Sambora Kinigi

We booked the whole lodge for exclusive use for a friends birthday - hugely recommend doing this! The whole experience was amazing! Delicious tea on arrival, excellent selection of wines and beers, some of the nicest food I’ve tasted in Rwanda, and fab massage from ‘magic hands’! The lounge, rooms and massage room are well appointed with stylish touches and open fires. The staff could not be more helpful. The views are stunning.

Excellent on all levels! We recently spent three nights at this lovely lodge as we visited with the gorillas. The whole experience was fantastic from start to finish. The food was fresh and delicious, and the accommodations were perfect, but what made our visit so memorable was the warm and welcoming staff. They went above and beyond in every regard, greeting us, cleaning our muddy boots, helping us with our gators, packing delightful lunches, etc. Highly recommend!

I stayed at Sambora Kinigi for three nights, and it was truly a magical experience. With only about six rooms, it felt incredibly intimate—like my home away from home. Nestled right next to the luxurious One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Sambora Kinigi offers a similarly remote and serene atmosphere but at a much more reasonable price point. It’s the perfect private oasis to disconnect and unwind after daily adventures. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and cared for. The manager, Khairat, greeted me warmly every time I returned from an excursion, and Christine was like my new Rwandan mother—always making sure I was well-fed, hydrated, and comfortable. Traveling solo, I never felt awkward or out of place; the staff’s kindness and attention made the experience feel personal and special. The meals were absolutely incredible—fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. As someone who avoids dairy, I deeply appreciated how accommodating the kitchen was in crafting delicious meals that suited my needs. Christmas dinner was particularly memorable, and dining at the communal table allowed me to meet other friendly, engaging guests. For those nights when I was too tired to socialize, I could enjoy my meal in my room. The small touches elevated the experience to another level. Every evening, a fire was lit in my room, which made the chilly Rwandan nights feel cozy (even as someone who sleeps hot, I loved it!). They even provided a warm bottle for the bed—an incredibly thoughtful detail. After two weeks of travel, the laundry service was a lifesaver, especially since they were willing to use the detergent I brought from home (Americans and our allergies, haha). One service that deserves a special shout-out is the boot cleaning. After hiking through mud up to a foot deep, my boots looked brand-new, thanks to their meticulous cleaning. The gaiters they provided were a lifesaver on muddy trails, too. Sambora Kinigi struck the perfect balance of luxury and comfort. The owner, Greg, was responsive and friendly, answering all my questions with ease before my stay. I booked through Golden Rwanda Safaris, but Sambora Kinigi also has its own tour company for those interested. If you’re looking for a remote, boutique, and deeply personal experience, I can’t recommend Sambora Kinigi enough.