Hotels near Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Hotels During Our Rwanda Trip: Kigali and Musanze

Where to Stay in Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking

During our Rwanda adventure, we split our time between two hotels: the Serena Hotel in Kigali and the Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel in Musanze. The Serena offered a comfortable overnight stay in the capital before we headed north, while Five Volcanoes was the perfect base near Volcanoes National Park—the gateway to gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Both had their own character, and together they made our trip smooth, comfortable, and memorable.

If you’re researching hotels near Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel is a great option for convenience, value, and charm. Paired with a night at Serena Hotel Kigali before or after your trek, it’s an itinerary that works well for most travelers.

Serena Hotel Kigali – A Comfortable Base Before Gorilla Trekking

The Serena Hotel Kigali is a large, modern hotel in the heart of the city. Our room was spacious, clean, and well-appointed, featuring a TV and all the amenities needed for a comfortable city stay.

Pool at Serena Kigali Hotel

Breakfast at the hotel was outstanding—a large buffet with a variety of Indian-inspired dishes, fresh ripe fruit, and delicious baked goods. I always made sure to start the day with a hearty meal. For lunch and dinner, we explored Kigali’s local restaurants, so I cannot comment on the hotel’s dinner offerings.

The hotel also features a pool area, although we didn’t have a chance to use it. Overall, I would recommend Serena Hotel Kigali as a reliable base for exploring the city. While it isn’t particularly unique or “Rwandan,” it is comfortable, clean, and perfect for a quick overnight stay.

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel – Charming Stay Near Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

View from our room

The Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel was a wonderful place to stay near Volcanoes National Park. It offered a clean environment, local charm, great food, friendly staff, and beautiful gardens. While it is not a luxury resort like One & Only Gorilla’s Nest or Bisate Lodge, it was perfect for our budget and proximity to the park.

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

We stayed in the Family Room, which had two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a common living area—spacious, clean, and very comfortable. The room was only a short walk from the main dining area. There was no TV, which suited us fine as we

spent evenings recapping the day's gorilla trekking adventures.

The hotel also provided a helpful laundry service, which was especially useful after

muddy treks.

Dining/ Lobby area at Five Volcanoes

The food at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel was good, but the staff truly stood out. One of my favorite touches was returning from trekking to find staff assisting with boots, offering a refreshing drink, and even giving a quick foot massage while cleaning your gear. (We happily tipped them for this extra care!)

I would highly recommend Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel for anyone visiting Musanze and planning gorilla trekking in Rwanda. It’s not a high-end luxury lodge, but it is clean, comfortable, and has everything you need for a convenient stay near Volcanoes National Park.

Why Choose Hotels Near Volcanoes National Park for Gorilla Trekking

When planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda, location is everything. Trekking permits require an early morning start, so staying near Volcanoes National Park saves you from a long, bumpy drive from Kigali at dawn. Hotels in Musanze—like Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel—offer comfort, local charm, and convenience, making them an ideal base for your trek.

If you’re flying into Kigali and need a night in the city before heading to the park, a hotel like Serena Hotel Kigali provides a reliable, comfortable stopover. By combining a stay in Kigali with a hotel near Volcanoes National Park, you’ll balance convenience, budget, and comfort throughout your trip.