Gishwati-Mukura National Park is the newest and obviously rarely explored Protected Area in remarkable Rwanda. If you are looking for seclusion and extraordinary beauty away from crowds, then this stunning National Park is where your next Rwanda safari should be.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park’s Location and size
Nettled within the western side of the country, Gishwati-Mukura National Park comfortably sits on the ridge that separates the verdant Congo and Nile water Catchment within the extraordinarily biodiverse Albertine Rift Valley region. The total size of Gishwati-Mukura National Park is about 3400 hectares and this also includes the adjoining buffer zone.
History of stunning Gishwati-Mukura National Park
This magically beautiful National Park came into existence in 2016 as a result of combining the larger Gishwati Forest Reserve with the smaller Mukura Forest Reserve, thus the Park is largely forested. This small but stunning Park was mainly set up to protect the extraordinary biodiversity within the Gishwati and Mukura forests in addition to ensuring that visitors enjoy unrivalled experiences that are obviously unique from the ones offered in the other three Wildlife Sanctuaries in Rwanda (the north-western based Volcanoes National Park, eastern-based Akagera National Park as well as the south-western based Nyungwe Forest National Park). In so doing, travellers will find a reason to spend more days in magical Rwanda.
Highlights
Unique Plants and Tree species
This Park alone is haven to about 250 plant species and about 60 unique tree species that include the Bamboo and the indigenous Maesopsis eminii, Ficus, boarwood, Strombosia pustulata, Albizia adianthifolia, hardwoods, xymalos, to mention but a few.
Animals
The exceptional biodiversity in Gishwati-Mukura National Park will make you rethink your decision to visit other destinations and therefore expect to see endangered Chimpanzees (totaling to 20 individuals), the endangered golden monkeys, Tree hyraxes, black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoests monkeys, Red River hogs, black-fronted duikers, Olive baboons, Serval cats, civets, blue monkeys, bushbucks, vervet monkeys. Besides these mammals, expect to see different reptile species the Monitor lizards, Bush vipers and Chameleons, in addition to Amphibians like Toads as well as the brown forest frogs.
Bird species
About 232 bird species have been recorded within Gishwati Forest alone while the adjoining Mukura Forest has about 163 bird species and these include the Albertine Rift endemics. Birders are introduced to the Rwenzori Turaco, Martial eagles, Mountain yellow warblers, Grey-crowned cranes, Strange weavers, White-headed woodhoopoe, Rwenzori batis, Purple-breasted sunbirds, Red-throated Alethe, Martial Eagles, Dusky Crimsonwing, Grauer’s swamp warbler, to mention but a few.
Chimpanzee trekking Tours
The endangered Chimpanzees offer travellers with riveting wildlife experiences, with opportunities of learning about their eye-catching ways of life in the jungle. With the existence of about 20 chimpanzees, tracking them is now possible within Gishwati-Mukura National Park. These primates have successfully completed their mandatory two years habituation process and therefore safe for trekking by persons of 12 years and above.
Monkey tracking adventures
Learn about the exciting behavior of different monkey species in Gishwati-Mukura National Park and for this adventure, the common-trekked species are golden monkeys, L’Hoests monkeys and blue monkey among others who will be seen resting, playing and foraging in their natural environment.
Bird watching tours
While it is not as hyped as other Wildlife Sanctuaries in Rwanda like Akagera, Volcanoes and Nyungwe Forest National Parks, this tinny Protected Area offers thrilling chances of seeing extraordinary bird species that include forest and Albertine Rift endemics thus making it a wonderful birding spot in the country. Travellers are open to see Martial Eagles, Rwenzori Turaco, strange weavers, Grey-crowned cranes, blue-headed sunbirds, Rwenzori batis, handsome francolin, purple-breasted sunbirds and Stripe-breasted tit among others.
Village/or Community visits
The Village or Community visits around Gishwati-Mukura National Park provide opportunities of experiencing how healers use local plants for traditional medicine, be introduced to art and handcraft making as well as beekeeping, be entertained in live cultural dances and learning about the different activities related to cattle rearing such as making cow ghee, traditional milking, preservation and treatment of milk.
Guided nature walks
The guided nature walk is the chance to walk through unspoiled parts of the forest in the company of trained and expert ranger guides. On the way you will see beautiful bird species, huge tree ferns, exceptional animals especially chameleons, duikers, L‘Hoests monkeys, bushbucks and others. Travellers that wish to see some of the nocturnal species in Gishwati-Mukura National Park can book for the night nature walks. Some of the trails are the waterfall trail, Mukura bike trail, the riverside trail, Rucanzogera trail and others.
Exploring the Congo-Nile Trail via biking and cycling
It is interesting to learn that the Congo-Nile Trail goes through verdant rolling hills, secluded villages tea and banana plantations, Nyungwe forest edge as well as the shores of Lake Kivu. Besides the Congo-Nile Trail, travellers can experience the Mukura Bike Trail for unmatched hiking and biking experiences.
How do i get there ?
By Road
The beautiful Gishwati-Mukura National Park is found in the west of Rwanda and depending on your location, there are many ways to get there. If you choose public transport, find buses at Nyabugogo Bus Park heading to Rubavu taking 3 hours or via Karongi lasting only two hours. On arriving Karongi or Rubavu Towns, visitors can then continue with the Kivu Belt Road that links the Goma-Rubavu-Karongi-Rusizi as well as Bukavu Towns to Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
By Flight