Nyungwe National Park lies in the southwest of Rwanda, close to Lake Kivu, the Democratic Republic of the Congo border, and Burundi. The town of Cyangungu is home to the park.
The park, which now covers 970 km², was first established in 1903 as a forest reserve. More recently, in 2004, it was elevated to the status of a full national park in Rwanda.
The park’s greatest valued resource is Nyungwe Forest. It has been there since the Ice Age and is the largest remaining montane forest in Africa.
One of the great River Nile’s sources is thought to be Nyungwe Forest. The park’s varying mountainous, hilly, and level terrain contributes to its incredible plant diversity.
Many wildlife and bird species find the park’s vegetation and trees, along with its location within the Albertine Rift, to be ideal habitats. These elements include the mountains (in particular, Mount Bigugu).
Thirteen species of primates are among the 85 mammal species that can be found in the park.
The rare Angola Colobus Monkey, Golden Monkey, and Owl-faced Monkey can all be found in Nyungwe National Park.
Due to the forest’s abundant diversity of flora and fauna, the Rwandan government, together with other conservation groups, has invested a great deal of money to establish the park as one of the country’s top tourism destinations for safari travelers.
As a result, poaching in the forest has all but disappeared, and the local population has become more aware of the need to protect wildlife and trees.
Gisakura Visitor Centre
The Gisakura Center is located in Nyungwe National Park’s western region. Though it is self-settled among Nyungwe’s broken woodland, it is only a few meters from the park’s edge.
It is merely a 23-kilometer journey to Kamembe, a neighboring town in the Rusizi district.
The Gisakura tourist center benefits from a prime site in the forest. It provides quick access to the main road.
Because of the forest trees, its four shades provide a tranquil setting for those who enjoy the outdoors. Even during the drier months of the year, the bungalows’ surrounding trees provide excellent shade and fresh air.
Accommodation near the Gisakura Visitor Centre
Gisakura Family Hostel: Situated near a main road in Gisakura, this hostel is an excellent choice for budget travelers. Its staff is very friendly, and its basic but functional facilities will suit most needs. Group travelers will find the shared rooms and affordable meal options particularly useful.
Gisakura Guest House: Located 2 kilometers from the lush gardens of Nyungwe Forest National Park, this guest house boasts a simple yet functional design with rooms that are perfect for the budget traveler. Shared showers and toilets are kept immaculately clean by the welcoming staff. Lunch and dinner are served at the general restaurant for about $8.
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