Tourist Rest House - Parc National des Volcans

Tourist Rest House is a guesthouse near Parc National des Volcans.

Location
Parc National des Volcans, Northern Rwanda Volcanoes, Rwanda, East Africa
Coordinates
-1.508585, 29.643936
Activities
guesthouse

PlnrScore: 28/100

Wildlife Near This Lodge

555 species observed within 20 km, 20 mammals, 154 birds.

  • Eastern Gorilla (Mammalia, 238 observations)
  • Coarse Chameleon (Reptilia, 130 observations)
  • Blue Monkey (Mammalia, 119 observations)
  • Variable Sunbird (Aves, 86 observations)
  • Streaky Seedeater (Aves, 62 observations)
  • African Stonechat (Aves, 59 observations)
  • Lobelia giberroa (Plantae, 53 observations)
  • Bronze Sunbird (Aves, 42 observations)
  • Black Kite (Aves, 39 observations)
  • White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher (Aves, 39 observations)

Best Time to Visit Tourist Rest House

The best months to visit Tourist Rest House are July, August, January, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 14.94°C, rainfall 100.1mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 76.3%
  • February: Good, temperature 15.37°C, rainfall 147.1mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 75.4%
  • March: Good, temperature 15.2°C, rainfall 149.5mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 77.3%
  • April: Good, temperature 14.64°C, rainfall 138.8mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 83.5%
  • May: Good, temperature 14.5°C, rainfall 94.7mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 82.8%
  • June: Good, temperature 13.95°C, rainfall 22.5mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 74.2%
  • July: Great, temperature 14.5°C, rainfall 12.8mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 64.6%
  • August: Great, temperature 15.22°C, rainfall 37.9mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 65.2%
  • September: Good, temperature 15.07°C, rainfall 84.9mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 72.5%
  • October: Good, temperature 15.15°C, rainfall 116.3mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 74.4%
  • November: Poor, temperature 14.54°C, rainfall 146.9mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 79.6%
  • December: Good, temperature 14.6°C, rainfall 122.1mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 79.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the real vibe at Tourist Rest House, and is it a good base for gorilla trekking?

We love Tourist Rest House for its unpretentious charm and its incredibly convenient location for Parc National des Volcans. It feels more like a welcoming home than a hotel, and the staff truly go the extra mile. It's absolutely our top recommendation for trekkers who want comfort without fuss right on the doorstep of the gorillas.

Beyond gorilla trekking, what else can we do from Tourist Rest House?

While gorilla trekking is the main draw, Tourist Rest House is perfectly positioned for exploring the surrounding volcanoes. We highly recommend the hike to the Dian Fossey gravesite; it’s a poignant experience. You can also arrange golden monkey treks directly from the guesthouse, which are a delightful and less strenuous alternative.

What should we pack and expect in terms of amenities at Tourist Rest House?

Expect cozy, clean rooms with essential comforts. We suggest packing layers, sturdy hiking boots, and rain gear, as the weather in the volcanoes can change rapidly. While it’s not a luxury resort, the warmth of the hospitality and the hearty meals make it feel incredibly special after a long day in the park.

Is Tourist Rest House safe and what's the best time of year to visit?

We've always felt completely safe during our stays at Tourist Rest House; the staff are vigilant and the atmosphere is very relaxed. The dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, offer the best trekking conditions with less rain. However, even during the wetter months, the mist-shrouded volcanoes have a dramatic, otherworldly beauty.

What kind of food and drink can we expect at Tourist Rest House?

The food at Tourist Rest House is hearty, home-style Rwandan cooking – think delicious stews, fresh vegetables, and filling portions. We particularly enjoyed the evening meals, often served around a communal table, fostering a lovely sense of camaraderie. They also serve local Rwandan coffee and beer, which are definitely worth trying.

Other Safari Lodges in Parc National des Volcans

Parks in Northern Rwanda Volcanoes

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Rwanda

Travel advisory for Rwanda