Home » BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK: SAFARI LODGES AND HOTELS
BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK: SAFARI LODGES AND HOTELS
Are you planning a Rwanda safari, and Nyungwe National Park is on your bucket list, but you’re unsure of the budget-friendly lodges to stay at? This article on budget accommodation in Nyungwe Forest National Park is the ultimate answer!
Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda is one of East Africa’s premier biodiversity hotspots, attracting nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.
The park is famous for chimpanzee trekking safaris in Rwanda, the iconic Nyungwe canopy walk, bird watching, and immersive forest hikes.
While Nyungwe offers luxurious lodges, it also has a variety of affordable, comfortable, and eco-friendly budget accommodation options.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, there’s a budget-friendly place to stay that keeps you close to nature.
This is a detailed list of the Rwanda Nyungwe budget accommodation (safari lodges and hotels)!
Kitabi Eco Center
Perched on Mount Kitabi in Nyamagabe District, Kitabi Eco Center offers budget-friendly camping grounds and other accommodation options with sweeping views of Nyungwe Forest.
| Location | Located 2km from the edge of Nyungwe National Park’s eastern entrance (Kitabi)
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| Management | Run by local community members with a passion for conservation
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| Suites | Camping sites, traditional “King’s Palace” and “Prince’s Palace” stays with private bathrooms and forest views.
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| Facilities | restaurant serving local meals, communal lounge, garden, camping gear hire, excellent coffee & tea, free parking, toilets and bathrooms at the camping grounds, hot showers, and fire pits for night gatherings
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| Tourist Activities
| guided forest hikes, birding, tea plantation tours, Wellness retreats (yoga & meditation), and cultural experiences |
| Costs | $30 to $60 per person per night, with camping rates being the most affordable
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| Audience | Perfect choice for backpackers, solo travelers, groups, families, and eco-travelers
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Kitabi Eco Center donates 10% of proceeds to local projects supporting education and conservation, making it an ideal choice for responsible travelers.
Book your stay for unforgettable memories in Rwanda’s stunning Nyungwe National Park!
Gisakura Guesthouse
Gisakura Guesthouse is one of the most popular budget lodges located just 2 km from Nyungwe Forest National Park, near Gisakura tea plantations, that offers comfortable accommodation to guests on Rwanda safaris.
| Location | Located just 2km outside Nyungwe’s western edge near the Gisakura Tea Estate
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| Management | Managed by a local cooperative and formerly under Rwanda Parks
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| Suites | 12 stone bungalows with simple, clean rooms with private bathrooms, hot water, and Wi-Fi
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| Facilities | a dining area, lounge, free Wi-Fi, home-cooked meals, a restaurant, and pleasant staff
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| Tourist Activities
| Visitors can engage in bird watching, nature walks. chimpanzee trekking, the canopy walks, colobus monkey tracking, and village tea plantation tours
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| Costs | Room rates range from $35–$60/night
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| Audience | Popular with budget travelers looking for a peaceful and convenient stay while exploring this biodiverse forest national park in East Africa.
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Book your stay at this lodge for amazing experiences!
EAR Ken Barham Guest House
Ken Barham Guest House is a peaceful budget guest house located 24 km from Nyungwe Forest National Park in the Gisakura area, ideal for budget travelers exploring East Africa.
| Location | 24 km from Nyungwe Forest National Park in the Gisakura area
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| Management | Managed by the Anglican Church
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| Suites | Comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, hot water, mosquito nets, and some with balconies or garden views
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| Facilities | Guests enjoy Wi-Fi, breakfast, local meals, and a bar
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| Tourist Activities
| cultural visits, chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks, bird watching, forest hikes, and visits to tea plantations |
| Costs | between $25–$45/night
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| Audience | a good choice for missionaries, volunteers, groups, and those seeking affordable accommodation around Nyungwe National Park during Rwanda tours
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Book this facility for peaceful rest!
Peace Guest House
Located in Kamembe near Lake Kivu, Peace Guest House is a great option for those who want a quiet place to rest before or after their Rwanda Nyungwe safari.
| Location | Near Nyungwe visitor centers, e.g., Uwinka Visitor Center in 51km, Gisakura visitor centre in 37km
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| Suites | standard rooms with en-suite bathrooms and lake views
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| Facilities | restaurant, prayer room, garden, customer service, and secure parking
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| Tourist Activities
| , Chimp treks, Canopy walks, visits to Lake Kivu, Kibuye town, and the Gisakura area |
| Costs | between $20 and $40 per person per night
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| Audience | Ideal for peace-seekers and budget travelers.
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Stay at this guesthouse during your Rwanda tours for memorable experiences!
Uwinka Campsite
Deep within the heart of Nyungwe Forest near the Uwinka Reception Center, this campsite is the best option for adventurers on Rwanda trips.
| Location | Very close to Uwinka Reception Center
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| Management | Managed by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
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| Suites and Facilities | offers basic camping facilities set under a wooden shade, including tents (on a wooden platform), shared bathrooms, firewood, and guides
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| Tourist Activities
| chimpanzee trekking, the canopy walk, and guided nature hikes |
| Costs | highly affordable, with camping fees around $15 to $25 per person
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| Audience | Suitable for campers who are encouraged to bring their own camping gear or rent at the park office.
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Reserve your stay at this campsite for fascinating views and African safaris in Nyungwe park!
Gisakura Family Hostel
This hostel provides dormitory-style and private room options for families and groups on Rwanda Nyungwe safaris.
| Location | Located near the Gisakura entrance and tea plantations, or 3Km from the exit of the park coming from Kigali via Huye
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| Management | Managed by a local family
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| Suites | Offers basic but clean rooms (5 bedrooms)
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| Facilities | free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, and local meals
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| Tourist Activities
| walking tours, canopy walks, and tea Plantation experiences |
| Costs | Nightly rates range from $20 to $35 per person
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| Audience | Best for budget-conscious groups or backpackers
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Sleep comfortably without breaking the bank by staying at this facility!
Nyungwe Eco Village
Nyungwe Eco Village is another affordable gem near Gisakura in the Kitabi sector of Nyamagabe district of southern Rwanda, blending eco-living with cultural tourism.
BIOCOOP Rwanda has established Nyungwe Village, enhancing livelihoods and promoting sustainable development, generating job opportunities and stunning scenery for local communities.
| Location | 1km from the eastern entrance of Nyungwe Park
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| Management | Managed by a local cooperative
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| Suites | offers traditional-style rooms, shared bathrooms, and clean bedding.
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| Facilities | a kitchen, bathrooms, etc.
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| Tourist Activities
| Cultural dances, forest tours, climate-smart agriculture, nature walks, tracking chimpanzees, birding, canopy walk, |
| Costs | between $20 and $40 per person per night
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| Audience | Great for those who want to combine conservation and cultural experiences.
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Reserve your stay at this lodging for memorable Rwanda Nyungwe safaris!
Notre Dame Kibeho Rest House
Located in the religious town of Kibeho, this guesthouse serves pilgrims and visitors exploring the south of Rwanda.
| Location | Kibeho
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| Management | managed by Catholic nuns
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| Suites | basic and affordable accommodation
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| Facilities | clean beds, shared bathrooms, meals, and a chapel.
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| Tourist Activities
| Pilgrimages to Kibeho, safari excursions to Nyungwe |
| Costs | Prices are around $15 to $30 per night
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| Audience | Suitable for religious tourists heading to the holy land at Kibeho or those stopping over en route to Nyungwe.
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Reserve your stay at this property for incredible rest and Rwanda safari stays!
Home Saint Jean Guest House
Located in Cyangugu, this guesthouse overlooks Lake Kivu and offers affordable rooms, delicious Rwandan food, and a peaceful setting for guests on Rwanda Nyungwe safaris.
| Location | overlooks Lake Kivu
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| Management | Managed by a Catholic mission
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| Suites and Facilities | clean, modest rooms (single or dormitory style rooms) with shared bathrooms |
| Tourist Activities
| Guests can explore Nyungwe Forest and local lakeside attractions. |
| Costs | Prices range from $15 to $30 per person
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| Audience | Best for overnight stays before entering Nyungwe
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Book and stay at this property for good views and rest!
Other Budget Accommodation Options in Nyungwe National Park
- Macheo Eco Lodge
- Gisovu Guesthouse (northeastern part of Nyungwe, near the Gisovu Tea Factory)
- Gisakura Campsite
- Imuhira Eco Tourism Campsite (Found within the Gisakura area)
Book and stay at any of these accommodation facilities during Rwanda Nyungwe safaris for unforgettable experiences!
What To Consider When Looking for Budget Accommodation in Nyungwe National Park?
- Proximity to park entrances like Kitabi, Gisakura, or Uwinka
- Type of accommodation (guesthouse, lodge, campsite, hostel)
- Available amenities: Wi-Fi, hot water, private bathrooms, kitchen
- Affordability and value for money
- Accessibility to park activities: canopy walk, chimpanzee trekking, watching Nyungwe forest bird species.
- Guest reviews and ratings
- Ownership and support of local communities
- Security and cleanliness
How To Book Budget Accommodation in Nyungwe National Park?
Booking budget accommodation in Nyungwe can be done via:
- Official websites of the guesthouses or lodges
- Local tour operators and travel agents
- Online travel platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb
- Contacting the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) for campsite reservations
- Phone or email communication with lodge management.
Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially during the dry season (June–September and December–February).
FAQs
What Is the Cheapest Lodge Near Nyungwe Forest National Park?
Uwinka Campsite and Gisakura Campsite are among the most affordable options for tourists seeking comfortable stays during Rwanda tours, starting from $10–15 per night.
Is It Safe to Stay in Budget Accommodations Around Nyungwe?
Most budget accommodations are secure and managed by trusted local communities or institutions, making them safe options.
Can I Book Chimpanzee Trekking from A Budget Lodge?
Most budget lodges can help organize chimp trekking permits and guides for guests on Rwanda Nyungwe safaris.
Do Budget Accommodations Provide Meals?
Many of these properties provide meals or have shared kitchens where guests can cook or request food during their stays.
Is There Wi-Fi in These Budget Guesthouses?
Some offer free Wi-Fi, especially in the Gisakura area, but internet connections may be slow.
Which Accommodation Is Best for Families or Groups?
Gisakura Family Hostel and Kitabi Eco Center offer family rooms and group rates, making them the best options for family or group stays.
What Should I Pack for A Budget Stay?
Bring insect repellent, rain gear, hiking shoes, and a refillable water bottle, but to be on the safe side, consult your tour operator on the most recommended items to avoid carrying excess luggage.
Contact us now and let us book your Budget accommodation in Nyungwe National Park!