The Shinehouse Gishwati Research Station, jointly operated by the Forest of Hope Association and faculty from West Chester University, is a facility dedicated to promoting research, study abroad activities, and community-based conservation initiatives in and around the Gishwati forest of the Gishwati Mukura National Park and to fostering interdisciplinary interaction and collaboration. Located on the southern edge of Gishwati, this research station offers easy access to and stunning views of the forest and is in close proximity to a local primary/secondary school and a regional health clinic. In addition, the research station is located within a short driving distance to both Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda.

The Shinehouse Gishwati Research Station offers services to individuals conducting short-term and long-term research in and around the Gishwati forest of Gishwati Mukura National Park. We offer bunk-style lodging in our dormitory facility and have a limited number of private single rooms. To make a reservation please visit https://gishwatiresearchstation.org/reservations/ or Contact directly Forest of Hope Via fharwanda2012@gmail.com or +250 783 491 512 ( Call or WhatsApp)

Individuals or groups planning on conducting research in or around Gishwati forest will need to obtain a research permit from the Rwandan Development Board (RDB) prior to the commencement of research activities. In addition, we ask researchers to send a copy of their research proposal to the Shinehouse Gishwati Research Station when booking so that we can help to coordinate research activities.

The current prices are structured as follow:

SGRS fees for field courses with stays less than two weeks in duration:

Lodging (Full board breakfast, lunch, and dinner), including cleaning and laundry service

Dormitory: $65/person/day
Single room: $85/person/day
Trail maintenance fee: $20/day/group

SGRS fees for long-term faculty, researchers, and students with stays over two weeks in duration:

Lodging (Full board breakfast, lunch, and dinner), including cleaning and laundry service

Dormitory: $600/individual/month
Single room: $750/individual/month
Trail maintenance fee: $75/project/month

Lodging: Lodging fees can be paid quarterly upon arrival at the research station. Please note, although the dormitory can house up to 24 individuals, there is limited availability for private rooms.

Trail Maintenance: The trail maintenance fee can be paid quarterly upon arrival at the research station. This fee applies to research that is conducted inside Gishwati forest and is used to maintain the trail system