NYUNGWE NZIZA ECO-LODGE
2024
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Located east of Nyungwe, this lodge has an exceptional view of the forest and this is its main asset. It offers 2 safari tents, equipped with mattresses, 6 rooms and 6 wooden chalets (with bathroom and fireplace), as well as a camping area. Basic comfort. There is also an "à la carte" mountain lodge style restaurant. The lodge has real potential, but it deserves a lot of improvement. Expansion work is planned for a total of 20 cottages and a second panoramic restaurant.
Further information
Opening time and information on NYUNGWE NZIZA ECO-LODGE
The price for a safari tent for two is US$ 84, for a double room US$ 132 and for a chalet US$ 150. Breakfast included.
Message from Management
Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge is located near Nyungwe Forest National Park, in a quiet, natural setting. It has a very comfortable hotel, a campsite with luxury and portable tents, a restaurant, a handicraft store and an open-air bar. Their rooms are equipped with a bathroom with shower and balconies to enjoy the sunset over Nyungwe Forest National Park. Nyungwe Nzinza Ecolodge can plan, organize and manage small and large events such as seminars, workshops or NGO conferences with their local partners.
Members' reviews on NYUNGWE NZIZA ECO-LODGE
Some complaints raised in recent reviews made we want to offer a counterpoint, namely on: a) value for money, b) long wait times for food and c) low quality construction.
I think to give Nziza a fair review, it's worth knowing these are complaints one hears everywhere one visits outside of Kigali (and even some places in Kigali). I personally have vacationed in Rubavu/Gisenyi, Karongi/Kibuye, Musanze, Twin Lakes, Lake Muhazi, and Akagera area multiple times and have heard & experienced similar challenges at various hotels at all of them.
Complaint a) Things do cost more in Rwanda than in the region. I don't know all the technical reasons why, but I believe a big factor is the logistics required for a small but extremely hilly/mountainous and landlocked country.
For the Nyungwe context, I've personally felt that compared to other places within Nyungwe with similar prices, I was happier with Nziza than the others (I've not been willing to pay the price of One and Only (!) so I can't speak to that experience...).
Complaint b) I've heard many theories about why food prep is often slow around the country. I believe a big factor is many places don't have consistent visitor traffic and can't keep all options ready and available in the fridge. People joke about it, but sometimes ordering a dish does mean that someone has to go to the market to get some ingredients.
The solution I highly recommend, no matter where you stay when visiting tourist sites outside Kigali, is to ask the place you're staying for their menu. If you use WhatsApp they can easily send you pictures of it. Then tell them the dishes you want and what time you want to eat. It's what all my local colleagues did when traveling for work and I learned from them. You'll probably have happier dining experiences that way.
At Nziza I ordered my meals ahead every time I stayed and guess what? Food was served piping hot, punctually at the time I requested. Portion sizes were also very generous.
Complaint c) I've found there are construction quality issues at most places (including residential homes) unless it's an international brand hotel or place that charges +400USD/night. I've adjusted my expectations when traveling as a result. I definitely think it's worth it to raise a complaint to management and see if they fix it, as that tells you a lot.
For Nziza specifically, if you find something unacceptable to you about your room and speak with Eric, I would give the benefit of the doubt that he would try to find a solution for you. One infrastructure thing I appreciated at Nziza is they always had good water pressure and HOT water in the bathrooms...which is not always a given at many places.
On the topic of the manager, I read some people had bad experiences with him. I'm sorry to hear that. My own personal experience was positive each time I stayed. Eric was helpful and polite to me and those I stayed with. I'm a woman and POC in case that matters.