Gishwati-Mukura National Park
A PRIMATES' PARADISE OF UNSPOILED BEAUTY
Gishwati-Mukura National Park Overview
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is one of the rich forest-dominated parks in Rwanda, home to interesting primates and other wildlife. Gishwati-Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s newest and least explored park, but guarantees nature lovers authentic African wilderness experiences. Created in 2015, Gishwati-Mukura National Park opened for tourism in 2019 making it the country’s 4th national park.
Unlike the 3 traditional parks in Rwanda, Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a compact park occupying only 34 sq.km. The park is comprised of two natural rainforest reserves of Gishwati and Mukura. These two rainforests were merged forming the now Gishwati-Mukura National Park in Rwanda.
LOCATION
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is situated in the far Northwestern part of Rwanda, near the scenic Lake Kivu. The park spans the Ngororero and Rutsiro Districts. It is suitably lying along the ridge which separates the Congo and Nile water catchment areas.
PRIMATES & OTHER WILDLIFE
Over 20 chimpanzees reside within Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Other primates include blue monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys. Besides, this forest-dominated park is also inhabited by reptiles, bushbucks, black-fronted duikers, red river hogs, serval cats, hyraxes, and buffaloes.
BIRDS
Gishwati-Mukura National Park contains over 232 bird species which include 15 Albertine rift endemic species. These include old world warblers, Rwenzori batis, yellow warblers, strange weavers, regal sunbirds, martial eagle, grey crowned cranes, archer’s ground robins, dusky turtle dove, Rwenzori turacos, white-headed wood hoopoe, purple breasted sunbird, common moorhen, paradise flycatchers, Rwenzori nightjars, and more.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The dry season is by far the most favourable time to visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park and this is from June to September, and December to February. These long drier months offer excellent weather conditions for chimpanzee trekking/hiking experiences in the park.
ACCOMMODATION
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a newly founded park and doesn’t have as many lodges as its counter parts like Nyungwe Forest National Park/Volcanoes National Park. The must book luxury safari lodge in this park is Gishwati Lodge. There is also an option of booking lodges around Volcanoes National Park considering its close location with Gishwati-Mukura National Park which is about half an hour drive.
ACTIVITIES TO DO in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Trekking with chimpanzees in Gishwati Mukura National Park is a great opportunity to search for habituated chimpanzee communities. The 2-4 hours guided chimpanzee walk involves exploring the daily behaviors of chimpanzees, and taking photos. The magical encounter with these interesting apes is perfectly done during the one hour, and visitors are guaranteed of sights of other primates and birds.
Bird watching in Gishwati-Mukura National Park (GMNP) is a perfect experience for birders. Birds to search for in this park include handsome francolins, archer’s ground robins, Rwenzori nightjars, mountain yellow warblers, double collared sunbirds, strange weavers. Grey throated tit, red throated alethe, dusky turtle doves, martial eagle, purple breasted sunbirds and more.
Primate walks usher visitors deep into Gishwati-Mukura National Park rich habitats to encounter diversity of animal species. The guided primate walk involves searching for primates such as olive baboons, olive baboons, colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, Mona monkeys, and others.
Visitors also stand a chance to sight various birds and the park’s avifaunal species include paradise flycatchers, Rwenzori batis, archer’s ground robin, double collared sunbirds, red faced woodland warblers, long crested eagle, handsome francolins and more.
There is an option of hiking/cycling for you to explore the rich trails around the park and the main area of interest is the Congo Nile trail. The extensive Congo Nile trail is best for adventure seekers or if you are interested in cycling experiences. The trail runs covering the beautiful shoreline of Lake Kivu and Nyungwe Forest.
Cultural/community tours are perfect way to connect with locals in their communities. This is best done after or before trekking chimpanzees. The cultural walk in the local communities around Gishwati-Mukura allows you to explore the distinct traditions, cultures of the Rwandese and get entertained by their cultural dances.
Hot air balloon tour is a new experience currently available for tourists to be part while on Rwanda tour in Akagera. Enjoy aerial views of the big game and other animals, take pictures. There is an option of setting off for the sunrise or sunset balloon tours each guaranteeing exceptional aerial animal views.
GETTING THERE
From Kigali to Gishwati-Mukura National Park is 157km a way, and driving up to this park takes 3 to4 hours. A good 4×4 vehicle is more preferable for road trips to this park and given it close proximity to Volcanoes NP, visitors can also combine gorilla safaris to different activities offered in Gishwati-Mukura NP.
In summary, if you are interested in new destinations to explore than a visit to Gishwati-Mukura N/Park should be a must-do on Rwanda safaris. Reach out to our team and plan a memorable Rwanda tour to this park.
