Gisovu Guesthouse
Enjoy lake and mountain views – including Muzimu, second-highest mountain in Nyungwe.
Welcome to Gisovu Guesthouse
Located in the northern part of the park, the two Gisovu guesthouses are set in a clearing on a beautiful hill overlooking Lake Kivu and surrounded by Nyungwe’s tree-covered mountains. Gisovu is the perfect spot from which to experience Nyungwe’s wildlife in the form of birding and nature walks, and to enjoy a Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.
The staff canteen at Gisovu has food available for purchase and opens from 7am to 8pm. Guests who are going to track chimps can order breakfast at the canteen to take with them before setting off.
Experiences
Canopy Walkway
This suspended canopy walkway provides an exhilarating perspective, with 360-degree views over the ancient montane rainforest canopy. The walk starts from Uwinka Visitor Centre.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Meet one of our three semi-habituated acrobatic chimpanzee communities (Cyamudongo, Mayebe and Gisovu) on an adventurous chimpanzee tracking. Each community is visited by eight people maximum per day.
Adventure Trails
Nyungwe’s mountainous landscape is an ideal hiker’s destination – the park boasts an extensive network of scenic hiking trails. Ten hiking trails begin from the Uwinka Visitor Centre and three from Gisakura Campsite.
Colobus Monkey Tracking
Track a “super troop” of more than 400 Angolan black and white colobus monkeys, starting from Uwinka Visitor Centre. Another group of 50 can be tracked from Gisakura Campsite reception.
Specialised Birding Experience
Home to 322 bird species of which 30 are endemic to Albertine Rift region, Nyungwe offers an exceptional birding experience with the help of the park’s expert bird guides.
Night walk
Experience the forest at night, where primates such as galagos, pottos, tree hyraxes, anomalures (scaly-tailed squirrels), and other nocturnal wildlife are awake.
Cyinzobe Hike
Walk through the heart of the rainforest with spectacular views, the extensive Kamiranzovu swamp, streams and waterfalls. This catered three-day hike overnights in wooden cottages built at the best trail spots.
Community-based Experiences
Discover traditional handcrafts, blacksmithing, pottery making, traditional dances, traditional brewing techniques, or take a Tea Tour. These are available outside Nyungwe, in the villages of Banda and Gisakura. Enquire at the Gisakura Reception Centre.
Hike with a Guide
All hiking activities in the park are led by community freelance guides. Available at Gisakura and Uwinka reception centres, they offer a memorable experience in the park.
Chimp Habituation Experience
Join the trackers as they follow a chimp family through the day, allowing the chimps to become accustomed to human beings and learning all about this fascinating primate.
Cyamudongo Community Centre
The centre offers handicrafts, coffee and breakfast, a campsite and guesthouse (two cottages). It has a parking lot for guests and driver guides going chimp tracking in the neighbouring Cyamudongo Forest.
Sip a Cup of Coffee
Before or after your hike, chimps or colobus monkey tracking, camping or driving through, enjoy superb Rwandan coffee and buy a gift at the Gisakura, Gisovu and Uwinka coffee shops.
More about Gisovu Guesthouse
- 1 cottage with 3 twin bedrooms for 6 guests
- 1 cottage with 3 bedrooms – 2 twins and 1 single for 5 guests
- En-suite, self-catering – food can be purchased at the staff canteen
- Sheets and towels are provided
- The kitchen is equipped with cooking utensils, cutlery, crockery and pots and pans.
- Gas is provided for cooking
- 24-hour mains electricity
- Water is stored in tanks and can be used for cooking and washing; boil the water before drinking
- Water is heated by a solar heater or a geyser
INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
- Wi-Fi signal is intermittent
How to Get There
Drive 205km from Kigali; 87km from Karongi town to Hanika, Nyamasheke District. Then drive 19km on a marram road.
Rates and Map
Please download the latest rates and map.
Visiting a park managed by African Parks is one of the best ways to support communities, wildlife conservation, and the long-term success of Africa’s wild areas. Use the link below to plan your visit today!