options for starters, mains and desserts. All meals, were cooked to order and were delicious. The breakfast is set up for efficiency since there are early mornings before trekking. There is a cold bar set up for fruit, cereal, cold cuts. They also make eggs to order.

Other - we had afternoon massages which were fantastic (and 90 minutes). Clement started a fire during the massage. Highly recommended.

Notes - Wifi is good. No TVs, but this is actually refreshing. You are gone for a few hours hiking, and this gives you time to meet people or walk around...

Kristina Bell at All Travel Guru working with her partners at Alexander & Roberts planned a splendid vacation for my wife & I. We went to four countries in Africa, in addition to popping in and out of London.||We started in Cape Town, where Kristina booked us into a suite at the manor house at the Queen Victoria Hotel….an absolutely splendid hotel with the advantage of being just across the street from the Victoria and Albert Waterfront with fabulous shopping, great restaurants, and loads of entertainment. ||We spent several days touring the wine country, Cape Town, Table Mountain, and visiting with the Penguins. ||From Cape Town, we flew into Maun Botswana airport where we transferred to a helicopter to reach our bush camp in the Okavango Delta operated by Africa Culture Journeys. They had a splendid camp, great food, and loads of wildlife (including lions calling to each other at night). In addition to safari game drives, we did explore the bush villages and finally the town of Maun.|| From Botswana we flew to Kali Rwanda (absolutely beautiful & spotlessly clean city). With the help of Alexander & Roberts Kristina put us in the extremely good hands of Bridge with Wilderness Destinations. We stayed in an exceptional boutique hotel The Retreat by Heaven. In addition to running a great boutique hotel they have provided hospitality training to over 3000 Rwandans. ||Our guide Bridge drove us through the countryside to Volcano National Park. Kristina had us booked into Sabino Silverback Lodge, which would’ve been worth the trip just to stay there! The staff were exceptional,professional and personable…delightful to be around. Food at the Lodge was exceptional and the facilities were remarkably beautiful and comfortable….an absolute treat to be there. In addition, we had a private tour with the Guest Services Director at the Diana Fossy Gorilla Center. Again, Kristina with Alexander & Roberts had coordinated all of our gorilla permits and tours which were splendid. After seeing the golden monkeys, Bridge drove us back through the countryside to Kali. Rwanda may now be my favorite country in Africa. ||We flew to Nairobi to catch a flight the next day to London and once again Kristina finished with another home run. Our guide Namayi Evans met us at the airport and took us to yet another great hotel The Hemingway House in the Karen neighborhood. Evans took us on an amazing tour of Nairobi the next day. Getting out of Kenya that night proved a little complicated. Namayi made sure we were able to board our plane, and checked on our arrival in London and in Dallas. Over the top professional services and personal concern! Namayi and Bridge exemplify the people that Kristina has always found for us on our travels …..Kristina you’ve done it again. You are the best!thanks Jay and Valerie||Sent...