Gishwati-Mukura National Park is located in the Western part of Rwanda in the districts of Rutsiro and Ngororero, the park covers an area of 13.2 square miles, the park is in Rwanda and was created recently in 2015 and in Rwanda’s fourth national park. Gishwati-Mukura national park was created with the government passing the law in an effort to protect the chimpanzees found in the park, it is the smallest park of space bringing together Gishwati forest and Mukura forest, currently the park is least visited with the minimal tourism traffic, the park is situated on the ridges of the Congo-Nile strange giving you an experience of some species of the Albertine region, Rwanda Safaris Tours.
Attractions in Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
Animal species.
The chimpanzees in the Gishawti Mukura national park is a major attraction in that it is a home to a group of 20 chimpanzees which live alongside golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s and the Blue monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys so the guests come from the entire world to observe the chimpanzees that live in the Gishwati-Mukura national park. Other animal species found in the park includes the big mammals like the Buffaloes that can be found out of the park.
Bird species.
Gishwati Mukura national park is a birding haven that is the park is having over 235 bird species, and 163 at Mukura, among them Albertine Rift Endemic species and the forest specialist. Some of the bird species that can be spotted by the tourists includes the Martial eagle, strange weave, Grey Crowned Crane, Dusky crimson wing, Ruwenzori Turaco, Mountain Yellow Warblers and among others.
Activities in Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
Chimpanzee trekking.
Chimpanzee trekking in Gishwati-Mukura national park is the major activity that is done in the park, that is its everyone’s interest to come in the park, the chimpanzee trekking starts in the morning from 6:00am by entering the jungle to hike while observing these primates that share the human DNA that is 98%, this is the most amazing safari that is done in the park.
Bird watching.
For the bird lovers, Gishwati-Mukura national park is the best place to be in that the park has got over 235 bird species, these can be spotted by the bird lovers on their bird watching safari in the park, as these include the endangered Albertine rift like Rwenzori Blue Turaco, though some of the bird species to be spotted in the park includes the Martial Eagle, Strange weave, Rwenzori Batis, Wood hoopoe, Purple-breasted sun bird, Grey Crowned Crane, Grauer’s swamp warbler and many others.
Waterfall hiking safari.
Waterfall hiking is one of the tourism activities done in Gishwati-Mukura national park, here the tourists may choose to hike the waterfall as they can be rewarded by visiting the Kazenenza waterfall, during your hike you can spot different plantations that are found in Gishwati Mukura national park and also Nyungwe national park like Igishigishigi, in this park there are 2 known waterfalls that are so rewarding for the guests who really wish to discover this park.
Golden monkey trekking.
Golden monkey trekking in Gishwati Mukura national park is the key activity as the guests seeing the golden monkeys can as well see other primates within the forests especially chimpanzees, baboons, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys and many others, the Golden monkey trekking safari starts very early in the morning with park officials briefing the visitors about what they are supposed to within in the forest in search of the golden monkeys and after briefing the activity commences and upon seeing the Golden monkeys, you will be allocated only one hour to see and interact with the monkeys, as you get the chance to see the golden monkeys and other animal species like the duikers and various bird species.
Nature trails.
The tourists who visit the Gishwati Mukura carry out the nature trails which is 5-mile trek through the heart of the forest that can be approached as an out-and-back route or used to connect to either of the other park trails, the 4-mile waterfall trail takes you to Gishwati’s impressive waterfalls, while the Matyazo hill trail is steep, almost 2-mile ascent to a hilltop with elevated forest views, whichever trail you choose, keep an eye out for the park’s wildlife end route.
Best time to visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park can be visited throughout the year, but the period are the wet months from October to May are the best for the chimpanzee trekking safari and also the forest birding. General hiking might be easier in the drier months from June to September.
Where to stay in Gishwati Mukura national park.
Gishwati Mukura national park has got various accommodation facilities for the guests that are well comfortable and suitable as these are arranged into the Budget, Mid-range and Luxury such as INZU lodge, Hakuna Matata, Gishwati lodge, Rushel Kivu lodge, Virunga Hotel and campsite and many others.
How to get to Gishwati Mukura National Park.
During self-driving, you will need to drive from Kigali to the Gishwati Mukura national park which is about 2 hours drive, then using the air transport there is an option of a chartered flight from Kigali to Gishwati Mukura national park.
