Gishwati-Mukura National Park

The Gishwati-Mukura National Park is the fourth National Park in Rwanda, created in 2015. This National Park is less popular than its counterparts, Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park; however, it is a unique safari destination worth exploring while in Rwanda or during Rwanda holiday tours. The National Park is located in the western province of Rwanda, covering the districts of Rustiro, Ngororero, Rubavu, and Nyabihu. This National Park is the smallest in Rwanda, covering only 34km ² comprising of two separate forests (Gishwati Forest & Mukura Forest). The Gishwati Forest located in the north spans about 15.7km² while the Mukura Forest, that forms the southern block, covers 19,9km². Gishwati-Mukura National Park was created by the government of Rwanda in order to conserve and protect the primate species that live in the area, especially chimpanzees.

Although less visited, Gishwati Mukura National Park is a unique chimpanzee trekking destination in Rwanda. Beyond chimpanzees, this National Park is also home to some other wildlife species including; Golden monkeys, blue monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, Black and white colobus, Vervet monkey, olive baboons, African palm civet, Servaline genet, Red river hogs, Black-fronted duiker, southern tree hyrax, Rwenzori sun squirrel, bushbucks, buffalos, and the African golden cat among others. Gishwati Mukura National Park is also a great birding destination in Rwanda, boasting an impressive population of bird species. Over 230 bird species have been registered with the park boundary including the famous Albertine endemics. Some of the popularly sighted species include; Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori Batis, Regal sunbird, purple-breasted sunbird, dusky crimsonwing, and strange weaver among others.

 

History of Gishwati-Mukura National Park: Establishment, Management, & Conservation

At first, Gishwati Forest was a large forested land covering the region from Congo heading southwards to the nearby Nyungwe National Park but pressure from the rising population in Rwanda led to distortion of most of the vegetation cover at Gishwati Mukura National Park. Tourism was stopped in 1994 during the genocide of Rwanda, and greater damage was inflicted on the park by cattle ranchers and crop farmers. Physical factors were also key in its destruction, for example, massive soil erosion led to a decline in soil fertility. Landslides destroyed many forests in Gishwati Mukura National Park. At first, the park was widely spread across 70,000 acres; however, 90% of its cover was destroyed after the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. The rehabilitation site for Gishwati Mukura National Park was called the Forest of Hope, which has restored 67% of the park.

Conservation of the park was commenced in 2007 under the current president of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, in conjunction with the Great Ape Trust. A plan was drafted to rehabilitate the distorted Gishwati-Mukura National Park, and a national conservation plan was initiated to be put in place. The National Park was then gazetted in 2015 and later established as Rwanda’s fourth National Park in 2016.

The National Park is currently under the management of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in collaboration with other partners like the Forest of Hope Association. The conservation efforts at Gishwati Mukura National Park focus on forest restoration, wildlife protection, community involvement and corridor creation. Explore this unique gem on your Rwanda primate tracking adventure/Rwanda holiday tour and discover from the famous chimpanzees to the rare wildlife species like the African golden cat. Book your safari with Nirvana Safaris today.

 

Things to do (Activities) and experience in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Wildlife Viewing & Primate Tracking

Popular for its chimpanzee trekking, one of the best wildlife viewing experiences on offer here is chimpanzee trekking. The National Park hosts a healthy population of chimpanzees that visitors can visit on their Rwanda safari holiday. Beyond chimpanzee trekking, safaris in the park can also allow you to spot several other animals that call this place home. Although this National Park is not a top-tier wildlife viewing safari destination like Akagera National Park, Gishwati Mukura National Park is home to some of the rarest wildlife species. Wildlife sighting in the park happens during the treks and hikes in the forest.  the dream site to engage in wildlife viewing.

Other primate species in the park include L’ L’Hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, golden monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons, black and white colobus monkey.  During the walking safaris at Gishwati Mukura, encounters of small mammals are common, for example, mongoose, hyrax, duikers among others.

 

Birds of Gishwati Mukura National Park

The atmosphere of Gishwati Mukura National Park is filled with the magical and soothing sounds of many birds heard in the tranquil forests during the safaris of Gishwati Mukura National Park in Rwanda. Gishwati Mukura Park is home to more than 230 species of birds. Mukura Forest is the major bird sanctuary of Gishwati Mukura Park, with 163 species of birds recorded here. Migratory birds from other parts of the world are visible during the birding safaris in this part of Rwanda. 10 species of Albertine Rift birds are among the lengthy bird list of Gishwati Mukura National Park.

 

Chimpanzee Trekking 

Gishwati Mukura National Park is mainly visited for the chimpanzees in Rwanda. Although less popular than Nyungwe National Park, this national park hosts a healthy population of chimpanzees that visitors can explore while in Rwanda.  The Gishwati Mukura National Park has more than 20 families of chimpanzees, which are habituated to give chimpanzee trackers in Rwanda a cool chimp tracking experience. The habituated groups of chimpanzees are human-friendly; therefore, the interaction with chimpanzees are friendly and worth the money and time. You can book with us for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking safari.

Hiking

Hiking is a cool adventure like no other while on a safari in the Rwanda’s Gishwati Mukura Park. The hiking trails are simple and passable for hikers moreover there is plenty of adventures during the hike. Inside the wilderness of Gishwati Mukura are many small mammals, insects, and many birds that hikers can see. Photography is a must during the hike because of the endless scenic views.

 

When To Visit Rwanda: Best time for Safaris in Rwanda

Rwanda is an all-year-round safari destination; however, some months of the year are known to offer the best safari conditions. The dry season is the peak season of safaris in Rwanda and also the best season for safaris in the country, Rwanda receives two dry seasons, the long dry season that lasts from June to September and the short dry season that lasts from December to February.

If you are looking forward to visiting Rwanda during the high season (Dry season) we recommend booking your trip well in advance. The peak season see large number of visitors arriving to Rwanda and therefore the prices of accommodation and other service usually rise. The trekking permits also sell out quickly during this time of the year.

Getting there

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is located approximately 80 -100 km west/northwest of Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, and just south of Lake Kivu. The National Park can be accessed by Road, driving from Kigali to Gishwati Mukura National Park takes about 2-3 hours in a 4×4 vehicle.