Gishwati Mukura National Park is the newest national park that was created in 2015 by merging two different magical forests, namely Gishwati Forest and Mukura Forest. Gishwati Mukura National Park is the smallest national park in Rwanda, occupying about 34 square kilometers, and the least visited national park in Rwanda. Gishwati Mukura National Park is situated on the edge of a ridge that separates the Nile and the Congo water catchment areas within the diverse Albertine Rift. Click here to view mountain gorilla trekking safaris.

Gishwati Mukura National Park is home to many primate species, bird species, reptile species, and tree species. It also protects endangered species such as the Eastern Chimpanzee. Chimpanzees coexist with Lhotse, Golden Monkeys, and Blue Monkeys. Gishwati Mukura National Park protects over 232 bird species, including the Albertine endemic species, which has made this place one of the best birding destinations in Rwanda. Click here to see our recommended mountain gorilla trekking tour.

Wildlife species in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati Mukura National Park accommodates a variety of primate species such as chimpanzees, golden monkeys, olive baboons, lhotse’s monkeys, blue monkeys, velvet monkeys, and black and white Colobus monkeys.

Bird watching in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati Mukura National Park offers over 232 bird species, including the Regal Sunbird, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Ruwenzori Batis, Woodhoopoe, Martial Eagle, Strange Weave, Grey Crowned Crane, Mountain Yellow Warblers, Dusky Crimson Wing, Red-throated Aletha, Ruwenzori Turaco, and Mountain Yellow Warblers, some of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift.

Guided Nature Walk in Gishwati Mukura National Park in Rwanda 

Gishwati-Mukura National Park offers many established trails for travelers to explore the forest. On their guided nature walk, travelers can have the opportunity to encounter the natural beauty of this magical forest up close with wonderful creatures such as butterflies, insects, primates, chameleons, birds, and over 60 species of trees, including bamboos, mahogany, ferns, Macaranga kilims, and orchids. New tree species such as eucalyptus, Dombeya torrid, macaranga, Hagenia abyssinica, and polyacid fulva have been introduced lately in the park so that travelers can have an opportunity to see them.

Primate trekking

Primate trekking in Gishwati-Mukura National Park is the park’s major activity. On your primate trek, you will have the opportunity to see primates like golden monkeys, blue monkeys, chimpanzees, Lhotse’s monkeys, and baboon species. Like other national parks, prime trekking also starts with a morning briefing about the rules and regulations that are guided by the park rangers. You will begin your walk into the forest on foot, searching for primate species. During your primate trekking, travelers can also have a chance of seeing other mammals, such as duikers and birds.

 A tour to the Waterfall

Visit the waterfall, which is among the best hiking trails within Gishwati-Mukura National Park. A visit to the waterfall takes travelers to Kazeneza Waterfall, situated in the middle of Gishwati-Mukura National Park, and offers an opportunity for sightseeing and breathtaking views of this magical national park.

 Biking and cycling along the Congo Nile Trail

The Congo-Nile Trail offers one of the best biking experiences in East Africa. The Congo Nile Trail passes along the shorelines of Lake Kivu and via the Nyungwe forest.

Community-based visits include a farm stay where a traveler can participate in farm activities, enjoy the local cultural dance, learn about beekeeping and handicrafts, take a tea plantation tour, and have many opportunities to learn from traditional healers, who normally use natural plants to treat many people in order to support modern medicine. Gishwati Mukura National Park activities offer travelers an opportunity to learn more about the local communities and how these people survive alongside the wildlife species.

The best time to travel to Gishwati-Mukura National Park is during the dry months, from June to September. This is when the trekking trails are not slippery and the weather is perfect.