Welcome to Nyungwe Forest National Park and here are several lodges and camps to stay on your Rwanda safari in this park. Among the lodges to stay include the Gisakura guest house is a small and friendly functional guest house accommodation facility which is located 2 kilometers away from Nyungwe Forest National Park, in a close proximity to the Gisakura tea estate on the road from Cyangugu.
The property is a comfortable and affordable place to stay for Nyungwe Forest National Park’s travelers. The property’s location is ideal for Nyungwe canopy walks, birders to this birder’s dream location and for travelers wishing to track chimpanzees and the rare Colobus monkeys in Nyungwe forest.
Gisakura Guest House offers guests the opportunity to visit chimpanzees of Nyungwe Forest National Park, different walking trails, the top canopy walkway, the unique bird species of the Central African Highlands, a variety of more than 120 orchid species, and endemic tree species. A Colobus troop living on the Gisakura Tea Estate and a group of vervet monkeys occasionally pass through the grounds, making for interesting wildlife viewing on the premises.
A number of nearby relic forest patches offer small rambles, good birding and the chance to encounter forest monkeys. A fair variety of birds are present in the small patch of forest in front of the Gisakura Guest House and many other trails in Park. Many of the birds in Nyungwe forest are endemic to the area thus making bird-watching a unique experience.
ONE & ONLY NYUNGWE HOUSE
In Southwest Rwanda, just south of Lake Kivu on the Burundi border, One & Only Nyungwe House is nestled amongst the rich tea-plantations of Gisakura, on the edge of the iconic Nyungwe Forest National Park. The resort was originally developed in conjunction with the Rwandan Government in 2010. In 2017, it came under the management of One & Only, and after an extensive renovation and upgrade of facilities, it has become the incomparable rain forest oasis you see today. The accommodations at the property include;
Nyungwe room
Sink into the comfort of your secluded forest haven, with sumptuous amenities, a crackling fireplace, and vibrant art inspired by the natural beauty of Rwanda. Private furnished balconies open up to the lush flora, perfect for spotting wildlife roaming free. The Nyungwe room accommodates two individuals at ago and the bed type is King/Twin.
Nestled amongst the flora of Nyungwe mountainous landscape, Nyungwe Rooms are an ideal haven for couples and friends. Warm interiors are brought to life by an ambient, crackling fireplace, and touches of vivid art, inspired by Rwandan tradition. A replenished mini-bar is yours to enjoy, along with tea and coffee making facilities.
State-of-the-art technology brings a modern edge to your rustic environment, with air conditioning, an LCD television, and a dedicated in-room I-Pad that reveals everything you need to know on resort. A spacious en-suite bathroom features twin vanities, a wilderness-view shower, and indulgent stand-alone bath. Outdoors, your private deck is an awe-inspiring place to soak up the sights and sounds of the forest.
Two-bedroom forest suite
Reconnect with family and friends in a spacious two-bedroom suite, graced with every creature comfort. Celebrate around a beautifully crafted dining table; warm yourselves by the crackling fire; or unwind on a private deck, completely immersed in nature. The two-bedroom forest suite accommodates 4 individuals at ago and the bed type is King and Twin bed.
Blending seamlessly into the lush, mountainous landscape, families and friends can retreat to a spacious haven, with every creature comfort at their fingertips. A chic, lodge-inspired aesthetic weaves through two sumptuous bedrooms, each with a fireplace and picturesque private deck. An elegant living and dining room offers the perfect place to relax and share a chilled drink from the replenished mini-bar.
State-of-the-art technology brings a modern edge to the environment, with air conditioning, an LCD television, and a dedicated in-room I-Pad that reveals everything you need to know on resort. Two spacious, en-suite bathrooms feature twin vanities, wilderness-view showers, and indulgent stand-alone baths.
NYUNGWE TOP VIEW HOTEL
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel is conveniently nestled on top of one of the hills of Nyungwe forest area; the largest single forest block in East Africa and the biggest water reservoir for Rwanda. It is situated just five minutes’ drive off a main road, on top of a steep hill with views across numerous tea plantations; it has easily the most beautiful views in the Nyungwe forest area. With its proximity to the headquarters of Nyungwe Forest National Park, it is a good base for trekkers to see the chimpanzees and exploring the forest.
The main areas at the hotel are housed in a large, two-tiered ‘rondavel’ with a phenomenally high roof. Although a rondavel is usually a traditionally built round house, this building offers a rather more modern take on the theme. The ground floor, where you will find the reception, is sparsely furnished with a few modern angular sofas and walls adorned with traditional Rwandan murals. Circular wicker lights hang from the ceiling and dark tiled stairs lead up to a mezzanine balcony.
It is on this second level that you will find the dining area, with tables and chairs set on a rather out-of-place black-tiled floor, and a sweeping veranda with wooden tables and chairs. The views from here are stunning and on clear days you can even get views of Lake Kivu and the volcanoes of the Congo beyond. There is also a bar on this level made almost entirely from bottle tops, giving it a bright, very kitsch look. Glass doors at the front of the rondavel open onto a beautifully kept lawn, and this is surrounded by a low hedge.
The hotel comprises of 12 red-brick cottages ranged in two rows, one on each side of the rondavel, along two sides of the lawn. Every cottage houses a bedroom, a small lounge area at the front, with terracotta-tiled floors, a sofa, chair and coffee table, and a fireplace.
Although the furniture is different in every cottage, it is angular and modern throughout. The bedrooms are quite sparse, furnished only with a double, twin or triple bed, a chest of drawers and hanging space for clothes, but they have plenty of space and are really clean.
African patterned throws cover the beds and there is traditional Rwandan “Imigorigo” artwork on the walls. There are no fans or air conditioned but the team here will put hot-water bottles in your beds on cooler nights. The tiled bathrooms each have a sink, toilet and shower and some also have baths, with towels and toiletries provided.
Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge
Nyungwe Nziza Eco-lodge is nestled in Kitabi providing accommodation with free Wi-Fi and barbecue facilities. Some units have a seating area and a terrace. A continental breakfast is available each morning at the property. There is an in-house restaurant which serves Local, African and Pizza cuisine. If you would like to discover the area, cycling is possible in the surroundings and a bicycle rental service can be arranged. The facility is a very comfortable hotel and a camping with “De Luxe” tents and portable tents, an” a la carte” restaurant, and a handcraft shop, an open-air bar, a fire place, cars for hire, transfer from Kigali Airport or Kigali City and to the Nyungwe Forest National Park.
The Nyungwe forest’s view from the rooms is amazing. The property comprises of an Eco – lodge with three houses and six rooms, three deluxe tents, a restaurant, a coffee shop, a bar and an outdoor fireplace. There are also portable tents and a big space for clients’ own tents.
KITABI ECO – CENTRE
Kitabi Eco-Center is located just 2 kilometers from the Eastern entrance to Nyungwe Forest National Park. It sits atop Mount Kitabi, offering one of the most spectacular and panoramic views in all of Rwanda: neat, terraced farms perched on endless hills; light green tea plantations that frequent this region; the dark green trees of Nyungwe Forest; and a seemingly endless sky. Neither words nor pictures can do it justice you have to be here to experience it!
The property combines camping, a restaurant, gardens, and Eco tourism activities with an ecologically-friendly mindset. There is even a replica of the King’s Palace here that you can explore, and if you want, to stay overnight! The property has a variety of accommodation options for you:
Camping
Guests can spend the night camping under the stars in the property’s modern tents. The property comprises of some 2 person and 4 person tents for rent, but not an endless supply. If you have your own tents and camping equipment, please bring along. The property’s staff can set the tent up for you before you arrive or you can come and pick out your campsite, and then the staff team will set it up for you.
King’s Palace
Come enjoy a truly amazing, unique experience, available nowhere else in Rwanda! Live like a King or Queen in the property’s King’s Palace replica. Your experience will include a one night (or more!) stay in a Queen bed with warm furnishings. You will also receive a personalized tour on the history of the King’s Palace and other local traditions from the manager or local guides; your own fire at night inside the palace; and breakfast the next morning in the comfort of the palace grounds (optional). The property’s team can also add mattresses for larger groups. This is perfect for a family of 3 or more with young children who want to stay together.
Prince’s Palace
Sleep like a Prince or Princess for a night (or more) in one of the property’s two Prince’s Palaces. Stay in a comfortable Double Bed inside one of the two Prince’s Palaces. Each can accommodate 2 people and the staff can arrange for a small clay oven fire to keep you extra warm.
