Pics of Gorillas Nest or Virunga Lodge?
Jun 26th, 2006, 03:59 PM
#1
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Pics of Gorillas Nest or Virunga Lodge?
I'm trying to choose between one or the other, and I can't seem to find any good pictures of each. It's the same couple small thumbnails on a dozen or so different sites. If anyone has some photos they took from their trips - rooms, grounds, views from grounds, etc., I'd be much obliged.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Jun 26th, 2006, 05:15 PM
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We are just back from staying 2 nights at the Gorilla's Nest and we visited the Virunga Lodge. Gorillas nest is quite basic, but ok. Food is only mediocore...BUT, it's only a 10 minute drive to the park headquarters for the gorilla treks. They are completly redoing the main road in front and it's in good shape. Virunga Lodge is quite a distance away (maybe 1 hour). It's in a beautiful setting on top of a mountain with views of 2lakes, mountains, etc. But it's a real hassle to get to. The road up the mountain is in horrible shape. So if you're going trekking, I'd stick to Gorilla's Nest. If you want a relaxation day, then the Lodge might be better, however at considerably higher cost.
Hope this helps,
Marty
Hope this helps,
Marty
Jun 26th, 2006, 05:37 PM
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Was at Gorilla's Nest in October
Compared to a Serena or Sopa GN is only OK. Compared to some of the guest houses in Rwanda it is divine
Plain an dsimple driving one hour from your hotel to the park headquarters is a WASTE OF TIME. Gorillas Nest is just fine
I don't think I took pictures of the room, but a few pics of the grounds are in here :
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...ixpad&Ux=0
Compared to a Serena or Sopa GN is only OK. Compared to some of the guest houses in Rwanda it is divine
Plain an dsimple driving one hour from your hotel to the park headquarters is a WASTE OF TIME. Gorillas Nest is just fine
I don't think I took pictures of the room, but a few pics of the grounds are in here :
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...ixpad&Ux=0
Jun 27th, 2006, 01:25 PM
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Thanks. So basically the trade off is the Virunga Lodge is nicer, but with the downsides of 1) being farther away and 2) being more expensive?
It sounds as if the Gorilla's Nest is nice enough that it's not worth it?
It sounds as if the Gorilla's Nest is nice enough that it's not worth it?
Jun 27th, 2006, 01:45 PM
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I agree. I stayed at Mountain Gorillas Nest, and its perfectly acceptable -- a sort of rustic charm, with a nice lawn for cocktails, some crowned cranes wandering the property, and only 10 minutes from park headquarters. I would stay there again.
Jun 27th, 2006, 02:19 PM
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OK, I am on the net trying to search for pictures of the rooms in this Virunga Lodge. So far no good. BUT I went to the site: http://www.steppestravel.co.uk/page1573f.aspx
I noticed the following quote describing the room at the lodge "Virunga Lodge consists of eight large, private bandas. *There is no running water* but there are wonderful hot bush showers to revive you afetr your gorilla tracking."
No RUNNIGN WATER?!?! That can't be possible can it? Forget that!
OK, just before hitting send IO stumbled across a site with a few pictures of the place: http://www.worldprimatesafaris.com/virunga.html
It is OK, but no better than Gorillas Nest. Maybe they have a nice view being up in the mountains, but this is a no brainer. The hour drive is just not worth it.
I noticed the following quote describing the room at the lodge "Virunga Lodge consists of eight large, private bandas. *There is no running water* but there are wonderful hot bush showers to revive you afetr your gorilla tracking."
No RUNNIGN WATER?!?! That can't be possible can it? Forget that!
OK, just before hitting send IO stumbled across a site with a few pictures of the place: http://www.worldprimatesafaris.com/virunga.html
It is OK, but no better than Gorillas Nest. Maybe they have a nice view being up in the mountains, but this is a no brainer. The hour drive is just not worth it.
Jun 27th, 2006, 03:31 PM
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Jun 27th, 2006, 06:24 PM
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A map of Parc National des Volcans (and locations of lodges, etc):
http://www.go-safari.com/Volcans/volcans.htm
Scroll to the menu items at the top to see pictures of Gorillas Nest, Virunga Lodge, etc.
Virunga Lodge has indoor bucket showers and dual long drop toilets (use only one at a time!). They come into the bathroom area (using a side entrance) to fill the shower bucket.
It is about an hour from the ORTPN office and the road on the hill towards the lodge is very bad. The lodge has a good atmosphere, service and views.
Gorillas Nest is 10 minutes from ORTPN. The service is friendly but hesitant (you have to ask for everything, such as a heater in the lounge), the rooms are freezing and the standard rooms are very small. It is a functional lodge and golf resort that hosts plenty of business meetings, etc. The grounds are well-maintained.
BTW, a new lodge is being built very near the parking area of Group 13...
http://www.go-safari.com/Volcans/volcans.htm
Scroll to the menu items at the top to see pictures of Gorillas Nest, Virunga Lodge, etc.
Virunga Lodge has indoor bucket showers and dual long drop toilets (use only one at a time!). They come into the bathroom area (using a side entrance) to fill the shower bucket.
It is about an hour from the ORTPN office and the road on the hill towards the lodge is very bad. The lodge has a good atmosphere, service and views.
Gorillas Nest is 10 minutes from ORTPN. The service is friendly but hesitant (you have to ask for everything, such as a heater in the lounge), the rooms are freezing and the standard rooms are very small. It is a functional lodge and golf resort that hosts plenty of business meetings, etc. The grounds are well-maintained.
BTW, a new lodge is being built very near the parking area of Group 13...
Jun 28th, 2006, 06:40 AM
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Eben,
Is there anything better than Gorillas Nest? I don't like the idea of 'freezing' (I'm a very cold creature!) but I don't like the idea of an hours drive to Virunga! I know, I know, .... I'm asking for a LOT !
Imelda
Is there anything better than Gorillas Nest? I don't like the idea of 'freezing' (I'm a very cold creature!) but I don't like the idea of an hours drive to Virunga! I know, I know, .... I'm asking for a LOT !
Imelda
Jun 28th, 2006, 07:08 AM
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There are a few budget choices but it only takes a day or so to figure out how things work at Gorillas Nest! Then it becomes quite comfortable.
1. Check the little windows in the rooms and make sure they are properly closed. Close the bathroom door at night.
2. Ask for extra blankets and pillows as soon as you arrive.
3. In the lounge, bar and dining room ask for a coal stove for your feet as soon as you sit down!
4. Bring long sleeves payamas or similar for sleeping cozy at night.
5. The walls to the room next door are thin so keep your voices down!
We really enjoyed being only 10-15 minutes away from the park office and starting points for our treks and walks. Our main focus was the gorillas and the lodge is great for that. Especially since we were there for several nights - an hour-long drive each way to another lodge can get old quick.
IMO Virunga is a good option if you do only one day gorillas and have no interest in other walks (monkeys and such). If you expect to relax at the lodge for a day or more, or is on your honeymoon then Virunga Lodge is a great option because of the views and the privacy.
Patty - yes we are back but I now know that we have to spend a lot more time in East Africa to keep up with all the changes! My participation on this great board will unfortunately be less in the future as we are returning to Tanzania in just a few weeks!
1. Check the little windows in the rooms and make sure they are properly closed. Close the bathroom door at night.
2. Ask for extra blankets and pillows as soon as you arrive.
3. In the lounge, bar and dining room ask for a coal stove for your feet as soon as you sit down!
4. Bring long sleeves payamas or similar for sleeping cozy at night.
5. The walls to the room next door are thin so keep your voices down!
We really enjoyed being only 10-15 minutes away from the park office and starting points for our treks and walks. Our main focus was the gorillas and the lodge is great for that. Especially since we were there for several nights - an hour-long drive each way to another lodge can get old quick.
IMO Virunga is a good option if you do only one day gorillas and have no interest in other walks (monkeys and such). If you expect to relax at the lodge for a day or more, or is on your honeymoon then Virunga Lodge is a great option because of the views and the privacy.
Patty - yes we are back but I now know that we have to spend a lot more time in East Africa to keep up with all the changes! My participation on this great board will unfortunately be less in the future as we are returning to Tanzania in just a few weeks!
but have a great trip! 
Jun 28th, 2006, 11:02 AM
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climbhighsleeplow:
Great advice on how to handle Gorilla's Nest! By the way, thank you for confirming that the rooms are freezing. My wife swears something was wrong with me. I slept with THREE (!) heavy blankets.
I thought about bring one of thos little coal stoves in our room, but the said we would have to leave windows open because they suck out all the oxygen. Plus I was afraid of burning down the lodge!
But sitting in the lounge, with a cola fire in front of you, while sipping a drink after a morning of gorilla trekking is glorious!
Great advice on how to handle Gorilla's Nest! By the way, thank you for confirming that the rooms are freezing. My wife swears something was wrong with me. I slept with THREE (!) heavy blankets.
I thought about bring one of thos little coal stoves in our room, but the said we would have to leave windows open because they suck out all the oxygen. Plus I was afraid of burning down the lodge!
But sitting in the lounge, with a cola fire in front of you, while sipping a drink after a morning of gorilla trekking is glorious!
Jun 28th, 2006, 04:44 PM
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My wife and I are going to be staying at the Gorillas Nest in a little over a week. We need to bring sleeping bags on our trip for our safari in Tanzania, so we'll be well-prepared if the rooms in the Gorillas Nest as as cold as people say they are!
Jun 29th, 2006, 01:45 PM
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http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...1&y=ya5mvt
Has some mis shots including aroung grounds and those great heaters!
Has some mis shots including aroung grounds and those great heaters!
Jun 29th, 2006, 10:07 PM
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Hello!
We are going in Sept. and trying to decide between Gorilla's Nest and Muhabura Hotel. I think GN is nicer and about $145 per night but Muhabura is recommended.
1. Does anyone have any photos or experience of Muhabura?
2. Does anyone have email or fax numbers for either Gorilla's nest or Muhabura?
Cheers!
We are going in Sept. and trying to decide between Gorilla's Nest and Muhabura Hotel. I think GN is nicer and about $145 per night but Muhabura is recommended.
1. Does anyone have any photos or experience of Muhabura?
2. Does anyone have email or fax numbers for either Gorilla's nest or Muhabura?
Cheers!
Jun 30th, 2006, 03:25 AM
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My Hotel Muhabura pics and maps are here (select the lodge at top):
http://www.go-safari.com/Volcans/volcans.htm
About $30 per night. It is in Ruhengeri town so you need transport from there to the park office (about $50 per car, cheaper when you share).
It is a very basic hotel but just like Kinmigi Guest House (which you should also consider as it is next to the park office and $20-$30 per night)it also supports local community projects. So both are just fine for budget-minded visitors.
Telephone numbers? I have the business cards somewhere - have to dig it up. In the mean time, try:
[email protected]
250 546954
Muhabura 250 571511 or 546296
Kinigi Guest House 250 8533606 or 546660
http://www.go-safari.com/Volcans/volcans.htm
About $30 per night. It is in Ruhengeri town so you need transport from there to the park office (about $50 per car, cheaper when you share).
It is a very basic hotel but just like Kinmigi Guest House (which you should also consider as it is next to the park office and $20-$30 per night)it also supports local community projects. So both are just fine for budget-minded visitors.
Telephone numbers? I have the business cards somewhere - have to dig it up. In the mean time, try:
[email protected]
250 546954
Muhabura 250 571511 or 546296
Kinigi Guest House 250 8533606 or 546660
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