Nyungwe National Park — Attraction in Bushekeri

My everlasting impression of staying just outside the Gisakura entrance was a jungle backdrop with mountain mist emerging with rolling vibrant green rolling hills in the forefront where locals where baskets on their backs as they harvest tea leaves and shout out at tourists, “Give me money.” the sounds of huge trucks coming down the one road that makes up the town, pushing their engines and melting their breaks as they drive in the middle of the road to avoid the adorable children alongside the roads who run up to tourists to eagerly say hello and then demand, “give me money!” A few rundown, overpriced hotels with semi-warm showers and no wifi, A tiny tourism office, followed by Tiny stalls selling basic produce where locals give you the side eye, young men blast loud music and shout out, “Give me money.” A toddler walks alongside her mother and waves, you smile and wave hello. The child smiles back. “muzungu” the mother says and picks up her toddler, cuddling the child she says, “say muzungu, give me money!” At the national park reception center friendly and helpful guides smile and help you book experiences in the park.

It’s not backpacker friendly area as the locals are unfriendly and there is no where to walk and enjoy for free in the park even a simple walk looking at birds costs $50 plus tip. (This is the best deal because you can walk around all day with your guide and May see monkeys too.) the Waterfall hike $50 plus tip. Bridge walk $50 plus tip. A tour of the tea farm is $20-30 for a couple hours. The only savior is there is one bar/restaurant in town that is friendly, has a view, wifi, tv, and good food…. Or you I can sit at the gorgeous patio cafe at the park reception (no wifi.)

This being said, I looooved seeing The chimpanzees. Being surrounded by wild Chimps, their yells echoing around you as you stand in a jungle is an unforgettable experience. If you do It yourself It costs $100e plus $80-100 for a driver and car for the “day” so it’s near to try to get in and get out for this experience…. Sadly pre booking through a travel agency is a rip off and you have to go to the reception to book it yourself to save money…. But a PCR test is required and it could be booked out for the next few days so you could end up stuck waiting for 2-4 days in a town that is very unfriendly...

We had not pre booked as we visited at the end of November. We did not want to do primate tracking but were told we’d need a rapid covid test which is a lateral flow test at a medical centre. The lovely reception team sent us off to Gisakura medical centre where we had the tests and registered results on the government site while also getting a copy from the nurses screen!! The next day we did the amazing canopy walk and a 3 hours trek which took me more than four hours! Nywungwe is very hilly! Thanks to our guide John who really helped me ! It is definitely not to be missed. Even getting there is an adventure ( we...

Incredible Nyungwe Experience with Primates Eyes Safaris! Exploring Nyungwe National Park with Primates Eyes Safaris was unforgettable! We trekked to see chimpanzees, walked the canopy bridge, and soaked in the lush rainforest. The guides were professional, knowledgeable, and made everything seamless. Highly recommend visiting Nyungwe with Primates Eyes Safaris — a true Rwandan...