Uwinka Guest House

Uwinka Guest House is in the centre of Nyungwe National Park, at Uwinka, the starting point for the canopy walk and several trails.

Rooms

It is a self-catering cottage with two bedrooms sleeping four, a living room, a kitchen, a dining area and a fireplace. Campsites are nearby, and a café at reception serves food during the day.

Why we like it

• Sleep inside the forest.
• Close to the canopy walk and trails.
• Good for independent travellers and families.

Who it suits

Independent travellers, families and campers.

Getting there

Nyungwe is about five to six hours from Kigali by road via Huye, a scenic drive that can include the King’s Palace at Nyanza. From Lake Kivu at Karongi, it is about two hours. The main road runs right through the forest.

Things to do nearby

• Chimpanzee trekking at dawn.
• The canopy walkway at Uwinka.
• Colobus walks. See colobus troops of Nyungwe.
• Waterfall hikes and birding.
• Tea estate visits at Gisakura.

About Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest mountain rainforests, covering about 1,000 km² in south-western Rwanda. It is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees and huge troops of colobus, as well as the famous canopy walkway at Uwinka and more than 300 bird species. Read chimpanzees in Nyungwe and Nyungwe canopy walk.

Two nights in Nyungwe and/or Akagera between November and May qualify you for a 30% discount on Rwanda’s gorilla permit.

Nyungwe is cool and wet all year, so bring a warm layer and a rain jacket. The drier months, June to August and December to February, make the steep trails easier, and early mornings are best for chimps and birds. Birders should read Nyungwe’s forest specials, and anyone driving from Kigali can break the journey at the King’s Palace at Nyanza.

Planning your stay

Two nights allow chimp trekking, the canopy walk and a colobus walk. See our 3-day Nyungwe chimpanzees and canopy walk.