Rwanda Gishwati Mukura National Park; Top Attractions, & more

Gishwati Mukura National Park is the smallest national park in Rwanda, occupying 34 square kilometers spanning over the districts of Rutsiro and Ngororero. It was created in 2015 with the major aim of protecting the endangered chimpanzees that thrive within their natural habitats.

The park is located in the northwestern regions of Rwanda, approximately three and a half-hour drive, covering a distance of 167 kilometers from Kigali city.

Gishwati Mukura National Park was formed as a result of the emerging Gishwati and Mukura natural forests which stretched between the Volcanoes National Park to the west and Nyungwe Forest National Park to the south.

The strategic positioning of the park between two prominent national parks of Rwanda that are known for their rich biodiversity resulted in an incredible biodiversity of this park.

Gishwati Mukura National Park is documented to host five primate species, including chimpanzees, which are one of the park’s major attractions. The other primate species in the park are golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, colobus monkeys, and vervet monkeys.

Besides the primates, the park is also home to different mammals such as forest duikers, bushbucks, Red river hogs, tree hyraxes, and various small mammals.

The park is home to over 100 bird species making it a prime birding destination in Rwanda. Some of the popular bird species spotted at the park include Great Blue Turaco (Tauraco persa), Rwenzori Turaco (Tauraco Johnston), African Green Broadbill (Pseudocalyptomena graueri), White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher (Melaenornis fischeri), Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca), Grauer’s Warbler (Bradypterus graueri), Black-collared Apalis (Apalis melanura), Rwenzori Batis (Batis diops), Mountain Yellow Warbler (Chloropeta similis), Dusky Turtle Dove (Streptopelia lugens).

The Gishwati Mukura National Park is made up of over 60 tree species inclusive of the Indigenous hardwoods such as Afzelia xylocarpa (Afzelia or Doussie), Celtis africana (African Hackberry), Pouteria altissima (Sumauma), Macaranga kilimandscharica (Kilimanjaro Rubber Tree), Securidaca long pedunculate (Purple Securidaca) and bamboo forests providing a great habitat and food for different wildlife species. Let’s briefly look at the two forests, Mukura forest, and Gishwati forest differently;

Gishwati and Mukura Forests

Gishwati Forest is the largest of the two forests. In the 1970s, it covered about 1,011 square kilometers. However, during the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, people sought refuge in the forest, leading to extensive clearing for settlement and farming. By 2001, the forest area had been reduced to about 6 square kilometers.

Through reafforestation and conservation efforts by Rwanda’s Ministry of Environment, the forest area increased up to about 22 square kilometers before emerging Mukura forest to make 34 square kilometers.

Mukura forest on the other hand is smaller than its counterpart originally occupied an area of about 20 square kilometers but due to human encroachment on it, it was reduced to 12 square kilometers.

The two forests almost went into extinction as a result of the the1994 Rwanda genocide but thanks to exceptional conservation efforts Rwanda managed to rescue the small that had been left and through different measures added it up to 34 square kilometers which are now featured with rich biodiversity, well maintained and prepared to offer visitors thrilling experiences while on their adventurous tours in Rwanda.

However, despite all the conservation efforts that have led to the establishment of a beautiful national park, a new problem is emerging for Mukura Forest. It has been discovered to be situated on an area rich in coltan, a mineral used in the production of electronic devices such as computers. This mineral is likely to prompt local communities to engage in destructive extraction activities. Even now, people are attempting to access it despite the strict measures enforced by the Rwandan government.

Attractions in Gishwati Mukura National Park

Despite its relatively small size, Gishwati Mukura National Park offers a variety of exciting activities for visitors. These include chimpanzee trekking and primate viewing, birdwatching, nature walks, and wildlife observation, as well as excellent opportunities for camping and picnicking, among other attractions.

Rwanda, recognized as one of the safest countries in the world, boasts high-end ecotourism reflected in its well-preserved natural habitats, including Gishwati Mukura National Park. This makes it a reliable safari destination that travelers shouldn’t miss during their Rwanda safaris.

Let us delve into the thrilling activities offered by Gishwati Mura National Park in detail;

Chimpanzee trekking;

The park was once home to a significant population of chimpanzees, but their numbers were reduced due to habitat destruction, particularly in Gishwati Forest. However, ongoing conservation efforts aimed at restoring wildlife are gradually leading to an increase in the chimpanzee population, making the park a primary destination in Rwanda for nature enthusiasts seeking a chimpanzee trekking experience.

Many chimpanzee communities in the park have undergone habituation processes, making them safe for visitors. Others still in the habituation process are also open to human viewing, which helps them acclimate to human presence, ensuring a safer experience for both humans and the chimps in their natural habitat.

Chimpanzee trekking in the park begins with a briefing at the park headquarters by an experienced guide. The briefing covers conduct guidelines, what to expect, safety rules, and measures to ensure the well-being of both visitors and wildlife.

During the trek, you will have the opportunity to see other primate species thriving in the park, such as golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, colobus monkeys, and vervet monkeys. Additionally, you may catch glimpses of various wildlife creatures and diverse tree species.

Birding;

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a primary destination for birding in Rwanda. It is documented to hold about 100 species among which include the 10 notable species of the Albertine Rift Namely Great Blue Turaco, Rwenzori Turaco, African Green Broadbill, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher Black-collared Apalis, Grauer’s Warbler, Rwenzori Batis, Mountain Yellow Dusky Turtle Dove, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher.

The park offers guided birding experiences led by a knowledgeable birding guide well-versed in the park’s road networks leading to different birding spots of the park. He helps birders spot different bird species while at the same time availing deep insights into their behaviors.

Nature walks / Hikes; The park features well-maintained trails that lead to various sections, offering visitors the chance to explore its rich biodiversity on foot. During these walks, you will encounter a variety of wildlife up close, including small mammals, invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians. In addition to the animals, you will observe diverse tree species, flowering plants, ferns, and more, providing an immersive experience. The calm and quiet environment of the forests also offers an ideal setting for relaxation and unwinding.

Cultural Encounters; The park management has kept close ties with local communities specifically those living around the park to promote eco-tourism. Therefore, the park organizes different cultural activities offering visitors an opportunity to get deep insights into the lives of the local people of Rwanda.

These cultural activities include visits to local communities or individual homesteads of local people. Here visitors can interact with the local people, help in preparing and tasting local cuisines, learn how to make local handcrafts, engage in music, dance, and drama, and visit local farms, schools, and worship grounds, among others offering a thrilling experience. A visitor may decide to spend a night at a specific local individual homestead and have a taste of a local village night, and deep insights into their lives.

Biking through the Congo Nile Trail

The Congo Nile trail passes just close to the Gishwati Mukura National Park offering bikers or hikers an opportunity to branch off and explore its biodiversity. The Congo Nile trail is the longest and best cycling trail in East Africa, covering different regions of Rwanda inclusive of this park.

How to get to Gishwati Mukura National Park

Gishwati Mukura National Park is located 170 kilometers from Kigali City, which can be covered in about 4 hours by road, making it easily accessible. If you’re visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park or Volcanoes National Park and wish to access Gishwati Mukura, you’ll need to drive just 27 kilometers.

Alternatively, you can reach the park via a chartered aircraft from Kigali International Airport, which takes about 45 minutes, an ideal option for travelers with limited time or those seeking a less tiring journey.

Visitors can also conveniently access the park from Mgahinga or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an exhilarating gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, you can explore the vibrant forests of Gishwati Mukura for nature walks or birdwatching.

For road transport, you can take a bus from Kigali City to Rubavu, and then use a motorcycle taxi or private cab to reach the park.

However, we recommend choosing the services of a tour operator for the best experience both on your road trip and within the park. Tour operators provide a hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus solely on your journey. They arrange the best safari vehicles, typically 4x4s, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable safari experience.

Gishwati Mukura National Park offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some popular choices:

1. Gishwati Lodge: A comfortable lodge with stunning views, offering eco-friendly accommodations and a range of amenities, including guided tours and nature walks.
2. Cottages and Campsites: There are various cottages and camping options available within or near the park for those who prefer a more rustic experience.
3. Nearby Hotels: In nearby towns like Rubavu, you can find additional hotels and guesthouses that offer different levels of comfort and amenities.
4. Eco-Friendly Options: Several eco-lodges in the area focus on sustainability and provide immersive experiences in nature.

Gishwati Mukura National Park Prices

As of 2024 here are the entry fees and activity costs for Gishwati Mukura National Park:

Gishwati Mukura National Park Entry Fees:

• Local Visitors: RWF 1,000
• Foreign Residents: RWF 5,000
• Foreign Non-Residents: USD 20

Gishwati Mukura National Park Activity Fees:

• Guided Nature Walks: USD 10
• Bird Watching: USD 10
• Community Tours: USD 15

Payment:

All park Fees can typically be paid at the park entrance or through authorized tour operators. It’s advisable to check in advance for the most current fees and payment methods, as they may vary.

For an enjoyable visit, consider booking a guided tour through a local tour operator, which may also include entry fees and activities in their packages.

It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.