Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park remains one of the Rwanda’s hidden treasures, yet many visitors to the country are unaware of its existence. It is truly a remarkable site that deserves a place on any Rwanda safari itinerary.

When exploring Gishwati-Mukura National Park, travelers have the opportunity to see some of the country’s rarest wildlife and natural attractions.  As a relatively new destination, it is often overlooked by tour operators; however, with Achieve Global Safari, we specialize in guiding travelers to less-visited locations to enjoy the pristine beauty of nature

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is located in the western part of Rwanda Rutsiro districts and Ngororero and covers an area of approximately 13.2 square miles, making its the smallest national park in Rwanda. The park was formed by unifying the Mukura and Gishwati forests which deceit between the Akagera and Volcanoes national park in Rwanda. The Park’s landscape is generally characterized by stunning rolling hills and mountain slopes thence providing some of the most incredible lateral and top views during helicopter flights.

It is interesting to know that this extraordinary Protected Area is among the few remaining natural forests and biodiversity hotspots in the Congo-Nile Divide within the Albertine Rift region.

What to see while on a Rwanda safari in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a seldom-explored area that serves as a biodiversity hotspot, home to more than 6 primate species such as chimpanzees, baboons, golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys. The park also hosts various other animals including Side-striped jackals, three-horned Chameleons, Great Lakes Bush Vipers, African civets, serval cats, Servaline genets, Rwenzori sun squirrels, and forest frogs among others.

In addition, the park is a sanctuary for over 235 bird species, among them martial eagle, grey crowned crane, weaver birds, mountain yellow warblers, purple-breasted sunbird, red-throated alethe, regal sunbird, Ruwenzori batis, Ruwenzori turaco, wood hoopoes, mountain-masked apalis, handsome francolin, strange weavers and the stripe-breasted tit, dusky crimson wing, among others.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is also a haven for over 250 plant species, including a number of montane forest species like giant tree ferns.

Must-do tourist adventures within Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Travelers to Gishwati-Mukura National Park have the unique chance to experience its diverse biodiversity, gain insight into the local community, and observe primates in their natural habitat. Visitors can enjoy guided forest walk and mountain biking along various trails within and surrounding the park

Primate tracking

When planning a visit to Gishwati-Mukura National Park, primate tracking is the most popular activity among visitors. This activity offers a great opportunity to observe primates such as golden monkeys, chimpanzees, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and baboons. Similar to other parks, primate tracking begins at 6:00 am, with visitors being accompanied by park rangers. The walk into the forest provides a chance to spot these primates, as well as other mammals, birds, and duikers. This unforgettable experience allows visitors to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural environment, creating lasting memories of their journey.

Bird watching in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a true birdwatching paradise and one of the top birding destinations in Rwanda, hosting more than 200 bird species to observe. Guided birding tours are available, and it is recommended to arrange these with knowledgeable guides ahead of time. While on a bird watching safari, you’ll have an opportunity to spot different bird species such as Rwenzori turaco, Handsome francolin, Regal sunbirds, Dusky Crimsonwing, Kivu Ground Thrush, Mountain Sooty Boubou, Strange weavers, Double-collared sunbirds, Great blue Turaco, Blue-headed sunbirds, Grey-crowned cranes, Purple-breasted sunbirds, Mountain-masked Apalis, Martial Eagles, Archer’s ground Robin, Rwenzori batis, and many other.

Biking and cycling tours

Biking and cycling along the Congo Nile Trail is an incredible experience, especially in Gishwati-Mukura National Park. This trail offers some of the finest biking adventures in East Africa. It was thoughtfully designed to run along the shores of Lake Kivu and wind through Nyungwe Forest. Being near Gishwati-Mukura National Park, the trail gives visitors a unique opportunity to explore rural Rwanda and gain insight into everyday life in rural Africa.

Guided Nature Walk

Guided Nature Walk s one of the mots popular activities for visitors in the park. The park features a variety of well-established trails that allow you to explore the lush forests, discover unique flora and fauna, and learn about the park’s ecosystem. During this guided nature walk, you’ll have the chance to experience the natural beauty oof the forest, observing fascinating creatures such as primates, birds, butterflies, chameleons and insects. Over 60 plant species can be seen here, including bamboos, ferns, Macaranga kilimand, mahogany, and orchids.   additionally, new species like macaranga, hagenia abyssinica, dombeya torrida, eucalyptus, and polyscias fulva have been introduced into the park, offering further opportunity for sighting

 The best time to visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park

The ideal time to visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park is during the warm, dry months. This park, like much of Rwanda, features a mountainous landscape combined with a cool and sunny tropical climate. Guided tours are available throughout the year, allowing visitors to explore its secluded beauty at any time. Nevertheless, it is recommended to dress appropriately for the current season. The period from June to September and December to February offers the best conditions for sightseeing, as these months experience less rain and more sunshine. Conversely, the months of October to November and March to May fall within the rainy season, making rainproof clothing essential for visitors during these times.

Where to stay within/around Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park offers few but private lodging options the most popular being Gishwati Lodge. It is the best lodge in the Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Gishwati Lodge has about six luxury chalets which house less than 15 guests at a times. There is also an option to stay near Gishwati-Mukura national park like in Emeraude Kivu Resort Nyungwe Top View Hotel, Golden monkey hotel, Peace Guest hotel among others.

Getting to Gishwati-Mukura National Park

getting to Gishwati-Mukura National Park largely depends on your starting point, but raid transportation remains the most common method.

If departing from Kigali City, private transfer using customized 4WD vehicles are available to take you directly to the park. For those opting for public transportation, regular buses depart from Nyabugogo Bus Station heading towards Rubavu Town. The Journey takes approximately 3 hours via the NR2 Road. Alternatively, buses travel to Karongi Town via the NR1 Road. From any of these Towns, the Kivu Belt Road (also referred to as NR11) that links Goma-Rubavu-Karongi-Rusizi and Bukavu Town leads travelers to the spectacular Gishwati-Mukura National Park.