Gishwati Mukura National Park
Welcome to Gishwati Mukura National Park in Rwanda! From this guide, find the best things to see, things to do, where to stay, when to visit this park and how to get there, tour operators and so much more.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is the 4th and Rwanda’s newest National Park; famously known for its diverse plant species; over 60 species of trees like the bamboo and wood and a big number of Rwanda safari wildlife species; around 84 bird species. It is located in Ngororero and Rutsiro districts in the country’s Western province; covering an area of about 3,558 hectares. This park would have run extinct since during the 1994 genocide whereby most people left the country others went to the borders of the country; hence some ended up occupying the Gishwati and Mukura areas; they carried out farming, deforestation and illegal mining. Gishwati and Mukura are forests. In September 2015 a law was passed to have a joint National Park, hence the Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
About the Park
Gishwati Mukura National Park is one of the youngest national parks in Africa. On 1st of December 2020, Gishwati-Mukura National Park officially opened its doors to the public. Gishwati Mukura is now a National Park which means that parts of the vast montane forest that once stretched across much of central Africa now has permanent protection. The journey to save one of the last remaining central African montane rain forests of Gishwati Mukura has not come easy and there has been a long and hard journey leading up to the official opening of Gishwati Mukura National Park. Finally, visitors can now come and experience the forest the way it has been for thousands of years.
The forests of Gishwati Mukura National park is a fragmented montane rainforest located in Rwanda’s Kivu Belt region. It is part of the Congo-Nile divide forest which originally stretched over the entire mountain range which divides the Congo Water Basin from the Nile Water Basin all the way from Congo to Burundi. Today’s remainders of these forest complex include Gishwati Forest, Mukura Forest and Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda and Kibira National Park in Burundi.
Even though Gishwati and Mukura forests are part of the same national park, they are fragmented and divided by around 50 kms. The entire area between them have been set aside for conservation as a National Park and there is a plan to reforest the entire area into one complete forest which would then cover an area almost as large as Nyungwe Forest. Discussions are also being held over how to connect Gishwati and Mukura forests to Nyungwe Forest through a rainforest corridor.
The two forests of Gishwati-Mukura National Park are similar but suitable for different activities. Mukura Forests is less “developed” than Gishwati forest. At the moment there are no hiking trails in Mukura forests, but the Rwandan government is currently developing a plan and securing funding to develop hiking trails and activities in the park. Very little is known about the wildlife situation in Mukura Forest as it has been shut of to the public for many years with very few studies done. In Gishwati forest there are well developed hiking trails, waterfalls and the forest is home to a large group of the elusive eastern chimpanzee.
Things to See in Gishwati Mukura
Gazetted in 2015, Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a home to diverse animal species and they are of main interest for visitors on Rwanda safari. Gishwati Mukura N/P is compact and truly a hidden gem. The 34sq.kms protected area is composed of 2 scenic rainforests- Gishwati (large in size) and Mukura Forest Reserves. Its forests serve as the main water catchment areas and it is found along the Albertine rift making it a home to most of the endemic Albertine rift species.
Wildlife/animals of Gishwati-Mukura N. Park
The largest animal or wildlife population in Gishwati-Mukura comprise of primates and other primates. The popular primates to explore while at this park include l’hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, the vervet monkeys, baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, golden monkeys and chimpanzees. There are also many small mammals and they include the black fronted duikers, hyrax, mongoose, and many others.
Birds of Gishwati Mukura N/P
232 bird species live in Gishwati Mukura and these include about 10 Albertine rift species and about 163 of them exist at Mukura Forest. The bird species to expect to see include the mountain yellow warblers, Rwenzori batis, grauer’s swamp, regal sunbird, Rwenzori turacos, martial eagle, purple breasted sunbird, dusky crimson wing, strange weavers, and many others.
Activities in Gishwati Forest
The chimpanzees of Gishwati forests are without a doubt the main draw of the national park, but there are many other interesting activities in the park. Gishwati and Mukura Forests are a very unique places and it’s wonderful to just go for a hike and experience the rainforest, catch your breath and regain energy from the nature. There are great hikes in the park some of which pass by one of the many beautiful waterfalls in the park. There are also several other interesting animal species in the forests apart from the chimpanzees.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Gishwati Forest
A population of around 35 chimpanzees remain in Gishwati Forest. Since Gishwati Forest was only recently made into a national park and has been closed to visitors for many years, this group of chimpanzees have not been habituated. This means that they are not used to humans and will be scared if approached. Chimpanzee trekking is still possible in Gishwati Forest, but not in the same way as to one of the habituated groups in Nyungwe Forest. There is no guarantee to see chimpanzees during a chimpanzee trek in Gishwati and if chimpanzees are spotted getting close is very difficult.
Hiking in Gishwati Forest
Gishwati Forest have several hiking trails of varied difficulty and with the chance of seeing different animals, insects and plants. As of now, there are no hiking trails in Mukura Forest and it remains relatively inaccessible to visitors. As Gishwati Forest is a national park, all park activities are done together with a qualified guide. The guide is included in the price of entrance fee to the park.
Birding in Gishwati Forest
Gishwati Forest is a truly unique birding habitat with several endemic birds and more than 200 recorded species. For bird watching in Gishwati you need to go with a professional guide. The park office can supply you with a birding list and a map with recommended trails through the park. If you want a bird walk with a professional bird guide this needs to be prearranged with the park office. Contact the park office to arrange this.
Golden Monkey Trekking
There are several species of primates found in Gishwati Forest apart from the eastern chimpanzee. Golden monkey is the most famous of these species and can be found in large groups throughout the forest. Trekking these primates can be an interesting experience and you are sure to see many interesting animals during your trek. Golden monkey trekking starts early in the morning with a professional guide from the park. You will spend several hours trekking through the forest in search of one or several groups of primates. The park rangers will locate or know the approximate whereabouts of the primates prior to your arrival and needs to be pre-booked through the park office.
Visiting Gishwati Forest National Park
Gishwati Mukura National Park opened for visitors on the 1st of December 2020. At the moment, only Gishwati Forest can be visited as Mukura Forest has no infrastructure or hiking trails guides to be able to receive visitors.
Gishwati Forest has several newly constructed hiking trails and all visits to the park need to follow these. Since Gishwati Forest is a national park, all activities need to be arranged and booked with the park office. The brand-new park office can be found next to the main road at the edge of the forest in the end closest to Rubavu. Since the current management of Gishwati Forest is a collaboration between Rwanda Development Board, Forest of Hope Association and Wilderness Safaris, no visits to the park are allowed without a stay at the Forest of Hope Guest House. Contact Wilderness Safaris, the Park office or the Forest of Hope Guest House for more information.
Best time to travel
Visits to Gishwati-Mukura can be done all-year-round, considering its favorable weather and climatic conditions. The most ideal time is during the dry season; June to September noted to be the long dry spell and short dry months run from December to February.
Getting there
By road travel; getting to Gishwati-Mukura is possible within 2 to 3 hours’ drive from Kigali. For a smooth road travel, we recommend a 4×4 drive vehicle.
Health and Safety at Gishwati Forest
During the visit, the guide carries a first aid kit to provide basic first aid in the event of any medical emergencies. The guide also carries both radio and cell phone contacts with support staff based at the reception center. You shouldn’t hesitate to tell the guide ahead of time if you have any medical conditions that he/she should know about. Helicopter evacuation by Akagera aviation is available for any emergency.
Accommodation
The park has a small number of accommodation facilities to spend a night at. And some of them can be the same used while on a visit to Nyungwe forest but the most recommended one on a visit to Gishwati-Mukura is the Gishwati lodge and also there are campsites for budget travelers. The available options for overnight stay at Gishwati-Mukura N/Park include Gishwati Lodge, a luxury accommodation establishment with capacity of 15 guests or go camping tours. Alternatively, visitors can book lodges around Volcanoes National Park or Lake Kivu area etc.
Forest of Hope Guest House
The Forest of Hope Guest House and Camp Site is one of the few accommodation options available in Gishwati Forest. Gishwati forest is located around 40 mins drive from Rubavu which offers a range of other forms of hotels near the Lake Kivu. The Forest of Hope Camp Site is newly renovated and offers a roofed platform where you can pitch your tent. The campsite is unserved and only suitable for self-catering guests. Toilet and shower facilities, a small fireplace, a barbeque stand and water for cleaning and cooking are available.
Gishwati Lodge
Gishwati lodge is comprised of 6 rustic forest lodges and the visitor gets both an adventurous and luxurious essence. While staying there you will have an opportunity to enjoy a quick access to the chimpanzees and golden monkeys.