To visit Gishwati Forest of the Gishwati-Mukura National Park, it is a requirement to stay at the Forest of Hope Guest House and Camp Site. Gishwati Forest is an example of ecotourism at its best, with the proceeds of every visit contributing to the restoration, protection and conservation of both the park,s diverse flora and fauna and the upliftment of its surrounding communities. This exclusive experience will help you enjoy the beauty of Gishwati with your family members and friends.

Highlights:
– A stunning forest experience that can include a chance to admire the primates, an amazing waterfall hike, excellent birding, and nature walks.
– Visits to surrounding community projects, learning about the medicinal and cultural uses of the trees and plants in the area, and meeting local weavers, potters, sculptors, and craftsmen, and admiring their handiwork.

Facilities:

The Forest of Hope Guest House offers 2 en-suite rooms with 2 twin beds, including mosquito nets; no triple rooms are available. Hot water, electricity, and wifi are available. The Guest House will cater for 3 meals a day breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with the latter two from a set menu prepared by the Gishwati chef. The rate includes drinks like tea, coffee, water, and juice. Alcoholic drinks are available at an additional charge.

The Forest of Hope Camp Site is un-serviced and only suitable for self-catering guests. Toilet and shower facilities, a small fireplace, a barbeque stand, and water for cleaning and cooking are available.

Note: No vehicles are on-site at the Forest of Hope Guest House and Camp Site. Thus, guests must travel with their own vehicle or book a vehicle via their tour operator. For the 1 km access road, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended.

Check-in and Check-out Times:
– Check-in time is after 14:00 pm
– Check-out time is before 10:00 am

Children:
Children 15 years or older are welcome to stay at the Guest House or Camp Site and join the forest experience. Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Hiking:
Gishwati Forest has beautiful hills, cool climate, and is situated in an area with high rainfall. We recommend that guests bring good walking/hiking shoes, rain gear, and some warm layers to make the most of the experience.

Payment Facilities:
– Payment for accommodation must be made by bank transfer.
– Additional charges for drinks, souvenirs, laundry or other extras can be settled by MOMO or cash.

Please note it is not possible to book accommodation and park fee separately.

We regret, no walk-in guests can be accommodated.
All bookings to be made in advance by email to fharwanda2012@gmail.com or via +250 783 491 512

Guest House Rates Include:
Accommodation, 3 meals per day, beverages like coffee/tea/water/juice, guided activities in the park, and guided visits to the surrounding community initiatives (community cooperatives might have an additional charge for the visit).

Guest House Rates Exclude:
Transport to and from the accommodation, laundry on request service, souvenirs, alcoholic and soda beverages.

Terms and Conditions
– 100% payment is required at least 1 month before travel.
– In the case of a last-minute booking, 100% payment is required at least 1 week before travel.
– In the case of cancellation, no refund is offered; however, if communicated a week before travel date, a new booking date can be made.

Location and Route Description . Forest of Hope Guest House and Camp Site
Rutsiro District, Western Province, Rwanda. GPS co-ordinates -1.83221, 29.35438

From Kigali or Rubavu on the NR2 take the turn at Pfunda Tea Estate on to the NR11. Follow the NR11 for roughly 25 km. You will pass first the Gishwati Forest sign, and after passing the Kinihira village sign turn left at the signpost for Forest of Hope Guest House and Camp Site. Continue for 1 km along this access road (4x4 is recommended). Keep left and follow the small signage until you reach the Forest of Hope.

Feedbacks from Guests:

Ambassador Eric Kneedler
U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda
A big thanks to the @FHA_Rwanda team for their warm hospitality. My family really enjoyed learning about the important work they are doing preserving Gishwati-Mukura National Park and building back the chimpanzee populationin partnership with WCUofPA.

Ambassador Belen Calvo Uyarra
Ambassador of the European Union to Rwanda
@Gishwati_Mukura National Park &Forest of Hope: an inspiring journey of conservation &restoration of mountain rainforest! The hikes in the forest, the chimpanzees &golden monkeys.Thank you team @FHA_Rwanda for a memorable stay!

Philip Briggs
Freelance Travel Writer, Author of Bradt Rwanda
I remember in 2006 or thereabouts, while researching the third edition of Bradt Rwanda, heading off on a wild goose chase in search of the last rumoured relict patch of the once vast Gishwati Forest. I eventually concluded it had probably been chopped down too.
So 16 years later, it feels really special to be staying at the 2-room Forest of Hope Guesthouse on the edge of what is now the Gishwati sector of Rwanda’s newest national park. We were fortunate to have decent sightings of all three primates on a forest walk this morning, very clear and, in the case of the very vocal male chimp, rather dramatic. Birds included black-billed turaco (very similar call to our familiar Knysna turaco), blue-headed sunbird, regal sunbird (an Albertine Rift endemic) and least honeyguide.

Ambassador Omar Daair
British High Commissioner to Rwanda & Ambassadeur au Burundi.
"Incredible weekend at Gishwati National Park. We saw the chimpanzees and Golden monkeys, which are amazing! Plus, the views from the Guesthouse are stunning. Big thanks to the excellent team @FHA_Rwanda for a memorable stay."

Ambassador Ron Adam
Diplomat at @IsraelMFA, Ambassador of Israel to Rwanda
"I was honored and excited to be among the first tourist to visit the Gishwati Mukura national park and to observe a group of Chimpanzees. Thank you for the Best experience".