A 4-days adventure in Gishwati-Mukura National Park in Rwanda offers an incredible opportunity to explore a unique and biodiverse landscape. This relatively new national park is known for its pristine forests, rich wildlife, and beautiful scenery. Rwanda’s fourth National Park, Gishwati Mukura sits on the ridge which divides the Congo and Nile water catchment areas, along the incredibly biodiverse Albertine Rift in the west of the country. It is made up of 60 species of tree, including indigenous hardwoods and bamboo. Gishwati is home to a group of 20 chimpanzees that live alongside golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s, and Blue Monkeys. Birds are well represented too, 232 species have been seen at Gishwati and 163 at Mukura, among them Albertine Rift Endemic species and forest specialists. Gishwati Forest is a forest in the northwestern part of Rwanda, not far from Lake Kivu. It is part of Gishwati–Mukura National Park.
The area’s forests were largely intact in 1978, and substantial forest cover still remained in 1986. Gishwati-Mukura national park was created in 2015 with the government passing the law in an effort to protect the chimpanzees found in this park. It is the smallest park with a total of 34 sq km of space bringing together Gishwati Forest and Mukura Forest. It is currently the least visited park with minimal tourism traffic. The park is situated on the ridges of the Congo-Nile strange giving you an experience of some species of the Albertine region. The park is home to several primates, reptiles, birds, and tree species mostly home to primates maybe because it is a forest and also because it was encrusted by the community and therefore drove out most of the big mammals like Buffaloes out of the park. The most come primates in Gishwati-Mukura Park are chimpanzees, Golden monkeys, L’hoest Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, and Black and White Colobus monkeys. Some of the birds in this park include Regal Sunbird, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Ruwenzori Batis, Woodhoopoe, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Martial Eagle, Strange weave, Grey Crowned Crane, Dusky Crimsonwing, Ruwenzori Turaco, Mountain Yellow Warblers, Red-throated Alethe and more to see.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a protected area located in the western part of Rwanda, in the Nyabihu and Rutsiro districts. Established in 2015, this national park encompasses two separate forested areas: Gishwati and Mukura. It was created with the primary goal of conserving the rich biodiversity and ecosystem of these forests, as well as supporting local communities through sustainable tourism and conservation efforts. The park provides a unique opportunity to explore Rwanda’s diverse ecosystem, from dense rainforests to bamboo thickets, and to encounter some of the country’s most endangered wildlife species. Gishwati-Mukura National Park is actively involved in conservation efforts. Guided tours often include educational components, where you can learn about the park’s conservation initiatives and the importance of protecting Rwanda’s natural heritage.
Activities To Do in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee trekking in Gishwati-Mukura National Park is the one most park activity attracting tourists, the experience starts in the morning at 6:00 am by entering the jungle to hike for seeing these primates that share 97 DNA the human being.
Hiking and Guided Nature Walks
Waterfall hikes and Nature walks are tourist activities in Gishwati Mukura National Park, once you choose to hike to the waterfall you will be rewarded with a visit to Kazenenza waterfall. During your Nature walk you spot different plantations that are only found in Gishwati Mukura National Park and Nyungwe National Park like Igishigishigi,..in this park there are 2 known waterfalls that are so rewarding for tourists who really wish to discover this park.
Bird Watching Tour
If we are talking about the tourism activities in Gishwati Mukura National Park, we cannot leave behind the bird watching in this park since it is known that over 235 species of birds have been spotted in this forest clouding the endangered Albertine rift like Rwenzori Blue Turaco. Some of the birds to find in the Gishwati Mukura National Park are the Regal Sunbird, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Rwenzori Batis, Woodhoopoe, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Martial Eagle, Strange weave, Grey Crowned Crane, Dusky Crimson wing, Mountain Yellow Warblers, Red-throated Alethe and so much more. Other tourism activities in Gishwati Mukura National Park include Golden monkey trekking, Hoest and blue monkeys, guided nature trails, and some community activities adjacent to the forest like fam stay, handicraft making, beekeeping, and traditional dances.
Guided Nature Walk
The park has various established trails for you to explore the forest, on this guided nature walk you will have an opportunity to encounter the natural beauty of the forest up close with its creatures like butterflies, chameleons, insects, birds, and primates. Over 60 species of trees can be sighted here including bamboo, ferns, Macaranga kilim, mahogany, and orchids. New species like Dombey torrid, eucalyptus, Higinia Abyssinia, macaranga, and policies fulva have also been introduced in the park which you will have an opportunity to see as well
Golden Monkey Tracking
The park is also home to golden monkeys, a rare and endangered species with distinctive golden fur. Guided golden monkey tracking excursions provide an opportunity to view and learn about these unique primates.
Canopy Walkway
Gishwati-Mukura offers a canopy walkway that allows visitors to walk above the forest floor, providing stunning treetop views of the park. This is a thrilling experience and a unique way to appreciate the forest’s biodiversity.
Scenic Photography
The park’s breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, and lush greenery make it an ideal destination for photography. Don’t forget your camera to capture the beauty of this natural gem.
Cultural Experiences
Engage with local communities near the park to learn about their way of life, participate in cultural activities, and enjoy traditional dance performances. This allows you to connect with the local culture and heritage.
Waterfall Exploration
Explore the park’s waterfalls, such as the Karongi Waterfall and the Bihinga Waterfall, on guided hiking trails. These excursions offer opportunities to cool off in natural pools and enjoy the scenic beauty of the cascades.
Please Note that this itinerary can be customised based on your interests and preferences. Gishwati-Mukura National Park offers opportunities for various activities, including additional hikes, forest walks, game drives and wildlife tracking.