Gishwati Mukura National Park in Rwanda.

Gishwati Mukura National Park is another hidden treasure tucked away in the northwestern region of Rwanda.  It is another reserved and protected area and the fourth national park in the Land of a Thousand Hills. The gem was gazetted to park status in 2015 and opened to the public in 2019. With a coverage of 34 square kilometers and a buffer zone, the park comprises of two separate forests – the larger Gishwati and the smaller Mukura.

Historically, forest reserves have existed from as far back in the 1970s when a large part had dense forest cover, but not until the 1994 genocide error when many Rwandans left their homes and sought refuge in the forest.  They ended up clearing the trees to create settlements, farming practices, illegal mining, and livestock farming. This led to the cutting down of many trees and thus destruction of animal habitats.

However, in 2007, the Rwandan government and the Great Apes Trust set up the Gishwati Area Conservation Program to conserve and protect the reserve’s rich biodiversity and help to restore the park’s ecosystem. This has been achieved through planting many new tree species on over 60% of the forest coverage. This has helped to improve soil fertility, stabilize slopes, and regulate stream flow. Such conservation measures will help to improve the livelihoods of the people in the surrounding areas and the development of the tourism sector.

Gishwati and Mukura forests sit on the ridge which divides the Congo and Nile water catchment areas, along the far-flung, biodiverse Albertine Rift west of the country. It is made up of 60 species of trees, including indigenous hardwoods and bamboo.

The park is home to over 35 chimpanzees and other primates like the L’Hoest monkeys, golden monkeys, and blue monkeys. Over 232 bird species can be spotted in this park, some of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift while others are forest specialists.

What to do in Gishwati-Mukura National Park?

Rwanda being one of the cleanest and safest countries in the world, it is one of the best destinations one should visit once in a lifetime. One of the places one should visit is Gishwati Mukura National Park which offers several activities including primate watching, bird watching, guided nature walks, and camping among others.

Primate watching

Due to the conservation efforts set by the government and the wilderness conservation agencies, the number of primate species in this park has increased. Some of the primates that can be spotted when you visit this park are chimpanzees, monkeys, baboons, and other small animals.  Currently, the park authorities have initiated a chimpanzee habituation programme where these endangered apes have been made used to human interaction hence making chimpanzee trekking one of the major activities carried out in this park. As you track, visitors get to see other animals like wild cats, duikers and forest birds.

Bird watching

Gishwati Mukura National Park is one of the best birder’s paradise with over 83 bird species of which 15 are endemic to the Albertine rift. Some of the bird species that can be spotted in this park include Martial Eagle, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Red-throated Alethe, Regal Sunbird, Ruwenzori Batis, Ruwenzori Turaco, Weaver birds, Wood hoopoes, strange weavers, the Stripe-breasted Tit, and the Grey-crowned Crane among others.

Visitors are advised to hire experienced guides to help them easily reach the best birding spots.

Hiking Gishwati Mukura Waterfall

This is one of the amazing experiences in this newly opened park in Rwanda. Many visitors enjoy hiking to this waterfall because of its extraordinary beauty. The hike is a bit challenging but alternatively, with the use of cable cars, you can have an aerial view of the breathtaking falls.

 Golden monkey trekking

Gishwati Mukura is home to different primate species, of which golden monkeys are one of them.  Trekking to the Golden monkey habitat in Gishwati Mukura National Park is always done with the leadership of park guides who will provide a detailed explanation about the primates and how their habitat is being protected. It is an amazing experience that one should not miss while in this park.

 Guided nature walks

Currently, there are three well-defined nature treks used for nature walks through the forest park. The Umushwati trail is 5 – miles long and is used for other park paths.  The Waterfall trail leads to the Gishwati waterfalls and the Matyazo hill trail that leads you to the hilltop where you can have clear views of the forest and the surrounding areas. As you move along any of the trails, expect to spot different animals, birds, and plant species.

How to reach Gishwati Mukura National Park

Getting to Gishwati Mukura National Park, Rwanda is possible by road and by air, plus other means of transportation.  The park is located in the North-West of Rwanda not far from Lake Kivu, Volcanoes National Park, and DR Congo. It is approximately 27km from Volcanoes National Park and about 2-3 hours drive from Kigali. The most accessible route is from Rubavu to Goma to Karongi then to Rusizi and finally connect to Gishwati Mukura  National Park.

This national park is shared by Ruhango, Muhonyi, Kigeyo, and Nyabirasi which are sectors of Rutsiro District. Therefore, as you travel from Volcanoes National Park or Kigali a comfortable 4×4 vehicle can give you quick access, though public means like buses can be used.

For those interested in using air transport, take a chartered flight from Kigali to Gishwati Mukura for about 45 minutes.

From Uganda, this park is an ideal extension to your trip from gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park, or Lake Mburo National Park. You only need to have the proper crossing documents then from the border, drive to Gishwati Mukura.

Where to stay on a visit to Gishwati Mukura National Park?

Since the park is still new, there are fewer accommodations. Later or sooner Gishwati Lodge will soon be open to adventure lovers.  The lodge will have six cottages that will accommodate  12 guests. It is strategically positioned where guests will enjoy spectacular views of the park and its surroundings.

When you decide to go camping in this park, Forest of Hope Guest House is the only alternative. The accommodation provides two en-suite bedrooms that accommodate four guests with wholesome meals and non-alcoholic drinks.

At the campsite found at this accommodation, guests must bring their camping equipment, tent, and food.

Alternatively, you can stay in any accommodation in Kivu, Rubavu, or Volcanoes National Park then the next day drive for a few hours to Gishwati Mukura National Park.

Visitors to Gishwati Mukura National Park can tailor their trips to gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, boat launches on Lake Kivu, wildlife explorations in Akagera National Park, and chimpanzee trekking and canopy in Nyungwe National Park.

By the end of your safari, you will come to realize that Rwanda is a country of natural wonders.