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Gishwati Mukura National Park – Ultimate Rwanda Safari
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Gishwati–Mukura National Park at a Glance
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s fourth wildlife park, located in the north-western part of Rwanda near Lake Kivu. It is comprised of two separate forests, the larger Gishwati and the smaller Mukura, forming a total of 34 square kilometres plus a buffer zone.
The combined forests sit on the ridge that divides the Congo and Nile water catchment areas, along the incredibly biodiverse Albertine Rift in the western part of the country. The forest is made up of 60 tree species, including indigenous hardwoods and bamboo.
In 1978, Gishwati Forest was largely intact, and by 1986, there was still a significant amount of forest cover. However, because of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, a constant stream of refugees entered the forest and started clearing it for subsistence farming.
Only a small, circular patch of the forest’s original 250,000 acres (6.1 km2) of native forest remained by 2001. In addition to significant biodiversity loss, the area experiences soil erosion, degradation, and landslides. Reforestation efforts in the past few years have increased the remnant native forest to about 2,500 acres (10 km2). The reserve’s northern and central sections are dominated by large tea estates.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park was opened to tourism in 2019, and the activities here include guided chimpanzee and golden monkey tracking, guided nature walks, bird watching, and a visit to the waterfalls.
Attractions in Gishwati–Mukura National Park
Gishwati hosts a community of 20 chimpanzees that live alongside their counterparts, the golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and blue monkeys. About 232 species of birds have been recorded at Gishwati and 163 at Mukura, some of which are Albertine Rift Endemics and forest specialists.
Activities in Gishwati–Mukura National Park
1. Chimpanzee tracking
Chimpanzee tracking is the main activity carried out in Gishwati-Mukura National Park. It starts as early as 6:00 a.m., first with a safety briefing, and then visitors are led by armed ranger guides into the forest jungle to search for a habituated chimpanzee troop. Only one hour is allotted to a group of eight visitors upon finding them. The entire excursion may take between 2 and 6 hours.
2. Golden monkey tracking
There is a considerable population of golden monkeys in Gishwati Mukura National Park, although Volcanoes National Park offers a better experience of these beautiful creatures. Golden monkeys live in the bamboo forest vegetation. Habituating these beautiful creatures has helped them overcome their natural fear of humans, allowing daily tourist visits.
Tracking golden monkeys alongside their counterparts, the chimpanzees, is usually a similar experience in a small group of no more than eight people. You will spend a maximum of one hour in their presence observing their playful nature. Golden monkeys are more active creatures and jump from tree to tree, an experience visitors find captivating, although it is quite challenging to take snapshots.
3. Waterfall hike
Gishwati-Mukura waterfall is one of the most popular attractions in the park due to its exceptional beauty. Although the hike is extremely challenging, the impressive view from the top is well worth the extra effort. Those who are less adventurous may either take a cable car up to the waterfall or remain down below, admiring this captivating feature.
4. Bird watching
With over 235 species of birds in this park, ardent birders have plenty to explore, including the endangered Albertine Rift, like the Rwenzori Blue Turaco. Other species include Regal Sunbird, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Rwenzori Batis, Woodhoopoe, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Martial Eagle, Strange Weaver, Grey Crowned Crane, Dusky Crimson Wing, Mountain Yellow Warblers, and Red-throated Alethe, among others.
5. Nature trails
Three marked trails have been created at Gishwati Mukura National Park, allowing visitors to easily access the hikes. For instance, the Umushwati Trail is a 5-mile trek through the centre of the forest and can be approached as an out-and-back route or used to connect to either of the other park trails.
Visitors can access Gishwati’s magnificent waterfalls via the 4-mile Waterfall Trail, while the steep, almost 2-mile Matyazo Hill Trail leads to a hilltop with elevated views of the forest. Whichever trail you choose, keep an eye out for the park’s wildlife en-route.
Best time to visit Gishwati–Mukura National Park
Best time to visit Gishwati Mukura National Park: The best time to visit Gishwati Mukura National Park is in the dry season from June to September. The forest trails are literally dry during this time, which is best for hiking and tracking chimpanzees and other primates.
There is a lower probability of rain showers and a lesser likelihood of having to deal with muddy trails. although it is associated with high safari rates since it’s the peak season. So, whenever you visit, warm, waterproof clothing and hiking shoes are essential.
The wet season from March to May offers excellent birding opportunities, with both resident and migratory birds present. It is also a breeding season for birds, and butterflies can be seen almost everywhere. There is less competition, and rates are not as high at this time.
Getting to Gishwati–Mukura National Park
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is situated on the main road between Rubavu and Karongi and is therefore easily accessible. Rubavu is the closest town, which takes about 40 minutes to drive. The main entry port for most visitors to Rwanda is Kigali International Airport (KGL).
The fastest route to the park from the capital is to head north on the RN4 towards Musanze. Taking the road southwest will lead to the Pfunda Tea Factory intersection, where a left turn takes you onto the Rubavu-Karongi road. It’s a roughly four-hour nonstop journey.
All activities are usually booked at the park office, which is located next to the main road at the edge of the forest closest to Rubavu.
Where to stay in Gishwati–Mukura National Park
All visits to Gishwati-Mukura National Park are conducted as part of a stay at the hilltop Forest of Hope Guest House. Being the only accommodation facility in the park, it isn’t possible to pay for park fees separately. It is combined with the entire park fee, including three meals per day, selected soft drinks, and all guided activities and community visits.
Situated at Gishwati Research Station, the guest house consists of just two recently renovated en-suite rooms featuring two twin beds, mosquito nets, electricity, hot water, WiFi, and a private deck that offers breathtaking views of the forest.
Budget-conscious guests may also choose to stay at the guest house’s attached campsite. It is a roofed platform with toilet and shower facilities, a small fire pit, and a barbecue stand. Water is provided for cooking and cleaning. This option is not catered for, so campers must bring all their own supplies with them. Advance booking is mandatory, both for the guesthouse and the campsite.
Other accommodation options near the park include.
Gishwati Lodge (luxury)
This Wilderness Safaris-operated property features six luxury villas that can host a maximum of fifteen guests. The lodge offers breathtaking views of the park, and guests are well attended to by experienced staff. Gishwati Lodge suits travelers who wish to explore the park and surrounding community.
Midrange
- Emeraude Kivu resort
- Nyungwe Top View Hotel
- Golden monkey hotels
- Peace guest hotel.
Budget
- The Uwinka campsite
- Gisakura Family Hostel
- KCCEM guest house
- Comoran Lodge
