Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s newest protected area and one of the most inspiring conservation success stories in Africa. Officially launched for public use in December 2020, the park is a symbol of the success story in restoring two forest fragments on the verge of extinction due to deforestation, illegal mining, and agricultural invasion after the 1994 genocide. At present, the park serves as an illustration of the power of committed conservation efforts, providing tourists with a serene and personalized safari adventure away from the hustle of other tourist attractions.
The park consists of two separate forest reserves, the larger Gishwati Forest and the smaller Mukura Forest, which together cover approximately 34 square kilometers along with a surrounding buffer zone. These forests lie on a ridge within the Albertine Rift, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, where the Congo and Nile water catchment areas divide. For travelers seeking a more private primate experience and a chance to witness a forest reborn, Gishwati-Mukura is an essential addition to any Rwanda safari itinerary.
Key Attractions in Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
Chimpanzees of Gishwati Forest.
The main safari attraction of the park is the chimpanzee. A community of approximately 20 to 35 chimpanzees live within Gishwati Forest, known locally as the Gishwati Thirty-Five. These chimpanzees were isolated for a long time, unable to reach the larger groups in Nyungwe Forest. Because they lived in a small space, they became very close to each other, and tracking them feels more personal than in larger parks. Many of the group members are young chimps who are extremely energetic, and it’s always fun watching them frolic in the trees.
These chimps have not yet been fully habituated, which means that they are getting used to having humans around but can still be quite shy. Seeing their faces up close, watching their human-like eyes, is a powerful moment that stays with you long after you leave the forest.
Other Primates of the Albertine Rift.
Chimpanzees are not the only primates in these trees. The park acts as a sanctuary for various rare types of monkeys. Among these is the golden monkey, which boasts an attractive orange colored back fur. This type of monkey enjoys feasting on bamboo shoots and leaves, and it moves quickly from one bamboo tree to another.
The L’Hoest’s Monkey has a distinctive white beard and a dark body, often staying on the ground or in the lower branches. Blue Monkeys and Vervet Monkeys also live in the park, along with the striking Black and white colobus monkeys. The colobus has long white tails that look like silk, and they are often seen sitting in the sun high up in the trees. The variety of primates here is high for such a small area, making the park a genuine primate capital in miniature.
Bird species.
If you love birds, this park is a top birding choice. Gishwati Forest hosts 232 recorded bird species, while Mukura Forest has 163 species. Many of these are Albertine Rift endemics, meaning they only live in this part of Africa. The Regal Sunbird is among the most magnificent birds, characterized by vibrant red and yellow colors. Another bird which you will see is the Rwenzori Turaco whose wings have green and blue colors and a red crest on its head, Great Blue Turaco in the tree tops, which resemble barking. The other birds you will find include the Mountain Yellow Warbler, the Grey Crowned Crane, and the Kivu Ground Thrush. The best time for birding is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the birds are most active.
Kazeneza Waterfall.
There are various tracks that allow visitors to walk around the forest. One such track is the Waterfall Track. It leads visitors to the Kazeneza Waterfall at the center of the forest. It takes between three to four hours to reach the waterfall and is considered to be a moderately difficult track with some uphill climbs along the way. Visitors will find themselves surrounded by dense ferns and passing gigantic trees while listening to the increasing sound of the waterfall. The Kazeneza Waterfall is an excellent spot for resting and enjoying the splashing water.
Another trail that one can consider is the Matyazo Hill Trail. From the top, you can see where new trees have been planted and understand the scale of the restoration project. The Umushwati Trail is a shorter walk, good for seeing butterflies and orchids. There are over sixty types of trees to see along these paths, and the rangers will tell you about the medicinal uses of the plants.
Activities to do in Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
Chimpanzee Tracking.
Chimpanzee tracking safari is the flagship activity of Gishwati-Mukura National Park and the experience that attracts most visitors. The journey starts early in the morning, typically at about 5:30 am since that is when chimpanzees are more active. The early morning also allows you to have an enchanting experience as you watch the sun rise in the forest.
The hike begins from the park headquarters where you meet your guide. The terrain may be rugged and slippery; hence sturdy shoes with good grip would work best for you. You will be following the chimps as they travel through the trees based on their hooting and screaming. Sometimes they feed on wild fruits; other times, they are resting on the ground. When you find them, you stay for one hour, keeping a distance of approximately ten meters to protect the chimpanzees from disease.
What distinguishes chimpanzee tracking at Gishwati from busier destinations like Nyungwe is the intimacy of the experience. Park authorities strictly control visitor numbers and keep group sizes small. As a result, the atmosphere is one of genuine immersion rather than managed tourism.
Birdwatching.
Gishwati-Mukura is an outstanding birding safari destination, and for serious birders, it may be the most compelling reason to visit. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive periods for birdwatching. The park’s guides include experienced birding specialists who can locate target species with impressive efficiency.
The restored forest structure, with its mix of canopy, understory, edge habitat, and wetland zones, supports an unusually diverse assemblage of species for a park of its size. Dedicated birding walks along the park’s trail network regularly produce lists of forty or more species in a single morning session. The park office can supply you with a birding list and a map with recommended trails.
Nature Walks and Hiking.
Gishwati Forest has several hiking trails of varied difficulty, offering chances to see different animals, insects, and plants. As of now, there are no hiking trails in Mukura Forest, and it remains relatively inaccessible to visitors. All hikes are done together with a qualified guide, who is included in the price of the entrance fee.
The guides know the trails well and can point out the different tree species, explain the medicinal uses of plants, and help you spot wildlife along the way. The forest’s hilly terrain and high rainfall mean that good walking shoes, rain gear, and warm layers are recommended.
Community and Beekeeping Visits.
The people living around the park are part of its success. The Forest of Hope Association works with these communities on projects that benefit both people and nature. One major project is the Women for Bees program, where local women have learned how to use modern beehives placed near the forest edge. The nectar collected by the bees is used to produce the honey, which will be sold to earn for their upkeep. Visitors can visit such co-operatives to learn about the honey production process.
They can also meet some of the traditional medicine men who use the plants in the forest to cure diseases. It is fascinating to watch them prepare their medicines. You will also find groups who perform dances that depict the land through the music of the drums and flutes. These visits give you a look at the local way of life and show that the park is not just for animals but is part of the human story of Rwanda as well.
Best Time to Visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
The site can be visited any time of year; however, different seasons bring different conditions. From June to September and from December to February are ideal times to visit Gishwati Mukura. These months are marked with low rainfall, dry ground, and easy movement through the forest. It’s the best time for tourists since the weather is conducive to walking.
The rainy seasons during March to May and October to November experience more rains, but the park is still open. In these seasons, the vegetation is very green and thick, and the birds are at their best when they are nesting, and migratory birds have arrived. There will be muddy trails, and locating the chimps becomes difficult, but there will be fewer crowds. For bird lovers and tourists who are fine with the rains, the rainy seasons are ideal.
Climate conditions in the park are cool and humid owing to its elevation ranging from 1,700 m to 2,500 m above sea level.
How to Get to Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
By Road from Kigali.
Tourists accessing the park do so via road transport from Kigali. The journey covers a distance of 150 kilometers, taking between three to four hours depending on the traffic conditions.
The route from Kigali goes through Musanze towards Rubavu (Gisenyi). The turn-off to the park is near the Pfunda Tea Factory, about 15 minutes before Rubavu town. Follow this road for 20 to 30 minutes. The park office is located on the main road at the edge of the forest, closer to Rubavu. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended, especially for the final access roads to the lodges and guest house.
By Public Transport.
Public buses and shared taxis operate from Kigali to Rubavu and Karongi. From these towns, visitors may need to hire a private vehicle or a motorcycle taxi (moto) to reach the park office.
By Air.
For those who have little time or wish to travel more comfortably, chartered flights from Kigali to the airstrips can be organized. The quickest means of reaching here would be by helicopter chartered from Akagera Aviation, which takes only about 45 minutes. This is a costly affair but it does save a lot of traveling time.