Wilderness Sabyinyo

The communal lodge building and the cottages have been beautifully constructed and furnished to make sure you're comfortable. In the main building are several reception rooms, all very welcoming with fireplaces and big squidgy sofas. There's also a restaurant and bar, a library and games room and, outside, well-maintained gardens.

The lodge's eight cottages are well spaced, so you can sit back and gaze at the dramatic volcanic range in peace. Each cottage is spacious, with a cosy sitting room with a fireplace, a home-from-home bedroom, a dressing room and a large bathroom with a bath and shower with hot and cold running water (there's 24-hour electricity). The cottages also have a sheltered balcony designed for relaxing, enjoying breakfast or losing yourself in a book or the scenery.

Gorilla treks are clearly the prime reason for visiting, but other interesting outings are also offered. Hike to see the playful golden monkeys that are endemic to the high-altitude forests of the Volcanoes Park; explore the seven-hectare Sabyinyo property to see the 40-plus bird species that shelter here; investigate the surroundings and local villages on foot or mountain bike (with a guide); or visit the nearby twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo and the ecologically important Buhanga Sacred Forest.