Gishwati-Mukura National Park Chimpanzee Tracking
Rwanda is home to four national parks. The newest member is Gishwati-Mukura National Park. It sits in the western province near the Congo-Nile divide. This park is special because it shows how nature can return from the brink. It was once nearly lost to history. People used the land for farming and mining for many years. Now, it is a protected space for animals and plants. It officially became a national park in 2016. In 2020, UNESCO named it a Biosphere Reserve. This status proves how important the land is for the whole world. The park is made of two separate forests. Gishwati is the larger forest in the north. Mukura is smaller and sits to the south. A thin strip of land connects them now. This strip helps animals move between the two areas. I have spent time walking these trails with the rangers. The air is cool and smells like damp earth and moss. You can hear the calls of birds long before you see the trees. It is a place of deep green leaves and quiet hills. Visitors who come here are looking for something different. They want to see the result of hard work and care.
The History of Forest Restoration
Gishwati-Mukura almost disappeared in the late nineties. Many people moved into the forest after the war. They needed land to live on and wood for fire. They cut down many trees to make space for cows and crops. Large parts of the forest were cleared for illegal mining. Miners were looking for minerals like coltan. This left the soil weak. Landslides became common during the rains. The water in the rivers turned brown with mud. It looked like the forest would be gone forever.
The change started with the Landscape Approach to Forest Restoration and Conservation project (LAFREC). The World Bank gave over nine million dollars to help. They worked with the Rwanda Environment Management Authority to plant new trees. They chose native species like Mahogany and Bamboo. They also worked with the people living nearby. These families learned how to farm without hurting the forest. They started keeping bees for honey instead of cutting trees. Today, the forest is much larger than it was twenty years ago. You can see the young trees growing tall next to the old ones.
Tracking the Gishwati Thirty Five Chimpanzees
Most people come here to see the chimpanzees. There is one main group known as the Gishwati Thirty Five. These chimps were isolated for a long time. They could not reach the larger groups in Nyungwe Forest. Because they lived in a small space, they were very close to each other. Tracking them feels 
more personal than in larger parks. The group has several young chimps that are very active. Watching them play in the high branches is a highlight for many.
The walk starts early in the morning at the park office. You will meet your ranger as the sun comes up. The ground can be slippery and steep. You need good shoes with a strong grip. The chimps move fast through the canopy. We follow the sounds of their hoots and screams. Sometimes they feed on wild fruits. Other times, they are resting on the ground. When you find them, you stay for one hour. You must keep a distance of ten meters to keep the chimps safe. Seeing their faces up close is a powerful moment. Their eyes look very human.
Other Primates of the Albertine Rift
Chimpanzees are not the only primates in these trees. The park is a haven for several rare monkeys. The Golden Monkey is one of the most famous. They have bright orange fur on their backs. They love to eat bamboo shoots and leaves. They are very fast and jump between the bamboo stalks. You can 
also find the L’Hoest’s Monkey here. They have a white beard and a dark body. They often stay on the ground or in the lower branches.
Blue Monkeys and Vervet Monkeys also live in the park. You might see the Black and White Colobus monkeys too. They have long white tails that look like silk. I often see them sitting in the sun high up in the trees. The variety of monkeys here is high for such a small area. This is because the forest is part of the Albertine Rift. This region has many animals that you cannot find anywhere else. The rangers know the best spots to find each type of monkey.
Birding in the Montane Forest
If you love birds, this park is a top birding choice. There are two hundred and thirty-two species recorded here. Many of them are Albertine Rift endemics. This means they only live in this part of Africa. The Regal Sunbird is one of the most beautiful. It has bright red and yellow feathers that shine 
in the light. The Ruwenzori Turaco is another favorite. It has green and blue wings with a red crest on its head.
Walking with a pair of binoculars is a must. You can hear the Great Blue Turaco calling from the treetops. It sounds like a loud barking noise. Other birds like the Mountain Yellow Warbler and the Grey Crowned Crane are common. The Kivu Ground Thrush stays near the forest floor. It is harder to spot but worth the wait. The best time for birding is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The birds are most active when the air is cool.
10-day Rwanda birding safari from Uganda
Hiking to the Kazeneza Waterfall
The park has several trails for walking. The Waterfall Trail is one of the most popular. It leads to the Kazeneza Waterfall in the heart of the forest. The hike takes about three or four hours. It is a moderate walk with some uphill sections. You will pass through thick ferns and past giant trees. The sound of the water grows louder as you get closer. The waterfall is a great place to take a break. The water falls over the rocks into a clear pool.
Another option is the Matyazo Hill Trail. This trail takes you to a high point with views of the forest. You can see the rolling hills of the western province from the top. It is a good spot to understand the size of the forest. You can see where the new trees have been planted. The Umushwati Trail is a shorter walk. It is good for seeing butterflies and orchids. There are over sixty types of trees to see along these paths. The rangers will tell you about the medicinal uses of the plants.
Community Culture and Beekeeping
The people living around the park are part of its success. The Forest of Hope Association works with these communities. One major project is the Women for Bees program. Local women have learned 
how to use modern beehives. They place the hives near the forest edge. The bees collect nectar from the forest flowers. This honey is then sold to support the families. It is a sweet way to help save the trees. Visitors can visit these cooperatives to see how the honey is made.
You can also meet traditional healers in the villages. They know how to use forest plants to treat illnesses. They have used these methods for hundreds of years. Watching them prepare their remedies is very interesting. There are also dance groups that perform traditional songs. They use drums and flutes to tell stories of the land. These visits give you a look at the local way of life. It shows that the park is not just for animals. It is part of the human story of Rwanda as well.
Comparing Gishwati-Mukura and Nyungwe
Many people ask if they should visit Gishwati-Mukura or Nyungwe Forest. Both are beautiful, but they offer different things. Nyungwe is much larger and has more trails. It has a canopy walk that is very famous. However, Nyungwe can be very busy with many tourists. Gishwati-Mukura is smaller and more private. You will likely be the only group on the trail. This makes the animal sightings feel more special. The chimp tracking in Gishwati-Mukura is often shorter. The forest is less dense in some areas. This can make it easier to see the chimps clearly. Nyungwe has more chimps, but they can be harder to find. If you want a quiet place with a focus on conservation, Gishwati is perfect. It is also closer to Lake Kivu and Rubavu town. This makes it a great stop if you are traveling between parks. I suggest visiting both if you have the time. They each show a different side of the Rwanda highlands.
Practical Logistics and Travel Advice
Reaching the park is straightforward. It sits on the main road between Rubavu and Karongi. If you are coming from Kigali, it takes about four hours. The road is paved and in good condition. You will drive 
through beautiful tea plantations and hills. The turn-off to the park is near the Pfunda Tea Factory. Most visitors use a four-by-four vehicle. This is helpful for the last part of the drive to the park office.
The weather in the park is cool and moist. It can rain at any time, even in the dry season. You should bring a light raincoat and warm layers. The mornings are often foggy and cold. As the sun comes up, it gets warmer. The best time for walking is from June to September. This is the long dry season. The trails are drier and easier to walk. December to February is also a good time. The rainy seasons are from March to May and October to November. During these months, the forest is very green, and the birds are nesting.
Where to Stay Near the Park
There are a few options for lodging depending on your budget. The park is still developing, so the choices are limited compared to other areas. This adds to the feeling of being in a remote place.
For luxury travelers, Gishwati Lodge is the best choice. It is run by Wilderness Safaris and has six forest chalets. It is very private and offers great views of the trees. The service is top-level, and the 
food is excellent. Staying here helps fund the conservation of the chimps. It is an intimate place that connects you with nature.
Mid-range travelers often stay in Rubavu or Karongi. These towns are about an hour away from the park. Hotels like the Kivu Hilltop Lodge or the Nirvana Heights Resort are good options. They offer comfortable rooms and views of Lake Kivu. You can drive to the park in the morning for your activities.
Budget travelers can use the Gishwati Research Station. The Forest of Hope Association runs a small guest house there. It is simple but clean and close to the trails. It is a great way to meet the researchers working in the forest. There are also campsites for those who want to sleep under the stars. This is a very affordable way to stay in the park.
Planning Your Visit
You must book your permits before you arrive. The Rwanda Development Board manages the bookings. You can also work with us to help. We handle the transport and the lodging for you. The number of permits for chimp tracking is limited. This is to make sure the chimps do not get stressed. Booking early is a good idea, especially in the busy summer months. The park is a great addition to any Rwanda trip. It pairs well with a visit to the Volcanoes National Park for gorillas. It also fits nicely with a trip to Akagera National Park for a savannah safari. Gishwati-Mukura offers a unique look at the future of nature. It proves that with enough effort, a forest can return. Walking among the trees and seeing the chimps is a memory that lasts. It is a place of peace and hope in the heart of Africa.
Popular Rwanda safaris you can book
