Guide to Gishwati-Mukura National Park 2026
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s latest national park that 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 established with the government passing the law in an effort to protect and then conserve 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.
Attractions in Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
Animal species.
The chimpanzees in the Gishawti Mukura national park is a major and thrilling attraction in that it is a home to a group of various 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 paradise 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 observed 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 it’s everyone’s interest to come in the park, the chimpanzee trekking starts in the morning from 6:00am with the briefing at the park headquarters by the park rangers and then trackers about the rules and then regulations to follow during chimpanzee trekking. After the briefing you will then entering the jungle to hike to look for the chimpanzees, and this takes about 4 hours or more depending on the location of the chimpanzees along the way you will observe various attractions like bird species, various animals species, plant and tree species and once the chimpanzees are located. You will be given one hour to be in the presence of the chimpanzees while observing these primates that share the human DNA that is 98%, this is the most amazing safari that is done in the park, you will watch the chimpanzees feeding, playing, mothers grooming their young ones, and among others.
Bird watching.
For the bird lovers, Gishwati-Mukura national park is the best safari destination to be in that the park is a home to 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.
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.
Any time of year is a fantastic opportunity to visit Gishwati Mukura National Park. Although the weather is dry and the park is pleasant to visit in June through September and December through February, it may rain less in these months. Therefore, you may still use the chimpanzee trekking pathways during the rainy season because they aren’t muddy or slippery. The park’s vegetation may be short and sparse during the dry season, which facilitates wildlife viewing.
There is food all across Gishwati Mukura National Park, so visitors who visit on their own between the months of March through May and October through November will have an easier time finding chimpanzees. Due to fewer tourists, they can also save a significant amount of money on accommodation.
Where to stay in Gishwati Mukura National Park.
On a safari to Gishwati Mukura National Park the tourists are provided with the incredible accommodation options that offers comfort and cool atmosphere; and these accommodations are categorized into different categories that is luxury, mid-range, and budget choices. Among these are the Gishwati Lodge, Comoran Lodge, Emeraude Kivu resort, Rushel Kivu lodge, Hakuna Matata, INZU lodge, Peace guest hotel, Uwinka camping, and many more.
How to get to Gishwati Mukura National Park.
During 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.
For more information about the Gishwati Mukuru national park safaris and then any Rwanda safari, do not hesitate to contact us at Nyumbu Beyond Journeys; then our skilled and then experienced staff will be ready to advice and then take you through designing for you the perfect safari experience that will offer your unforgettable safari memories in your entire life.