Gishwati-Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s newest of the four national parks, only upgraded to full status in 2016 to protect and restore the montane forest that once covered here. The park which includes two blocks of forests of the larger Gishwati and Mukura forests cover up to 34km2 and gained a recognition in 2020 as a UNESCO biosphere reserve for its ecological importance. Elevated on the Albertine rift ridge that divides the Congo-Nile water catchment area, the park is a conservation model combining responsible tourism and community sustainability.
Activities to do and Experiences in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
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Primate and Nature walks
The most highlight expereince at Gishwati-Mukura National Park a trek along a small habituated community of chimpanzee that occur here. This community of chimpanzee became isolated here as when more forest strips that connected to the larger Nyungwe Forest was cleared for agriculture. Another excellent primate highlight encountered while here is an Albertine endemic; the Golden Monkey, a charismatic species restricted to bamboo specialist. L’hoest (Mountain) Monkey and Blue Monkeys along with Red-tailed Monkeys also occur. The mammal checklist include Bushbuck, Bush Pig and Black-fronted Duiker.
For casual naturalists and adventurers with time on their hands, the park offers excellent guided hike plans from Half/Full-day hikes which provides stunning panoramic views of the montane forests and distant tea-covered highlands and Lake Kivu.
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Birdwatching
Gishwati-Mukura National Park offers rewarding and excellent birding experiences to a rich-checklist of 232 species of birds. This checklist includes 18 Albertine endemics and quality high altitude forest specialists easily seen across well-maintained trails. The regenerating forest habitats make this park an easy birding destination to tick off the notorious skulking species that also occur in Nyungwe Forest, but also offers great views of the usually shy forest proper specialists.
Getting here and Accommodation Plans
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is accessed along the scenic Karongi-Rubavu road and can be explored on a day trip from any accommodations on Lake Kivu shores but the park has excellent accommodation facility near the reception offices. All activities begin at the park’s reception center early each morning. Kindly note Chimpanzee tracking permits must be pre-booked and paid in advance.