Gishwati Mukura National Park Guide –Rwanda Safari Booking
Established in 2015, Gishwati-Mukura National Park is composed of the Gishwati and Mukura Forest Reserves. The Gishwati-Mukura is Rwanda’s 4th Game Park, and is most popular for primate tours, especially chimpanzee tracking.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is found in the Western end of Rwanda between the districts of Ngororero and Rutsiro. It spans 34 sq. km and serves as a special habitat for the diverse Albertine Rift endemic species.
Wildlife to find in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
At the Gishwati-Mukura National Park, expect to explore the diversity of animal species of animals. The checklist of wildlife to find in the Gishwati-Mukura includes bushbucks, tree hyraxes, Red river hogs, black-fronted duikers, serval cats, golden monkeys, baboons, chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, and black & white colobus.
Gishwati Mukura National Park Guide
Birds of Rwanda’s Gishwati-Mukura
Gishwati-Mukura is home to diverse bird species. The park holds about 232 species of birds in Gishwati, and 163 in Mukura. They include mountain yellow warblers, old world warblers, the Rwenzori batis, martial eagle, grey crowned cranes,
Grauer’s swamp warblers, dusky crimsonwing, purple-breasted sunbirds, tawny eagle, red-throated alethe, gray-headed kingfishers, black-billed turacos, hadada ibis, hooded vultures, Lagden’s bush shrikes, blue-spotted wood dove, strange weaver birds, and tropical boubou.
Gishwati-Mukura also supports birds such as the black-crowned waxbill, black-throated apalis, Narina trogons, Angola swallow, western citril, malachite sunbirds, Augur buzzard, Rwenzori Hill babblers, Black Goshawks, Tullberg’s woodpeckers, White-browed crombec, Northern double-collared sunbird, African pipit, African stonechat, cape wagtail, and many others.
Gishwati-Mukura Forest Reserves
Gishwati Forest Reserve makes up a larger section of the Gishwati-Mukura Forest system that also extends towards the Nyungwe Forest. This particular section of the Park covers 1439.72 hectares, while the Mukura covers 198.74 hectares.
Tourism Activities/Attractions in Gishwati-Mukura
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is an exceptional destination with unique experiences that guarantee an unforgettable vacation. Gishwati-Mukura is an eco-tourism friendly destination, and while here, expect to enjoy;
Primate/Chimpanzee Tracking
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is one of the top primate destinations to explore in Rwanda. Guests on the Rwanda tour in Gishwati-Mukura have a chance to explore a variety of primates. The main primates to find on a guided primate walk in this park include chimpanzees, baboons, blue monkeys, golden monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, and many others. Chimpanzee trekking is an interesting experience that awaits you at Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
Bird-watching
A guided birding tour in Gishwati-Mukura introduces you to the best spots to find bird species. They include Rwenzori batis, regal sunbirds, martial eagle, red-throated hoopoes, stripe-breasted tit, mountain yellow warblers, wood hoopoes, and Rwenzori turacos.
Nature Walking/Hiking
Embarking on a nature walk allows you to explore the enriching trails in Gishwati-Mukura NP. While on a guided nature walk, you have a chance to find a variety of species, including butterflies, primates, insects, chameleons, and bird species. There are also numerous trees and plants to explore. Besides, the nature walks usher you deeper up to the scenic waterfall –Kazenenza.
Cycling tours
Explore the Congo Nile Divide trail with an expert on a guided cycling tour. Navigate through the enriching Congo Nile divide, which takes you towards the scenic shores of Lake Kivu and the lush Nyungwe Forest.
Cultural safari experience
Guided cultural experience/community visits can also be done in the adjacent community. This is a great opportunity to get enriched by the traditions, cultures, and practices of the locals living adjacent to Gishwati-Mukura. While on a cultural safari, expect to enjoy the vibrant performances ranging from dances, songs, drama, and storytelling.
The Best Time to Travel to Gishwati-Mukura
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is an all-year-round Rwanda safari destination. The best time to visit this Park is during the dry season, which occurs from December to February or June to August. These are the best dry months with a temperature range of 25-26 degrees Celsius. The dry season offers an excellent opportunity for guests to explore the diverse Gishwati-Mukura. Birding tours are often excellent in the months of November and April.
The Accommodation in Gishwati-Mukura
Gishwati Lodge is a high-end accommodation property for you to consider for an overnight stay in Gishwati-Mukura National Park. This luxury safari lodge offers the best luxury accommodation experience with a capacity of 15pax residing in its 6 luxury chalets.
Getting to Gishwati Mukura National Park, Rutsiro
Gishwati-Mukura National Park lies in the Northwestern Province of Rwanda, and getting there takes 2-3 hours. Gishwati-Mukura can also be reached from Volcanoes National Park or from Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga.
Planning a Rwanda Safari to Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Contact Rwanda Safari Booking to secure a slot at Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Given its proximity to the heart of Kigali, it is possible to organize and embark on 3 3-day Gishwati-Mukura tour. The 3-day safari in Gishwati-Mukura allows you to engage in the trek with the park’s chimpanzees.
The three safaris to Gishwati-Mukura can also cover a Kigali city tour. Besides, you can visit the nearby local community. It is a short tour with thrilling experiences for you to appreciate on the Rwanda safari.
Packing right for your Gishwati-Mukura safari is also essential, and the checklist should have waterproof walking boots, long-sleeved shirts, a daypack, trousers, a camera, and insect repellents. The additional items/gear to carry also include a sweater, gardening gloves, a safari hat, a first aid kit, and many others.
Conclusion: Gishwati-Mukura National Park is the best place to visit in Rwanda for chimpanzee tracking or birding tours. Being a newly created Protected Area, nature enthusiasts are guaranteed authentic jungle experiences.