Gishwati Mukura National Park.

Gishwati Mukura National Park.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park, Rwanda’s newest national park established in 2015, showcases rich biodiversity. It spans approximately 3,558 hectares across Rutsiro and Ngororero districts in the Western Province. The park hosts over 60 tree species, including bamboo and indigenous hardwoods, and supports 84 bird species, contributing to Rwanda’s safari biodiversity.

This park would have become extinct because, during the genocide of 1994, the majority of people fled the nation and others fled to its borders.

As a result, some of these individuals ended up occupying the Gishwati and Mukura areas, where they engaged in farming, deforestation, and illicit mining.
Mukura and Gishwati are woods. The Gishwati-Mukura was created after a bill was approved in September 2015 creating a joint national park. The main attraction of Gishwati-Mukura National Park is chimpanzee tracking.

The park’s history

One of Africa’s newest national parks is Gishwati Mukura National Park. Gishwati-Mukura National Park formally opened to the public on December 1st, 2020.

Prior to the official inauguration of Gishwati Mukura National Park, there was a protracted and difficult journey to preserve one of the last remaining montane rain forests in central Africa. The Kivu Belt region of Rwanda is home to the broken-up montane rainforest known as Gishwati Mukura National Park.

It is a portion of the forest known as the Congo-Nile Divide, which formerly covered the whole mountain range that separates the Nile Water Basin from the Congo Water Basin, extending from the Congo to Burundi.

The Gishwati Forest, Mukura Forest, Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda, and Kibira National Park in Burundi are among the modern remnants of these forest complexes.
Despite being components of the same national park, the Gishwati and Mukura woods are separated by about 50 kilometers.

There are plans to reforest the entire area between them into a single forest, which would span an area that is nearly as vast as Nyungwe Forest. The entire area has been set aside for conservation as a national park. A rainforest corridor connecting Nyungwe Forest to Gishwati and Mukura Woods is another topic of discussion.

Attractions to see.

 Wildlife

In Gishwati-Mukura National Park, primates, various animals, and reptiles make up the majority of the biodiversity.
These include side-striped jackals, chameleons, pottos, galagos, Rwenzori sun squirrels, Eastern chimpanzees, golden monkeys, hoest monkeys, and serval genets.

Plant species

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a magnificent park that is home to over sixty different plant species. These consist of numerous tree species, carapa grandiflora, huge tree ferns, and prunus africana.

Water falls

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is blessed with beautiful waterfalls.
This is because of its proximity to several rivers, including the Sebeya, Rucanzogera, Pfunda, Satinyisi, and Secoko rivers.

Avian

Bird-watching tours and primate trekking safaris can both be done in the park. Over 232 bird species have been identified, with Albertine Rift and Forest bird species having the biggest populations.
These consist of the Rwenzori turacos, Kivu ground thrush, Rwenzori apalis, weird weavers, Archer’s ground robin, mountain sooty boubou, large blue turacos, dusky crimson wing, and grey-crowned cranes.

The people and customs

Going beyond tracking primates, the park is worth exploring. The exciting cultural events that take place in the nearby local communities are also open to visitors. There are local initiatives to visit and discover more about African cultures, encompassing customs, cattle rearing, beekeeping, crafting, and much more.

Activities to do at Gishwati Mukura National Park.

1. Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking is the park’s signature experience. The forest is home to a small but growing population of chimpanzees. Guided treks take you deep into the forest to track these intelligent primates in their natural habitat.

Along the way, you might also encounter other primates like: L’Hoest’s monkeys, Golden monkeys, Blue monkeys and Olive baboons

Trekking is best done early in the morning, and sightings are not guaranteed, but the adventure through the misty forest is rewarding on its own.

2. Guided Nature Walks

Nature walks offer an intimate way to explore Gishwati’s diverse ecosystems. Experienced guides lead you along scenic trails, sharing insights about the park’s: Medicinal plants, Towering trees, Colorful butterflies and Rare orchids

The trails vary in length and difficulty, making them ideal for all fitness levels.

3. Birdwatching

Gishwati-Mukura is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 230 bird species recorded, including many Albertine Rift endemics. Some highlights include: Red-throated alethe, Grey crowned crane, Regal sunbird, Rwenzori batis and Martial eagle

Early morning or late afternoon are perfect times for birding expeditions.

4. Cultural Experiences

Visitors can engage with the surrounding local communities to learn about traditional practices and rural life in Rwanda. Activities include: Visiting local farms, Beekeeping demonstrations, Tea plantation tours, Traditional dance performances and Handicraft workshops

These experiences promote sustainable tourism while supporting community development.

5. Forest Conservation Experiences

Gishwati-Mukura offers conservation tourism opportunities where visitors can: Participate in tree planting programs, Learn about forest restoration efforts, Visit conservation education centers and Engage with park rangers about wildlife protection

This hands-on approach allows travelers to contribute directly to preserving the park’s fragile ecosystem.

6. Mountain Biking and Scenic Drives

Some areas around the park are ideal for scenic mountain biking and guided drives through rolling hills, tea plantations, and villages. These routes offer breathtaking views and opportunities to explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding Gishwati-Mukura.

7. Relaxation and Photography

For those seeking peace and reflection, the tranquil setting of Gishwati-Mukura is perfect for relaxation and nature photography. The forest canopy, wildlife sightings, and misty hills provide incredible photo opportunities throughout the day.

Plan and book your safari to Africa’s newest park.

Gecko Safaris Africa is your must-think choice for proper preparation, booking, and guiding on site, and more than you expect to make the safari a memorable one. Contact us via.