Gishwati-Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s newest of the four national parks, only upgraded to full status in 2016 to protect and restore the montane forest that once covered here. The park which includes two blocks of forests of Gishwati and Mukura covers an area up to 34km2 and gained a recognition in 2020 as a UNESCO biosphere reserve for its ecological importance. Elevated on the Albertine rift ridge that divides the Congo-Nile water catchment area, the park is a conservation model combining responsible tourism and community sustainability.
Activities and Experiences to do in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
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Primate and Nature walks
The most highlight expereince while visiting Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a guided trek along a habituated community of chimpanzee that occur here. This community of chimpanzee became isolated here as when sections of forest that connected to the larger Nyungwe Forest was cleared for agriculture. Another excellent primate encountered on trekking expereince is an Albertine endemic; the Golden Monkey, but L’hoest (Mountain) Monkey, Blue Monkeys along with Red-tailed Monkeys occur. The mammal checklist include Bushbuck, Bush Pig and Black-fronted Duiker.
For casual naturalists and adventurers with time on their hands, the park offers excellent guided hike plans from Half to Full-day hikes which provides stunning panoramic views of the montane forests and distant tea-covered highlands and Lake Kivu.
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Birdwatching
Gishwati-Mukura National Park offers rewarding and excellent birding experiences to a rich-checklist of 232 species of birds. This impressive checklist includes up to 18 Albertine endemics and a quality list of high altitude forest specialists easily seen across well-maintained trails. A large area of Gishwati and Mukura park is now a regenerating forest allowing easy birding expereince and better opportunities to tick off the notorious skulking species that also occur in Nyungwe Forest.
Getting here and Accommodation Plans
Gishwati – Mukura National Park is accessed along the scenic Karongi – Rubavu road and can be explored on a day trip from any accommodations on Lake Kivu shores but the park has excellent accommodation facility near the reception offices. All activities begin at the park’s reception center early each morning. Kindly note Chimpanzee tracking permits must be pre-booked and paid in advance.