Located in the Lake Kivu region in the northwestern part of Rwanda, Gishwati Mukura National Park is a hidden treasure among Rwanda National Parks. Gishwati Mukura National Park is one of the parks that support many wildlife and bird species in Rwanda.
Much as Rwanda has a popular list of three national Parks namely; Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park, the Gishwati Mukura National is a great addition to the list. The park was established purposely to help travelers get a diversified safari in Rwanda. Initially, travelers would spend a few days in Rwanda trekking the primates and wildlife in Akagera National Park. With the introduction of Gishwati Mukura National Park, tourists get an extended time on a Rwanda safari.
About the Park
Gishwati Mukura National Park was named after the two forests – Gishwati forest and Mukura forest. The two forests are separated by a 30-mile buffer zone. The entire national park covers an area of approximately 34 square kilometers. The park was officially opened for tourists in 2020. The park has swamps and rainforests supporting multiple ecosystems. The park is a reliable birding destination in Rwanda that you should add to your birding list while planning a Rwanda birding safari or Rwanda birding tour.
The introduction of Gishwati Mukura followed significant tourism decisions made by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Some of these include; the opening of Musanze caves, the launch of the Congo Nile trail, the restoration of the royal heritage sites, and the introduction of professional bird watching in Rwanda. All these have caused a tremendous increase in the tourism sector of Rwanda and East Africa at large.
What to see and do in Gishwati Mukura National Park?
Gishwati Mukura National Park supports hundreds of biodiversity found within the forests of Gishwati and Mukura. This makes the park one of the best places to visit on a Rwanda safari. The park has many tourist attractions and activities that travelers can come and see and enjoy an extraordinary adventure. Some of the top things to see and do in Gishwati Mukura National Park include;
Gishwati and Mukura forests
Gishwati Mukura National Park is named after the two forests – Gishwati forest and Mukura forest. Gishwati Forest is bigger than Mukura Forest but the two support hundreds of ecosystems. The forests were on the verge of extinction due to encroachment, poaching, deforestation, illegal mining, and resettlement. Many people who were deemed landless by the bloody 1994 Rwanda Genocide sought refuge in these forests. This resulted in the tremendous loss of both animals and plants by the two forests. The good news is that the establishment of Gishwati Mukura National Park has come with a positive impact on both nature and the neighboring communities.
Walking in one of these forests will enable you to create a signature of memories. You will encounter animal species like golden monkeys, velvet monkeys, white colobus monkeys, and blue monkeys, to mention but a few. You will also see some of Africa’s ancient trees that have existed for thousands of years. The forest is also home to many endemic species of birds. Some of the birds in the Gishwati and Mukura forests are elusive species while others are migratory.
Golden Monkey trekking in Gishwati Mukura National Park
Irrespective of the small size of the park, Gishwati Mukura National Park is a reliable destination for primate trekking. Although the activity is not as vibrant and popular as that of Nyungwe National Park and Volcanoes National Park, golden monkey trekking in Gishwati Mukura National Park is a rewarding primate adventure in Rwanda.
Golden monkey trekking in Gishwati Mukura National Park starts with a morning breakfast at your lodge. You then transfer to the park headquarters or briefing point for this amazing safari activity in Rwanda. Trekkers are grouped depending on the number of golden monkey families available. Each group of trekkers is led by a professional guide. These guides know where the golden monkeys spent the previous night and they help trekkers meet the golden monkeys in the shortest time possible.
Upon meeting the golden monkeys in the Gishwati Mukura National Park, trekkers are allowed to spend one full hour in their presence. They are also allowed to spend as many pictures as long as they follow the golden monkey trekking rules and regulations in Rwanda.
Birding tours in Gishwati Mukura National Park
Birding in Gishwati Mukura National Park is a reliable destination for birding tours in Rwanda. You will follow the many birding trails in Gishwati Mukura National Park and enjoy exceptional views of multiple bird species found in Rwanda.
Gishwati Mukura National Park in Rwanda is a haven for bird enthusiasts, where you can spot a wide range of avian treasures such as the Rwenzori turaco, great blue turaco, Grauer’s broadbill, Kivu ground thrush, red-collared babbler, black-and-white casqued hornbill, African emerald cuckoo, blue-headed sunbird, Ross’s turaco, Ruwenzori double-collared sunbird, Rwenzori apalis, Handsome francolin, white-headed wood hoopoe, purple-breasted sunbird, Rwenzori nightjar, Rwenzori hill babbler, mountain masked apalis, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, strange weaver, and Grauer’s swamp warbler, making each visit a birding paradise. The park has excellent and professional birders that will make your birding experience in Gishwati Mukura National Park a memorable adventure.
Cultural tours in Gishwati Mukura National Park
Gishwati Mukura National Park is a conservation area whose purpose of establishment has something to do with supporting the local communities. The park is neighbors with local communities and allows travelers to visit these communities during their Rwanda safaris.
A walk in the neighboring communities allows you to participate in making crafts as well as preparing local foods. Spending a day at a local farm on your Gishwati Mukura National Park safari is a rewarding experience. You may as well spend a night at an individual homestead for an extended time with the local members of the communities. By doing this, you are supporting responsible tourism not only in Rwanda but across the globe.
What is the best time to visit Gishwati Mukura National Park?
Gishwati Mukura National Park can be visited at any time of the year unless otherwise announced by the Rwanda Development Board or park management. The park is open on weekends and public holidays. However, like any other African safari destination, most of the activities in Gishwati Mukura National Park can be best done during the dry seasons (June to September and December to February). The wet seasons on the other hand come with advantages like a reduction in accommodation prices. This can also be the best time to visit the park for budget travelers.
Where to stay in Gishwati Mukura National Park?
Gishwati Mukura National Park has many accommodation facilities mainly guest houses and campsites. All these facilities provide accommodation to all categories of travelers depending on their budget and availability. Other amenities like full-time internet connectivity, bars, and restaurants are also available for tourists. You can book your accommodation through a reputable local tour operator and enjoy an exceptional adventure in Gishwati Mukura National Park.
How to access Gishwati Mukura National Park?
Gishwati Mukura National Park can be accessed from Kigali International Airport by road. The park is located along the Rubavu and Karongi main road and it is a four-hour drive from Kigali city.