Gisakura Guesthouse - Nyungwe National Park

Gisakura Guesthouse is a hotel near Nyungwe National Park.

Location
Nyungwe National Park, Western Rwanda Albertine Rift Forests, Rwanda, East Africa
Coordinates
-2.440104, 29.092516
Activities
hotel

PlnrScore: 28/100

Wildlife Near This Lodge

656 species observed within 20 km, 27 mammals, 152 birds.

  • L'Hoest's Monkey (Mammalia, 81 observations)
  • Blue Monkey (Mammalia, 54 observations)
  • Impatiens stuhlmannii (Plantae, 44 observations)
  • Impatiens bequaertii (Plantae, 40 observations)
  • Angola Colobus (Mammalia, 36 observations)
  • Congo cockatoo (Plantae, 35 observations)
  • Begonia meyeri-johannis (Plantae, 34 observations)
  • Great Blue Turaco (Aves, 32 observations)
  • Boehm's Bush Squirrel (Mammalia, 32 observations)
  • Purple Vlei Harlequin (Plantae, 31 observations)

Best Time to Visit Gisakura Guesthouse

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

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 14.24°C, rainfall 308.2mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 82.7%
  • February: Poor, temperature 14.63°C, rainfall 260.6mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 82%
  • March: Poor, temperature 14.7°C, rainfall 297.5mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 82.8%
  • April: Poor, temperature 14.61°C, rainfall 214mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 85.8%
  • May: Good, temperature 14.57°C, rainfall 111.6mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 82.1%
  • June: Good, temperature 13.76°C, rainfall 30.8mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 75.5%
  • July: Good, temperature 13.95°C, rainfall 27.1mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 69.3%
  • August: Good, temperature 14.77°C, rainfall 60.7mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 67.6%
  • September: Good, temperature 14.88°C, rainfall 136mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 73.4%
  • October: Poor, temperature 14.86°C, rainfall 173.6mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 77.3%
  • November: Poor, temperature 14.31°C, rainfall 229.7mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 82.8%
  • December: Poor, temperature 14.16°C, rainfall 271.8mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 84.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real vibe at Gisakura Guesthouse, and is it a good base for exploring Nyungwe Forest?

We find Gisakura Guesthouse offers a wonderfully comfortable and convenient stay, perfect for those prioritizing access to Nyungwe's incredible biodiversity. While it's more of a comfortable guesthouse than a sprawling luxury lodge, the service is warm and efficient, and the location is simply unbeatable for early morning forest excursions.

Beyond chimpanzee trekking, what other activities can we do from Gisakura Guesthouse?

While chimps are the main draw, we highly recommend exploring the canopy walkway for a unique perspective of the forest canopy and its inhabitants. Birdwatching here is also phenomenal; keep an eye out for the Albertine Rift endemics. The lodge can arrange guided nature walks on trails directly accessible from the property too.

What should we expect in terms of amenities and comfort at Gisakura Guesthouse?

Expect clean, comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and hot water, which is a welcome luxury after a day in the forest. The communal areas are pleasant for relaxing, and we always appreciate the reliable Wi-Fi. It's not opulent, but it's a solid, well-maintained base that feels welcoming.

Is Gisakura Guesthouse a safe place to stay, and what's the best time of year to visit?

We've always felt perfectly safe at Gisakura; the staff are attentive and the atmosphere is peaceful. For the best trekking conditions, we recommend the drier months from June to September and again from December to February, though Nyungwe is a rainforest and rain is always a possibility.

What's the typical cost range for a stay at Gisakura Guesthouse, and are park fees included?

Room rates at Gisakura are generally quite reasonable, offering excellent value for the prime location. Park entrance fees for Nyungwe National Park are separate and must be paid directly to the park authorities, so be sure to budget for those in addition to your accommodation.

Other Safari Lodges in Nyungwe National Park

Parks in Western Rwanda Albertine Rift Forests

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Rwanda

Travel advisory for Rwanda