Gishwati Mukura National Park – Rwanda Wildlife Safaris & Tours

Gishwati Mukura National Park

Giswati Mukura National Park is one of Rwanda’s newest parks. It is a fragmented montane rainforest located in Rwanda’s Kivu Belt region. The park is known for its diverse range of plant species. Gishwati Mukura National Park has over 60 tree species, including Indigenous hardwoods and bamboo. Gishwati Mukura National Park is known to accommodate 20 groups of Chimpanzees. In addition, it is home to Golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s, and Blue Monkeys. Besides the diverse population of primates, Gishwati Mukura National Park is also home to other wildlife. Among the wildlife available in Gishwati Mukura National Park include the following; Black fronted duikers, Hyrax, Mongoose.

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Gishwati Mukura National Park Features

Location: It is in the Ngororero and Rutsiro districts in the Western part of Rwanda.
Area: Covers an area of about 3,558 hectares
Climate: Generally characterized as a tropical highland climate, with cooler temperatures than Rwanda’s lowland areas. The region receives significant rainfall, contributing to its lush greenery.
Altitude: Ranges from approximately 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) to 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) above sea level.
Year Founded: The Gishwati Mukura National Park was established in 2015. The Gishwati and Mukura forests were merged to create a protected conservation and biodiversity preservation area. It was then opened to the public in 2020.

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Gishwati Mukura Safaris and Tours

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Things to See in Gishwati Mukura National Park

Gishwati Mukura National Park is composed of 2 rain forests: Gishwati and Mukura Forests. Mukura forest is less developed, and very little is known about its wildlife. Therefore, there are no defined attractions in the forest. However, Gishwati, on the other hand, has well-developed hiking trails, waterfalls, and large groups of elusive eastern Chimpanzees.

Below are the documented Gishwati Mukura National Park attractions;

Wildlife

The largest wildlife population in Gishwati Mukura National Park is the primates. The park is home to over 20 Chimpanzee groups, blue monkeys, golden monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. These primates offer tourists trekking opportunities during Gishwati Mukura National Park tours.

Birdlife

Gishwati Mukura National Park has over 230 bird species, including the 10 Albertine rift species. The park’s rich plant life supports birdlife by offering food and shelter. Gishwati Mukura National Park offers tourists bird-watching and photography opportunities. Among the bird species tourists can spot during Gishwati Mukura National Park tours include the following; Mountain yellow warblers, Rwenzori batis, Grauer’s swamp, Regal sunbird, Rwenzori turacos, Martial eagle, Purple-breasted sunbird, Dusky crimson wing, Strange weavers

Gishwati Mukura National Park Activities

Gishwati Mukura National Park offers diverse activities tourists can participate in. Below are the Gishwati Mukura National Park activities;

Chimpanzee Trekking in Gishwati Forest

Gishwati forest has around 35 chimpanzees. Since it was recently opened, the chimpanzees in this park are not habituated. They are not used to humans and tend to be scared when approached. Chimpanzee trekking is available in Gishwati forest, but it does not offer the same experience as other forests with habituated Chimpanzees.

While trekking in Gishwati, spotting chimpanzees is rare, and when spotted, getting close to them is quite tricky. Tourists, however, can watch and take pictures of them from a distance

Hiking in Gishwati Forest

Gishwati Forest offers hiking opportunities through its lush and diverse landscapes. The trails wind through thick forest canopies, bamboo thickets, and open clearings.

Hiking in Gishwati is not just about the destination but also the journey. Along the way, you encounter various flora and fauna. The trails vary in difficulty, catering to leisurely walkers and more adventurous hikers seeking a challenge.

Birding & Photography

Birding is a popular activity in Gishwati Mukura National Park. Gishwati forest holds more than 200 recorded species. The birdlife here is supported by the plant life available in this forest. The forest provides food and shelter for the bird species in the forest.

Bird watching and photography carried out in the Gishwati forest are done by a professional guide. Gishwati Mukura National Park offers a birding map with recommended trails through the park.

Golden Monkey Trekking

Golden monkeys are among the dominant primate species in Gishwati Mukura National Park, so trekking with them is a must-do activity. The monkeys are playful and fun to watch, making golden monkey trekking a fun activity.

Golden monkey trekking starts early in the morning with a professional guide from the park. Depending on the distance the primates travel, the trek takes several hours.

Before your arrival, the park rangers locate the approximate whereabouts of the primates. Therefore, you are advised to pre-book in advance. This can be done through a trusted tour operator – Nature’s Wonderland Safaris or the park office.

Best Time to Visit Gishwati Mukura National Park

Visits to Gishwati-Mukura can be done all year round, considering its favorable weather and climatic conditions. However, the most ideal time is during the dry season: June to September and December to February.

During the dry season, the hiking and trekking trails are well-passable, making it easier to trace the primates.

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Safety Guides and Tips

Are you planning to embark on a Gishwati Mukura National Park tour? Below are safety guides and tips to ensure a smooth experience.

Get a professional tour guide from a reliable tours and travel agency like Natures Wonderland Safari
Do not hesitate to tell your guide beforehand if you have any medical condition.
Wear light, breathable clothes, and sturdy shoes best for hiking and trekking
Carry your hiking gear
Minimize noise in the park to avoid scaring away the animals, especially the primates.
Do not litter around
Follow the park guidelines.

Gishwati Mukura National Park Accommodations

Gishwati Mukura National Park has a small number of accommodations available. However, tourists can opt to book accommodations around Volcanoes National Park or Lake Kivu.

Below are the Gishwati Mukura National Park accommodations;