Where to stay in Gishwati Makuru national park
Where to Stay in Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Gishwati-Mukura National Park isn’t Rwanda’s most famous park that title belongs to Volcanoes National Park. But it’s rapidly becoming a must-visit for travelers looking for raw beauty, biodiversity, and fewer crowds. Tucked away in the western part of the country, this park is the newest in Rwanda, officially gazetted in 2015. It’s a conservation success story, home to endangered chimpanzees, golden monkeys, over 230 bird species, and lush montane forests that have bounced back from decades of deforestation.
But here’s the thing, Gishwati-Mukura is still developing its tourism infrastructure. It’s not overrun with resorts or flashy eco-lodges, and that’s part of the appeal. Staying near or in the park is about authenticity, immersion, and responsible travel. If you’re planning a trip, this guide will walk you through the best lodging options, what’s available now, what’s coming soon, and how to choose based on your travel goals.
Gishwati Lodge Where to stay in Gishwati-Mukura National park
Location: Near the Gishwati Sector, Northern part of the park
Gishwati Lodge is currently the only lodge inside the park boundaries, and it’s a game-changer. Built by Wilderness Safaris, it blends sustainability with comfort. The lodge offers just a handful of luxury cottages, each designed to minimize impact on the environment while maximizing comfort. Think solar power, rainwater harvesting, and local materials, without compromising hot showers or gourmet meals.
Guests have access to exclusive guided treks, including chimpanzee tracking, nature walks, and birding tours. With trained park guides and researchers often present, you’re getting more than a sightseeing trip, you’re part of a conservation experience.
The lodge offers direct access to the park’s primates and birdlife, private, peaceful, and surrounded by nature. It has strong commitment to community and conservation
Lake Kivu Lodges where to stay in Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
Location: Rubavu (Gisenyi), 1–1.5 hours drive from Gishwati sector
If you’d prefer a slightly more cosmopolitan base with better access to restaurants, markets, and activities like kayaking or boat tours, Rubavu is your spot. The town sits on the northern shore of Lake Kivu and offers a range of accommodation from upscale hotels like Lake Kivu Serena Hotel to charming guesthouses. Though not inside the park, Rubavu offers a balance spend the day hiking Gishwati’s trails, then return to a cocktail by the lake.
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
This is the most luxurious option in Rubavu, located just 3 km from Gisenyi’s center on its own stretch of Lake Kivu shoreline. The resort has 66 rooms, including standard, family, and luxury suites, all equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and balconies facing the lake or gardens. Onsite dining includes the buffet-style Kiyaga Restaurant, the lakeside Ziwani Beach Café & Bar, and the Lake View Bar & Terrace which are perfect for sunset drinks. Guests have access to a private beach, a large pool, tennis courts, a spa, wellness center, and business services. Activities like jet-skiing, kayaking, biking the Congo-Nile trail, and birding make this ideal for couples, families, or business travelers. Downsides include its price and reports of swimming restrictions or bilharzia warnings, especially for non-guests.
Inzu Lodge.
Perched on a hillside just outside Gisenyi, Inzu Lodge offers a budget-friendly, eco-conscious alternative. Guests sleep in safari-style tents or bamboo huts with open-air bathrooms and sweeping lake views. It’s not luxury, but it’s full of character, perfect for travelers who prioritize atmosphere and scenery over polished finishes. The lodge is known for its friendly staff, great food (especially grilled fish), and relaxed vibe. It also offers bike and motorbike rentals, access to the Congo-Nile trail, and a floating bar for group gatherings. It’s cash-only and Wi-Fi is limited, but for around $30–$40 per night, it’s one of the best values near the lake.
Hakuna Matata Lodge.
Located in the quieter Rubona area just outside Gisenyi, Hakuna Matata Lodge offers a blend of comfort, creativity, and personal service. Its wood-carved rooms feature balconies with views of Lake Kivu and surrounding gardens. The atmosphere is artistic and peaceful, making it a favorite for couples or travelers looking for a more intimate, locally flavored stay. Guests can arrange for boat rides, visit nearby coffee plantations, or simply unwind on the terraces. While it’s a bit outside town and smaller in scale than larger hotels, its charm and unique setting more than make up for it.
Palm Garden Resort / Paradise Malahide / Stipp Hotel (Mid-Range Staples)
These three mid-range lodges are located in or near Gisenyi town and offer practical, clean, and comfortable options for travelers. Palm Garden and Paradise Malahide both offer access to the beach, lush gardens, and local-style hospitality. Stipp Hotel is slightly more business-oriented but still caters to tourists with decent amenities and service. Room rates range from $60 to $110 per night, making them affordable for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who want straightforward, convenient lodging with good access to both the town and Lake Kivu.
Kivu Hilltop View Hotel & Resort.
This newer boutique hotel sits slightly above the lake, offering panoramic views from each of its 18 rooms. With stylish interiors, attentive staff, and modern amenities, it’s a great middle ground between budget and luxury. Guests appreciate the fast service, scenic balconies, and peaceful ambiance. It’s a good fit for travelers who want a touch of style without paying Serena-level rates. While it’s less known than some competitors, its location and newer facilities make it an emerging favorite.
ARAUCARIA Residence
ARAUCARIA is a clean, modern guest residence directly on the lakeshore in Rubavu. It offers well-maintained rooms, excellent service, and shared common spaces like lounges and kitchens. With rates around $80 per night, it strikes a balance between hotel polish and the casual comfort of a home stay. It’s a great choice for digital nomads, families, or couples who want self-catering options and easy access to the lake, town, and restaurant.
Local Guesthouses and Community Homestays Where to stay in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Location: Villages bordering the park like Nyabihu and Ngaruroro Districts
In recent years, community tourism has become a focus in the Gishwati-Mukura buffer zones. Several community-based organizations now offer homestays or basic guesthouses for travelers who want to directly support local families. Accommodations are typically simple shared bathrooms, home-cooked meals, solar lanterns but the experience is rich.
You’ll meet local farmers, be invited to participate in banana beer brewing or traditional dances, and hear firsthand how conservation has reshaped life in the region. This provides direct support to local communities, cultural experiences beyond the park and very affordable.
Eco-Camping and Future Lodge Developments Where to stay in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Location: Near the Mukura sector, southern end of the park
Mukura Forest, the smaller and less-developed part of the park, currently has limited infrastructure. However, Rwanda’s government and conservation partners are working to develop low-impact campsites and eco-lodges in the area.
While there’s no full-scale operation open yet, camping options exist for travelers with their own gear and arrangements through park management. In the next few years, we expect to see sustainable accommodations popping up, likely operated in partnership with local cooperatives.
When deciding where to stay around Gishwati-Mukura, ask yourself. Do you want wildlife access at your doorstep, or are you okay with commuting?, Are you looking for luxury, local authenticity, or something in between? Are you traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group with different comfort needs? If money isn’t a major concern and you want deep forest immersion, Gishwati Lodge is the clear winner. For a balance of comfort and versatility, Lake Kivu’s Rubavu lodges are excellent. And if you want your money to go far while making a direct impact, opt for community homestays.
No matter where you stay, what sets Gishwati-Mukura apart is its raw, unpolished beauty and the real sense that your presence supports a conservation story still unfolding. This is not a mass-market destination. It’s for travelers who care about nature, about people, and about making tourism a force for good. Pro tip: Always book in advance, especially for park permits and guides. Accommodations are limited, and spontaneous travel here isn’t always possible.