Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. Wonderfully secluded in the foothills of massive dormant volcanoes, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is just around the corner from Parc National des Volcans and a great base for extensive gorilla tracking. With the temperate climate and lush tropical vegetation, the proximity of northwestern Virunga Mountains of Rwanda ensures that spectacular views abound from this lodge.

Offering five double cottages, two suites and one family cottage, all Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge's units feature private verandas, en-suite bathrooms and lounges with cosy fireplaces. While all bedrooms have large beds as well as dressing rooms, the family cottage boasts an additional bedroom and bathroom. Made from stone, the cottages have Rwandese terracotta roof tiles, and landscaped gardens surround the buildings. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge restaurant and bar offer delicious meals which can be enjoyed outside on the decks during summer's warm weather, or next to the dining room's crackling fireplace in winter. Delicious packed picnic lunches are also available on request and are the perfect accompaniment for uninterrupted days of hiking.

Apart from the bar, dining areas and deck, the main lodge also offers a library and a games room, and the informative community awareness centre is brimful of information on the gorillas, as well as development in Rwanda since the troubles in its recent history. Other facilities include internet and laundry services, as well as a range of activities revolving around mountain gorillas. The Rwandan side of the Volcanoes National Park is home to more than half of the worlds mountain gorillas, and it is quite possibly the best place in Africa to observe these animals in the wild. The five habituated families at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge include from seven to thirty-five individuals in each family - making it worthwhile to spend considerable amounts of time simply enjoying the sight of them interacting with another.

Although mountain gorillas are the main drawcard here, birding enthusiasts would be delighted to find no less than 650 species here, and the breathtaking lakes in the area are also worth visiting at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.