Best Guide to Gishwati Mukura National Park – Rwanda

Gishwati Mukura, Rwanda’s most recent national park, was officially designated in 2015. The 32 square kilometre park comprises two distinct woods, Gishwati and Mukura, located around 50 km apart, however linked by a reforested region. It is located in the Albertine Rift atop a ridge that separates the Congo and Nile watersheds in western Rwanda.

The park comprises montane rainforest, bamboo forests, and grasslands. These habitats support diverse animals, including chimpanzees, golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and numerous avian species.

Activities of tourists in Gishwati-Mukura National Park:

What activities do tourists engage in at Gishwati-Mukura National Park? Gishwati-Mukura National Park is situated in the western province of Rwanda, with an area of roughly 1,535 hectares. The park was founded in 2015 with the amalgamation of Gishwati and Mukura Forest Reserve to form a protected area for biodiversity conservation in the region. Gishwati-Mukura National Park hosts a diverse array of endangered and indigenous species, including the golden monkey, chimpanzees, and many avian species. Gishwati-Mukura National Park hosts a substantial population of more than 20 chimpanzees, alongside various primate species such as golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and blue monkeys. Additionally, the park is inhabited by over 232 bird species, observable in Gishwati Forest Reserve, and more than 163 species in Mukura Forest. Notably, some of these avian species are endemic to the Albertine Rift, while others are forest-dwelling birds. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) oversees the park in collaboration with other conservation organisations to safeguard and maintain its distinctive ecosystems. Gishwati-Mukura National Park provides tourists with several recreational activities, including avian observation, primate observation, guided nature excursions, camping, and picnicking. Let us examine these actions in greater detail:

Tourist Activities in Gishwati-Mukura National Park: Primate Tracking

Gishwati-Mukura is home to various primate species, including a remarkable population of chimpanzees, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, l’hoest’s monkeys, vervet monkeys, and olive baboons, among others. Achieves Global Safaris can also arrange exceptional primate-watching expeditions for your unique journey in Gishwati-Mukura National Park. As in other parks for primate tracking, the excursion begins at 6:00 AM, escorted by a park ranger, as you embark on a trek into the forest to observe these intriguing primates. During your walk, you will have the opportunity to observe various mammals, including the side-striped jackal, several felids, Carruthers mountain squirrels, African palm civets, giant pouched rats, and black-fronted duikers, among others, as well as diverse avian species. Once these captivating primates are encountered, visitors can learn about their behaviours, capture photographs, and observe their daily activities such as hunting, nesting, feeding, and mating, while taking pictures.

Activities of Tourists in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park Birdwatching

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a premier birding location inRwanda, hosting over 83 documented species, including 15 endemic to the Albertine Rift. During your birdwatching excursions in the park, you will have the opportunity to observe various vibrant avian species, including the Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Black-faced Apalis, Strange Weaver, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Regal Sunbird, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Malachite Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Martial Eagle, Lagden’s Bushshrike, Dusky Crimsonwing, Tawny Eagle, Black Cuckoo, Gray-headed Kingfisher, Black-billed Turaco, Pied Crow, African Stonechat, Rwenzori Hill Babbler, White-browed Crombec, and Ruwenzori Batis. Birdwatching can be conducted on foot due to the park’s modest size. Engaging the services of a seasoned guide from the park office is essential for identifying diverse species and accessing optimal birding locations.

Trekking and Guided Nature Excursions

The park authorities have created multiple pathways for tourists to navigate the interior of the forest. During a hiking and nature excursion to Gishwati-Mukura National Park, you will get the opportunity to explore and admire the forest’s natural beauty and its remarkable fauna, including butterflies, chameleons, insects, birds, and primates. You will be captivated by the serene atmosphere of the forest, distinguished by the splendid sounds of avian species and primate vocalisations. During the journey, one may observe more than 60 species of trees, including bamboos, ferns, Macaranga kilimand, mahogany, and orchids. The park officials have implemented new species such as Dombeya torrida, eucalyptus, Hagenia abyssinica, Macaranga, and Polyscias fulva. One of the premier hiking pathways is the one that culminates in the Kazeneza Waterfall in the park’s centre. This magnificent waterfall and its surrounding landscape will captivate those who behold it.

Cycling along the Congo Nile Trail

This trail offers an exceptional biking experience in East Africa. The trail was intended to traverse the shorelines of Lake Kivu and then navigate through Nyungwe Forest. The Congo Nile Trail, adjacent to Gishwati-Mukura National Park, provides visitors an opportunity to explore rural Rwanda and examine the realities of life in rural Africa.

Cultural Encounter

Cultural interactions in Gishwati-Mukura National Park entail visits to local communities or individual households and their agricultural lands to get insights into their lives. Visitors can acquire skills in local crafts and traditional food preparation while engaging with the local community or individual homesteads. You may want to visit local farmers in their gardens or spend a night in one of their homes to experience the lifestyle of the residents. Alternatively, you may opt to attend local cultural acts encompassing dance, drama, music, and storytelling. If you seek adventure, consider visiting a farm or a tea plantation, or exploring traditional healers, among other options.

Accommodation options in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Tourists embarking on a safari experience in Rwanda, particularly those interested in exploring Gishwati-Mukura National Park, may enquire about the availability of hotel facilities for enough rest. Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a relatively young national park with minimal housing options; nonetheless, its proximity to Nyungwe Forest National Park allows tourists to engage in activities at the former while residing near the latter. The diverse accommodation options available encompass budget, mid-range, and luxury facilities, including Gishwati Lodge, Emeraude Kivu Resort, Nyungwe Top View Hotel, Golden Monkey Hotels, Peace Guest Hotel, The Uwinka Campsite, Gisakura Family Hostel, Comoran Lodge, and KCCEM Guest House, among others.

Reach out to our reputable tour operators for further details regarding tourist activities at Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Additionally, consider booking with our travel companies, such as Gorilla Trekking in Africa, which provide exceptional tour packages for your safari experience in Rwanda.