Gishwati Mukura National Park
Gishwati Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s newest national park, located in the western province near Lake Kivu, between Ngororero and Rutsiro districts. The park sits about four to five hours’ drive from Kigali. Officially gazetted as Rwanda’s fourth national park, it covers 34 square kilometers on the ridge of the Congo Nile basin. The park combines two forests: the large Gishwati Forest and the smaller Mukura Forest Reserve, from which it takes its name.
History and Conservation of Gishwati Mukura
The park was formally established in 2015 to protect Gishwati Forest’s rich biodiversity. Previously, the forest extended west to Lake Kivu, into the tropical rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and south to Nyungwe National Park. However, resettlement, farming, illegal mining, and deforestation degraded the area. Conservation efforts have restored about 67% of the forest, and programs continue to expand protection for wildlife and plant species.
Wildlife in Gishwati Mukura National Park
Gishwati Mukura National Park hosts a wide range of primates. You can find a group of 20 chimpanzees, golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, and both white and colobus monkeys. The park also shelters over 232 bird species in Gishwati Forest and 163 in Mukura Forest, including Albertine Rift endemics. Moreover, it contains around 60 tree species, featuring indigenous hardwoods and bamboo, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
Tourist Activities in Gishwati Mukura National Park
The park is open to tourists and offers a variety of exciting activities. You can enjoy guided chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey trekking, and other primate tracking adventures. Birdwatching and guided nature hikes are also popular. In addition, some tours include visits to local communities for cultural immersion.
Combine Gishwati Mukura with Other Rwandan Destinations
Tourists can combine a visit to Gishwati Mukura National Park with other Rwandan attractions. For example, you can plan gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, hike the Nyiragongo volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo, or enjoy activities around Lake Kivu. Due to its proximity to Nyungwe National Park, you can also do double primate trekking, take the canopy walk, and explore dense tropical rainforests. Finally, after visiting the western and northern parks, you can continue to Akagera National Park in the east for a wildlife safari.
Plan Your Adventure
Contact our tour consultants at Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris to plan your safari. We can create a fully tailored package that includes Gishwati Mukura National Park and other top destinations. Our team ensures your journey through Rwanda offers both adventure and comfort, connecting you with the country’s incredible wildlife, culture, and landscapes.
Tourist Activities in Gishwati Mukura National Park
