News about Ihema view campsite

Karin writes:  Thank you for the usefull information in the guide. I slept two nights in my own tent at the Ihema view campsite (see https://bradtrwandaupdate.wordpress.com/2018/07/05/ihema-view-campsite-akagera-national-park/) outside Akagera National Park.  Unfortunately it seems the guides have sold their campsite and area to a foreigner who plans to upgrade the site, build a swimming pool etc.  At …

Forest of Hope Guest House and Campsite, Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Having been proclaimed a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in October 2020, Gishwati-Mukura National Park (page 222-3 of Bradt 7th edition), has formally opened to tourism as of 1 December 2020. Tourist amenities include the Forest of Hope Guest House and Campsite, which stands in the park's Gishwati sector. The guesthouse comprises two simple en-suite double rooms, …

Update to “Mountain bike routes” grey box (page 58, 7th edition)

Now expanded to 680+ pages, the impressively thorough guide to mountain biking in Rwanda compiled by long-time resident and bicycling aficionado Kaspar Kundert (e kasparjkundert@gmail.com) remains an invaluable resource for anyone planning to explore the roads and trails of Rwanda by bicycle (or foot, for that matter). It contains nearly 80 documented tracks downloadable in …

A message from Bradt Guides – and 50% discount on all Bradt titles

You don’t need reminding what an awful time we’re all facing. Life is on lock-down and each day brings more bad news. For the moment, as we’re stuck at home trying to get to grips with ‘social distancing’, the world feels a smaller place. But the world is still out there, as big as it’s …

The Congo-Nile Trail between Rubavu/Gisenyi and Karongi/Kibuye

Jan writes: Driving south along the Lake Kivu shore from Rubavu/Gisenyi, we had almost reached the end of the shore road, just before Mushubati, where it should cut up to the main tarmac road to Karongi/Kibuye. It wasn’t a good road, but doable, and it offers fabulous views, people etc. Then we hit the uncrossable …

ViaVia Guesthouse, Kigali

Thanks to Astrid Herbosch for letting me know that she has opened an outlet of the Belgian travel cafe franchise ViaVia in Kigali. She writes: ViaVia Kigali is a new boutique guesthouse in Kigali. We have 5 private rooms (from US$60 single/US$75 double or twin), a stylish dorm (US$25 per person per night), 3 gardens, 2 …

Sailors Resto and Cafe, Kibuye/Karongi

Rachel writes: Perched on the top floor of a large, red building in this "up and coming" town is Sailors, a family-run Resto and Café. Popular with locals, it’s mainly suited to the budget traveller looking to eat freshly cooked Rwandaise favourites, at a good price, and arguably serves the best beans in town! Whilst …

Regina Pacis Guesthouse, Kibeho

Ann writes: Regina Pacis Guesthouse at Kibeho has a new email benebikirapacis@gmail.com and a new telephone +250 (0)78 450059. Rooms have been renovated and there's still the same wonderful hospitality from the Benebikira Sisters.

Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge

Eric of Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge writes: Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge (listed on p 179 of the 7th edition of Bradt Rwanda  is now open. It stands at the entrance of Nyungwe Forest National Park, 45 minutes from Uwinka reception centre, the main reception center for the tracks in the forest, in Kitabi, RN6, Nyamagabe district, Southern province. …

2019 trip report

Paul writes: Just returned from a memorable trip to Rwanda last month. The trip was very enjoyable and Rwanda exceeded our expectations everywhere we went. We booked a fully guided tour for two weeks with Danny at Bizidanny tours (bizidanny.com). He also runs a beautiful modern hotel called Cozy Safari in a lovely quiet spot …