Nyungwe accommodation: where to stay near the forest
The park runs its own places to sleep at three bases: Uwinka in the middle, Gisakura in the west and Gisovu in the north. The park also offers a lodge near Pindura, set back from the main road. Which base you choose depends on what you plan to do, because the forest is large and the activity start points are far apart.
For a first visit, most travelers want the Canopy Walkway and a forest trail, which start at Uwinka. Chimpanzee trekking at Cyamudongo starts from Gisakura. Look at chimpanzee trekking and the Canopy Walkway first, then pick the base that is closest to the start.
The park bases compared
Each base serves a different part of the forest.
| Base | Where | What is there | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uwinka | Middle of the park | Camping on platforms, a guesthouse with 2 bedrooms and 4 sleeping places, self-catering, parking | Canopy Walkway and forest trails |
| Gisakura | Western corridor, near the visitor centre | 6 wooden camping platforms; the community centre has parking, a café, camping and guest rooms | Waterfalls, community visits, Cyamudongo chimpanzees |
| Gisovu | Northern part of the park | Park guesthouses and a canteen open 07:00 to 20:00; a packed breakfast for tracking is possible | The north of the park |
| Lodge near Pindura | 1.2 km off the Kigali to Rusizi main road | Lodge offered by the park, opened in 2025 | Travelers who prefer a lodge to a campsite |
For most visitors, Uwinka is the simplest first base, because it sits next to the Canopy Walkway and forest trails. Choose Gisakura if chimpanzees at Cyamudongo or the tea country are your main plan.
Our pick: a night near the forest
A two-day trip with one night included, for a first stay.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Nyungwe trips with a night near the forest
Guided trips that include Nyungwe, with live prices and availability.
Uwinka: camping and a self-catering guesthouse
The central base for the Canopy Walkway.
Uwinka has park campsites on raised platforms and a guesthouse with 2 bedrooms and 4 sleeping places in total. Guests cook for themselves, so bring food. There is a car park at the campsite, so you can arrive by car.
The Canopy Walkway starts from the Uwinka visitor centre. The bridge is 160 m long and up to 70 m high, and the walk from the reception centre to the bridge takes about an hour.
Gisakura and Gisovu
West and north of the forest.
Gisakura has park camping near the visitor centre on 6 wooden platforms. It is the base for waterfall walks, community experiences and the Cyamudongo forest. The community centre there has a car park, a café, camping and guest accommodation. Tea plantations lie close by, see tea plantations near Nyungwe.
Gisovu is in the north. The park guesthouses there have a canteen open from 07:00 to 20:00, and a packed breakfast for a tracking morning is possible. Gisovu is also linked to the all-day chimpanzee habituation experience, which is not the same as normal trekking.
Camping rates and booking
2026 rates. Check the current figure before you book.
Camping per night
Adults pay $15 per person and night, and children aged 6 to 12 pay $7.50. For Rwanda and EAC residents the rate is RWF 15,000 for adults and RWF 7,500 for children. The tent and the park entry fee are charged separately.
Guesthouses and larger tents
Prices for guesthouse beds and the four-person tent are quoted per person and night. Ask what the price covers before you pay.
Entry fee on top
The entry fee is charged separately from the bed. For 2026, international adults pay $100 for one night, $150 for two and $200 for three. See park fees for the full list.
How to book
The park has a booking page with a request form and a reservation office. Availability is not shown on this page, so ask early. Private lodges and guesthouses outside the park set their own rates and terms.
Nyungwe lodge and accommodation: frequently asked questions
Where should I stay in Nyungwe?
It depends on your plan. Uwinka suits the Canopy Walkway and forest trails, Gisakura suits waterfalls and Cyamudongo chimpanzees, and Gisovu suits the north. The table above compares them.
Can I camp in Nyungwe?
Yes, on the park campsites at Uwinka and Gisakura. Adults pay $15 per night and children aged 6 to 12 pay $7.50 in 2026, with the tent and park entry charged separately.
Is there a lodge in or near Nyungwe?
The park offers a lodge near Pindura, 1.2 km off the Kigali to Rusizi main road. It opened in 2025.
Do I need to book accommodation in advance?
Plan ahead. The park has a booking page with a request form and a reservation office. Ask for the current availability before you set your dates.
Is park entry included in the price of a bed?
No. The entry fee is charged separately from camping and guesthouse prices. See park fees for the amounts.