Gishwati Mukura National Park
GISHWATI MUKURA NATIONAL PARK
If seclusion and uniqueness are your perfect definition of a Rwanda safari experience, then a trip to Gishwati Mukura National Park is what you need. Incredible tree species, animals, plethora of birds and butterflies are some of the must-see attractions within this exceptional safari destination.
The expanse and location of Gishwati-Mukura National Park
At 3400 hectares, the extraordinary Gishwati-Mukura is so far the smallest Park in Rwanda and is nestled in the extreme western part of this amazing country. It specifically sits on a ridge that divides the Congo and Nile water Catchment along the incredibly biodiverse Albertine Rift Valley region.
The History of Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Being the newest Protected Area in Rwanda, Gishwati-Mukura National Park came into existence in 2016 by annexing the expansive Gishwati Forest Reserve and the smaller Mukura Forest Reserve. The main purpose of setting up this Conservation Area was to preserve the incredible biodiversity in the two forests in addition to diversifying visitor experiences as they will have more things to see and do during Rwanda safaris.
The wonderful things to see within Gishwati-Mukura Park
Plants and Tree species
There are over 60 exceptional tree species within Gishwati-Mukura National Park and the prominent ones include Albizia adianthifolia, the Umbrella tree (Maesopsis eminii), Bamboo trees, Strombosia, the indigenous hardwoods, Symphonia globulifera (boarwood), Albizia adianthifolia, to mention but a few.
Animals
This small biodiversity hot spot is haven to about 6 primate species that include the endangered Chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoests monkeys, golden monkeys and black and white colobus monkeys. Besides the primates, there are other animals in this protected Area that include black-fronted duikers, bushbucks, Tree hyraxes, Serval cats and the Red River Hogs to mention but a few. Reptile lovers will be amazed by the Chameleons, Bush Vipers while Amphibians such as Brown forest hogs and different toad species are irresistible within Gishwati-Mukura Park.
Bird species
The larger Gishwati Forest is haven to about 232 bird species while the smaller Mukura Forest is haven to about 163 species of birds, some of which are Albertine Rift endemics. Expect sights and sounds of Rwenzori Turaco, Martial eagles, strange weavers, White-headed woodhoopoe, Mountain yellow warblers, Purple-breasted sunbirds, Martial eagles, Grey-crowned cranes, Regal sunbirds, Dusky Crimsonwing, handsome francolin, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Red-throated Alethe, sunbirds, to mention but a few.
What to do within Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Tracking the endangered Chimpanzees
Besides the renowned Nyungwe Forest National Park, Gishwati-Mukura Park also offers opportunities of meeting face to face with the endangered Great Apes in their natural environment. Thanks to the successful habituation process that lasted two years that these creatures have become accustomed to humans.
The adventures begin with registration and briefing at the trailheads followed by tracking that lasts 30 minutes to 2 hours. Once found, expect one hour with the Great Apes, together with other residents of the forest like blue monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, birds, tree hyraxes, duikers, giant forest hogs and so much more.
Monkey trekking
The other primate species of Gishwati-Mukura National Park especially black and white colobus monkeys, golden monkeys , L’Hoests monkeys and blue monkeys are encountered during monkey tracking tours.
Bird watching
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is an important bird area in Rwanda and unique birds such as handsome francolin, grey-crowned cranes, strange weavers, strange weavers, Stripe-breasted tit, Rwenzori batis, purple-breasted sunbirds and Rwenzori Turaco are encountered during a number of adventures.
Community visits
Community visits around Gishwati-Mukura National Park offer opportunities of learning about different cultures and traditions of people living around this Protected Area. Activities like art and craft making, cultural dances, preparation of traditional foods, banana beer brewing and visits to farms are organized during these tours.
Guided forest walks
A wide range of stunning hiking trails crisscross the verdant Gishwati and Mukura Forests, allowing travellers to bring to light the hidden secrets and mysteries of the Protected Area. Different tree species especially bamboo, Mahogany and Orchids, as well as animals especially duikers, giant forest hogs and chimpanzees, not forgetting birds will be seen.
Picnics and camping tours
From June to September and December to February, visitors can book Camping and picnics within Gishwati-Mukura National Park through the Park Headquarters. Have a special feel of this exceptional jungle by booking these adventures.
Explore the spectacular Congo-Nile Trail (via cycling or hiking)
The Congo-Nile Trail offers a variety of challenges for all ages and skill levels while passing through verdant rolling hills, the secluded countryside, the pristine shores of Lake Kivu, extensive coffee and banana plantations as well as the edge of Nyungwe Forest.
When to visit Gishwati-Mukura Park
Gishwati-Mukura National Park may be absolutely rewarding during the dry season but can be visited throughout the year. Like most places in Rwanda, this Protected Area experiences two significant seasons-the dry and wet season.
The wet season-March to May as well as October to November is the optimal time to experience Gishwati-Mukura Park because there are lower crowds, and lower rates on accommodation facilities within or around the Protected Area. However, be prepared for denser vegetation and slippery or muddy hiking trails.
The dry season-from December to February and June to September is most travellers’ perfect time for exploring the Park because trails are drier and forest vegetation sparser thus favoring forest walks, chimpanzee treks, to mention but a few.
Where to stay in or near Gishwati-Mukura Park
The sumptuous Gishwati Lodge is the premier place of lodging within Gishwati-Mukura Park and boasts of 6 rustic Cottages. This Lodge is part of the Wilderness Safaris brand, offering sustainable conservation in Rwanda’s jungles. Visitors can also choose to stay outside or near the Park with remarkable options being Inzu Lodge, Muhabura Mountain Lodge and La Bella among others.
Access to the remarkable Gishwati-Mukura National Park
The most popularly and obviously frequently-used way to get to the Park in western Rwanda is by driving about 52 miles in 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali.
However, a helicopter flight from Kigali International Airport will usher you into Gishwati-Mukura Park within 45 minutes only.