Gorillas Lake - Gishwati Forest Reserve

Gorillas Lake is a hotel near Gishwati Forest Reserve.

Location
Gishwati Forest Reserve, Western Rwanda Albertine Rift Forests, Rwanda, East Africa
Coordinates
-1.699304, 29.255245
Activities
hotel

PlnrScore: 20/100

Wildlife Near This Lodge

183 species observed within 20 km, 9 mammals, 73 birds.

  • Straw-coloured Fruit Bat (Mammalia, 30 observations)
  • Black Kite (Aves, 12 observations)
  • Gray Crowned-Crane (Aves, 11 observations)
  • African Pied Wagtail (Aves, 9 observations)
  • Red-chested Sunbird (Aves, 9 observations)
  • Pied Kingfisher (Aves, 8 observations)
  • Great Cormorant (Aves, 8 observations)
  • White-browed Robin-Chat (Aves, 8 observations)
  • Speckle-lipped Mabuya (Reptilia, 7 observations)
  • Hadada Ibis (Aves, 6 observations)

Best Time to Visit Gorillas Lake

The best months to visit Gorillas Lake are May, June, July, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 14.02°C, rainfall 157.9mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 79.4%
  • February: Poor, temperature 14.36°C, rainfall 151.7mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 79.2%
  • March: Poor, temperature 14.45°C, rainfall 193.6mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 80.8%
  • April: Poor, temperature 14.27°C, rainfall 174.4mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 85.1%
  • May: Good, temperature 14.35°C, rainfall 105.8mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 81.9%
  • June: Good, temperature 13.77°C, rainfall 35mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 73.2%
  • July: Good, temperature 13.74°C, rainfall 28.6mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 67.9%
  • August: Good, temperature 14.45°C, rainfall 51.4mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 67.8%
  • September: Good, temperature 14.31°C, rainfall 143.8mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 75.3%
  • October: Good, temperature 14.5°C, rainfall 133.1mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 76.5%
  • November: Poor, temperature 13.95°C, rainfall 188.1mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 82%
  • December: Poor, temperature 13.93°C, rainfall 168.5mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 81.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

We're planning a trip to Gorillas Lake, primarily for the Gishwati Forest Reserve. What are the chances of actually seeing gorillas there, and how does it compare to other gorilla trekking destinations?

While Gishwati Forest Reserve is indeed a gem for primate viewing, it's important to manage expectations regarding gorillas. The gorilla population here is smaller and less habituated than in Volcanoes National Park. We recommend Gorillas Lake as an excellent base for exploring Gishwati's diverse biodiversity, including golden monkeys and chimpanzees, but for a guaranteed, up close gorilla encounter, Volcanoes is still the premier destination. That said, the intimacy of a Gishwati trek, if you are fortunate enough to see gorillas, is unparalleled.

What's the best time of year to visit Gorillas Lake and Gishwati Forest Reserve for optimal wildlife viewing and comfortable trekking conditions?

We love visiting Gorillas Lake during the dry seasons, from June to September and again from December to February. The trails are less muddy and more manageable, making your treks into Gishwati Forest Reserve far more enjoyable. While you can visit year round, these periods offer the best balance of good weather and active wildlife, though always be prepared for a tropical shower, no matter the season.

Beyond gorilla trekking, what unique activities does Gorillas Lake offer or recommend in the immediate vicinity of Gishwati Forest Reserve?

Gorillas Lake excels at immersing you in the local environment. We highly recommend their guided nature walks through Gishwati Forest Reserve, which offer incredible opportunities to spot golden monkeys, various bird species, and learn about the area's unique flora from knowledgeable guides. They also organize visits to local communities, providing a genuine cultural exchange that we found incredibly rewarding and far more authentic than typical tourist experiences.

We've heard Rwanda can be quite expensive. Can you give us a realistic idea of the costs associated with staying at Gorillas Lake and participating in activities in Gishwati?

Gorillas Lake offers a luxurious and timeless experience, and yes, Rwanda is a premium safari destination. Expect lodge rates to reflect the quality of accommodation, service, and the exclusivity of the location. Activity costs, particularly park entry fees and permits for any primate tracking, are significant but contribute directly to conservation efforts. We advise budgeting for your accommodation, meals, guided walks, and any specific permits you might be interested in well in advance.

Safety is always a concern. What can you tell us about safety measures at Gorillas Lake and when exploring Gishwati Forest Reserve?

We felt completely secure throughout our stay at Gorillas Lake. The lodge staff are attentive and maintain high standards of safety and hygiene. When venturing into Gishwati Forest Reserve, you are always accompanied by experienced rangers who are experts in navigating the terrain and understanding wildlife behavior. They ensure your trek is safe and respectful of the natural environment, allowing you to focus on the incredible sights and sounds.

Other Safari Lodges in Gishwati Forest Reserve

Parks in Western Rwanda Albertine Rift Forests

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Rwanda

Travel advisory for Rwanda