Gishwati Mukura National Park is one of the newest national parks in Africa, officially opened on December 1, 2020. This park is located in Rwanda’s Kivu Belt region and is a part of the Congo-Nile divide forest. This forest once spread across much of central Africa and its protection is crucial for preserving this unique environment.
The park is divided into two main forests known as Gishwati and Mukura. These forests are about 50 kilometers apart. Plans are underway to reforest the area between them, creating a continuous forest nearly as large as Nyungwe Forest. There are also discussions about connecting Gishwati and Mukura forests to Nyungwe Forest through a rainforest corridor.
Gishwati Forest is more developed for tourism than Mukura Forest. It features well-maintained hiking trails and waterfalls and is home to a large group of eastern chimpanzees. Visitors can enjoy this forest’s natural beauty and wildlife which has been preserved for thousands of years.
On the other hand, Mukura Forest is less developed and currently has no hiking trails. The Rwandan government is working on plans to develop trails and other activities in this area. Due to its long closure to the public, little is known about the wildlife in Mukura Forest. However, efforts are being made to study and protect this area.
The journey to establish Gishwati Mukura National Park has been long and challenging but its official opening marks a signify the achievement in conservation. Visitors now have the opportunity to experience one of the last remaining central African montane rainforests and support efforts to protect and restore this precious ecosystem.
Things to See in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Gazetted in 2015, Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a hidden gem in Rwanda covering 34 square kilometers. The park is composed of two scenic rainforests: Gishwati, the larger forest and Mukura Forest Reserves. These forests are important water catchment areas and are located along the Albertine Rift, making the park home to many unique species found only in this region.
Wildlife in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is famous for its diverse wildlife particularly its primates. Visitors can expect to see a variety of monkeys including l’hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, golden monkeys and chimpanzees. Besides primates, the park is home to small mammals such as black-fronted duikers, hyraxes, and mongooses.
Birds of Gishwati-Mukura National Park
The park is also a haven for birdwatchers with 232 bird species recorded. About 163 of these species are found in Mukura Forest. Some notable birds to look out for include mountain yellow warblers, Rwenzori batis, Grauer’s swamp warblers, regal sunbirds, Rwenzori turacos, martial eagles, purple-breasted sunbirds, dusky crimson wings and strange weavers.
Activities in Gishwati Forest
Gishwati Forest in Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a fantastic place for nature lovers offering a variety of exciting activities. While the chimpanzees are the main attraction, the forest has much more to offer. Here are some of the top activities you can enjoy in Gishwati Forest.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Gishwati Forest
One of the highlights of visiting Gishwati Forest is the chance to go chimpanzee trekking. The forest is home to around 35 chimpanzees. Unlike some other places, these chimpanzees are not habituated, meaning they are not used to human presence and can be quite shy. Because of this, spotting them can be challenging and getting close is difficult. Despite this, the experience of trekking through the forest in search of these elusive primates is thrilling and rewarding.
Hiking in Gishwati Forest
Gishwati Forest offers several hiking trails that vary in difficulty. These trails provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the rainforest, encounter different animals, insects and plants. You can also be able to see some of the forest’s stunning waterfalls. All hikes in the national park are conducted with a qualified guide whose services are included in the entrance fee. The guides are knowledgeable about the forest and can help enhance your hiking experience.
Birding in Gishwati Forest
Birdwatchers will find Gishwati Forest to be a unique and exciting destination. The forest is home to over 200 bird species including several endemic to the area. To make the most of birding in Gishwati, you will need to go with a professional guide. The park office can provide you with a birding list and a map of recommended trails. If you wish to have a bird walk with a professional bird guide, it is best to arrange this in advance with the park office.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Apart from the chimpanzees, Gishwati Forest is also home to other primates including the golden monkey. These monkeys are known for their vibrant golden-orange fur and can be found in large groups throughout the forest. Golden monkey trekking is a fascinating activity that starts early in the morning with a professional guide. During the trek, you will spend several hours searching for these primates. The park rangers usually know the approximate locations of the monkey groups, making it easier to spot them. This activity needs to be pre-booked through the park office.
Waterfall Exploration
Gishwati Forest is dotted with beautiful waterfalls adding to its charm. Hiking trails often pass by these waterfalls providing a refreshing and scenic experience. The sound of cascading water and the sight of lush vegetation make these spots perfect for taking a break and enjoying the serene environment.
Wildlife Spotting
Apart from primates and birds, Gishwati Forest is home to a variety of other wildlife. During your hikes, you might encounter animals like the black-fronted duikers, hyraxes and mongooses. The diverse fauna adds an element of surprise and excitement to your visit.
Nature Walks
For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, nature walks in Gishwati Forest are a great option. These walks allow you to explore the forest at a leisurely pace, taking in the sights and sounds of nature. A guide will accompany you pointing out interesting plants, insects, and animals along the way.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park all year round due to its favorable weather. However, the best time is during the dry seasons. The long dry season is from June to September, and the short dry season is from December to February. These months offer the best conditions for exploring the park.
How to Reach Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is located in the northwestern province of Rwanda, between Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park. To get there from Volcanoes National Park, you only need to drive 27 kilometers.
The park is also accessible from Kigali, the capital city. By road, it takes about 2 to 3 hours to cover the 84-kilometer distance. Alternatively, you can take a chartered flight which takes just 45 minutes.
If you’re coming from Rubavu, the distance to the park is around 54 kilometers.
The Top Gishwati-Mukura Packages
7 Day Uganda-Rwanda gorillas
This 7-day safari in Rwanda and Uganda offers a tonne of interesting tourisit activities. This package is perfect for anyone interested in golden monkey trekking, a genuine wildlife safari in Rwanda, a top tourist destination, and gorilla tracking in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable forest.
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7 Day Rwanda Wildlife Safari
Experience the ultimate combination of two worlds on this 7-day gorilla tracking tour to Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll get up close and personal with gorillas; Akagera National Park, where you’ll go on thrilling game drives; and Nyungwe Forest.
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6 day rwanda adventure
This is the most rewarding adventure among all adventure safaris in Rwanda, it explores the 3 Rwanda’s National Parks. The adventure starts from and ends in Kigali, tracking through Akagera National Park for wildlife rewarding boat cruise and game drive.
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