Situated in the Western Province of Rwanda, Gishwati-Mukura National Park is the pride of the Rwandese and home to a diverse bio-claritas. Established in 2015, it is Rwanda’s newest national park, covering approximately 34 square kilometers and comprising two distinct forests: Gishwati and Mukura. These forests were once a part of the large belt of the rainforest stretching from Congo to the Nile, but Rwanda has worked hard to rehabilitate the lost forests.

By the early 2000s the area of Gishwati Forest had been cut down to as small as 6 square kilometers from over 250 square kilometers. Likewise, in Mukura Forest the number of individuals reduced sharply because of mining and expansion of the agriculture sector. The government of Rwanda with assistance from the World Bank and other organizations such as the Great Ape Trust has in recent years embarked on massive tree-planting projects. Nowadays, the park can be considered an area with recovering ecosystems and it is home to more than sixty tree species, such as indigenous hardwoods, bamboo, etc.

This important conservation area harbours 20 eastern chimpanzees, golden monkeys and over 230 birds including Albertine Rift endemics. Apart from the natural attraction, the park is easily accessible for regional and international tourists since the park is only 2-3 hour drive from Kigali.

It is always joy while choosing to explore the exotic features at Gishwati-Mukura National Park; however, the next step is to protect those unique ecosystems and appreciate the people around them. Here are essential guidelines for maintaining harmony with nature and people during your visit:

Stay on Designated Trails:

Don’t destroy the ecologically sensitive areas by treading on unmarked areas during one’s visit.

Cross-country hiking can interfere with the activity of animals and injure plants, which interferes with the park’s rehabilitation process.

Engage Respectfully with Local Communities:

Many people live in the surrounding communities and depend on the park as well as appreciate the history of the place.

Remember to seek permission from people before shooting photographs or joining community events.

Treat cultural practices, for instance, dances, or ceremonies as interesting events that they are meant to be.

Follow Park Regulations:

Most of the activities including chimpanzee trekking, still need permits and company of park rangers.

Staying to rules is important because it keeps the visitors safe and the wildlife free from undue stress.

Avoid Littering:

Always use reusable canteens and bottles when buying water or having meals to reduce wastage.

Make sure that all and any litter is removed from park or disposed to appropriate receptacles.

All these activities in a small way help in the protection of the environment in Gishwati-Mukura forest and the improvement of the welfare of the people living close to the forest.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park provide an important habitat for wildlife and a perfect example of a species-diverse area. Here’s what makes the park a standout destination for nature lovers:

 Diverse Tree Species:

The park has over 60 species of trees, local hardwood species such as African mahogany and bamboo that grows very fast.

These trees are important sources of the park’s animal habitat and help maintain the ecological structure of the park.

Home to Eastern Chimpanzees:

There are about 20 eastern chimpanzees in the park, which gives the tourists a very rare chance to see these apes in the wild.

They share their habitat with other guenons including the golden monkey, the blue monkey and the L’Hoest’s monkey. 

Birdwatcher’s Paradise:

It hosts more than 230 bird species and other Albertine rift endemic species such as Rwenzori turaco and the mountain yellow warbler.

Birding tours show these birds and, therefore, are a must for any ornithologist or bird watching enthusiast.

Rich Ecosystem Supporting Unique Wildlife:

The park supports butterfly, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals owing to the growth of vegetation within the park.

Such a variety of the flora and fauna proves the necessity of the preservation of the natural resources on the planet.

Gishwati-Mukura is not only a forest, but it is an active ecosystem allowing visitors to get closer to nature.

Proper planning ensures an enjoyable trip to Gishwati-Mukura National Park.

Best Time to Visit: Dry seasons (June–September, December–February) are ideal for trekking, while rainy seasons showcase lush greenery.

Getting There: A 2–3 hour drive from Kigali via the Rubavu-Karongi road. Guided tours often include transport.

Accommodation: Stay at the Forest of Hope Guest House within the park or opt for lodgings in nearby towns like Rubavu or Karongi.

Permits and Costs: Activities like chimpanzee trekking require permits, which support conservation efforts.

Essentials: Pack hiking boots, rain gear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.

With thoughtful preparation, you’ll make the most of this incredible destination while supporting its preservation.

Gishwati-Mukura offers diverse activities for nature lovers and adventurers:

Chimpanzee Trekking: Track semi-habituated chimpanzees with expert guides for an educational and thrilling experience (permits required).

Nature Walks: Explore scenic trails through forests and waterfalls, spotting unique wildlife along the way.

Bird Watching: Discover over 230 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics, on guided birding tours.

Community Experiences: Engage in tea tours, beekeeping, handicrafts, and traditional dances to connect with local culture.

Relaxation: Enjoy the park’s peaceful landscapes, from rolling hills to tranquil streams.

Gishwati-Mukura promises unforgettable adventures for every kind of traveller.

To make your trip to Gishwati-Mukura National Park as enjoyable and rewarding as possible, keep these practical tips in mind:

 Prepare for Varied Terrain:

Most activities within the park involve steep slopes, hills and forests and thus, most people must be fit physically.

These pictures also show it is best to wear heavy duty hiking boots with good treads for trails and rain gear due to rising sun quick changing of the weather.

Book in Advance:

Chimpanzee tracking and accommodation at the Forest of Hope Guest House is very restricted and advance booking is necessary.

It also makes it easy to seek the necessary permits and sort out all logistics, since your spot is assured.

Respect Wildlife:

In order not to interfere with their behavior and in particular not to stress them or change their behavior, do not approach animals too closely.

Do not feed the animals or take flash photographs with you because these actions are disruptive to their environments.

Pack Essentials:

Sunscreen, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle and snacks should be brought for day trips.

While binoculars and cameras (without flash) are allowed, they provide an additional experience to bird watchers or wildlife enthusiasts.

Hire Local Guides:

While guided tours are helpful for safety reasons, they also bring the historical and ecological facts about the park to your attention.

Local guide earnings are the most tangible benefit that supporting them has on the community.

With these tips you will not only get more out of your experience but also keep the park environment as natural and free from litter as possible and thus support the local population.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park provides a tremendous opportunity for developing sustainable tourism and development projects. It also provides an opportunity for the investors to be involved in the conservation of the natural resource while at the same time carrying out the tourism business of conservation. Here are key areas to explore:

Eco-Friendly Lodging:

Consumers remain interested in green hotels, and there are only a few of them at the present moment in the park.

Developing temporary structures like lodges or campsites with using environmentally friendly products and energy will help feed the growing niche of tourists attracted to nature.

Tourism Services and Packages:

Develop enterprises for hire of guides for local and migratory birds, tour services, and day and night trekking services. These services improve the visitor experience and bring more people into the location.

Cultural Experiences and Community Projects:

Cooperating with local people to bring cultural tourism —including dances, tea plantation or handicraft—serves as sources of income but also for promoting cultural values.

The educational goals of the park are best served by promoting sustainable beekeeping, handicraft cooperatives, and agriculture.

 Conservation Initiatives:

Support initiatives that support grants for investigation, wildlife tracking, and reforestation.

Such measures are useful to the ecosystem, help to promote the area to environmentally sensitive tourists, and are in line with conservation measures taken across the world.

Training and Capacity Building:

Establishing training packages for local guides and hospitality workers improves service delivery and creates job opportunities.

It is profitable to invest in Gishwati-Mukura National Park on the economic aspect as well as to protect one of the most valuable parts of Rwandan biological diversity.

As the mist settles over the rolling hills of Gishwati-Mukura National Park, the forest hums with life. A golden monkey swings gracefully from branch to branch, and the call of the Rwenzori turaco echoes through the trees.

It’s a scene with a living testimony of what often could have been a lost battle — a forest that was nearly decimated and which instead has been resurrected to offer a habitat to the animals as well as a home to human beings.

It is not only an exciting tour, but an opportunity to get the concept of the restoration and to become a part of it. Whether you come to try and see the chimpanzees, watch birds, or share a joke with people at the tea farms, you are supporting the conservation of this wonderful environment.

When you are walking out of the park, the sun setting behind trees, you are taking much more home with you. You get to have a better understanding of nature’s power to cure and of those who invest their time in saving it. Gishwati-Mukura is not only a place to visit — it is a story of the success of conservation and communities and it is here to offer you a view of the treasures.