Gishwati-Mukura National Park
OVERVIEW | WHEN TO VISIT |HOW TO GET THERE
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is Rwanda's newest national park and one of the country's hidden conservation treasures. Created by combining the Gishwati and Mukura forests, the park protects one of Rwanda's remaining montane rainforests while supporting important wildlife conservation efforts.
Although smaller than Rwanda's other national parks, Gishwati-Mukura is becoming increasingly popular for eco-tourism, bird watching, and guided forest walks. The park is home to chimpanzees, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and more than 230 recorded bird species, including several Albertine Rift endemics.
Its peaceful forests, scenic hills, waterfalls, and community tourism projects make it an excellent destination for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Chimpanzee trekking is the park's main attraction. Guided by experienced park rangers, visitors hike through the rainforest to locate habituated chimpanzees. Once found, they can observe these fascinating primates as they feed, groom, communicate, and move through the forest canopy. The experience also offers opportunities to spot other monkey species, colorful birds, and unique forest plants, making it a rewarding adventure for wildlife lovers.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Best SafariActivities
- Chimpanzee Trekking
- Monkey Tracking
- Bird Watching
- Forest Nature Walks
- Guided Hiking
- Waterfall Visits
- Community Tourism
- Photography
When is the best time to go?
The best time to visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. During these months, hiking trails are easier to navigate, wildlife is more active, and bird watching conditions are excellent.
The rainy seasons transform the forest into a lush green paradise, making it especially attractive for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
How to get there
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is located in western Rwanda, about 3 to 4 hours by road from Kigali. Visitors travel through Rwanda’s scenic countryside before reaching the park, and many combine it with Volcanoes National Park or Nyungwe National Park as part of a longer safari itinerary.
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