Gishwati Mukura National Park sits in Rutsiro and Ngororero districts on the Congo Nile Divide, western Rwanda. It is Rwanda’s fourth national park, established in 2015 thus offering tourists on Rwanda safari with authentic experiences. It is one diverse safari destinations in Rwanda with most of its natural wonders not fully exploited. Gishwati Mukura National Park occupies an area of about 34sq.kms and it comprises of Gishwati Forest Reserve and Mukura Forest Reserve. This national park was officially opened to tourists in 2019 making it an incredible safari destination for you to explore on Rwanda safari.
It is largely comprised of rain-forest with over 60 tree species including bamboo and hardwood. The popular activities to enjoy on Rwanda safari in Gishwati Mukura National Park include chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, nature walks, cultural encounters, cycling, visit the magical waterfalls.
Wildlife in Gishwati Mukura National Park
Gishwati Mukura National Park is a home to numerous wildlife species including among others the Red River hogs, Southern 3 hyrax; about five species of primates-the eastern chimpanzees, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys; bushbucks, serval cats, black fronted duikers, more than 130 bird species, 20 of which are Albertine rift endemics.
Birds in Gishwati Mukura National Park
Over 130 bird species are confined in the jungles of Gishwati Mukura National Park making it one of the best birding destinations in Rwanda. The birds to look out while on bird watching tour in Gishwati Mukura National Park include mountain yellow warblers, white headed woodhoopoe, old world warbler, strange weaver, Ruwenzori batis, regal sunbirds grey crowned crane, red throated alethe, Ruwenzori turaco, stripe breasted tit, martial eagle, purple breasted sunbirds to mention but a few.
Activities in Gishwati Mukura National Park
Chimpanzee tracking
Gishwati Mukura National Park is second after Nyungwe Forest National Park destinations to visit for chimpanzee trekking. Over 20 chimpanzees are confined in this park and while on chimpanzee safari, you will come across other primates including L’Hoest monkeys, vervet monkeys, black and white monkeys, olive baboons and many more.
Bird watching
Gishwati Mukura National Park is an ideal bird watching safari destination. There are over 130 bird species to look out while on birding tour in this park and they include among others mountain yellow warblers, white headed woodhoopoe, old world warbler, strange weaver, Ruwenzori batis, regal sunbirds grey crowned crane, red throated alethe, Ruwenzori turaco, stripe breasted tit, martial eagle, purple breasted sunbirds and many more.
Hiking and nature walks
Nature walks are best way to explore Gishwati Mukura National Park while on Rwanda safari. It allows you to discover several hidden treasures in various habitats in Gishwati including primate species such as the black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys; tree species for instance mahogany, ferns, macaranga kilim and, bamboo, butterflies. You can also hike and have a chance to enjoy the scenic views of kazeneza waterfall.
Other activities include cultural tours, cycling along the Congo Divide trail.
Accommodation in Gishwati Mukura National Park
Gishwati Mukura National Park has few accommodation options but Gishwati Lodge is that one comfortable lodge you can opt for your overnight stay. It is a luxury hospitality facility with 6 luxury chalets and it accommodates up to 15 visitors.
Best time to visit Gishwati Mukura National Park
Safaris to Gishwati Mukura National Park can be arranged at any time of the year. But for starters, the dry season is the best especially if you are interested in chimpanzee tracking or hiking tours. The dry months in this park begin from June, July, August, September and December, January, February. The wet or rainy season normally begins in the months of March, April, May and October, November. The wet season is usually perfect for bird watching.
How to get to Gishwati Mukura National Park
Gishwati Mukura National Park lies in western Rwanda just between Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park. It is 27kms away from Volcanoes National Park and you can start your journey from Kigali. From Rubavu, it is 54kms and 84kms from Kigali. To comfortably reach to this park, you need a 4×4 drive safari car to help you navigate through the remote routes.
In summary, visit Gishwati Mukura National Park and you will be rewarded with unique experiences of lifetime.