Gishwati Mukura National Park

 Gishwati Mukura National Park is located in the Albertine Rift western part of Rwanda, the park was established in 2015 after the government passing the law in an effort to protect the chimpanzees found in this park. Gishwati is Rwanda’s 4th National Park, made up of 2 separate forests namely Gishwati and smaller Mukura covering a total of 34sq km plus a buffer zone. The young park is a global biodiversity hotspot including a variety of endemic and endangered species.

Gishwati expands into Rutsiro and Ngororero Districts of western province, the hilly landscape gives a wonderful lateral and atop view. The forests sit on the ridge which divides Albertine Rift in the west of the country, and is made up of 60 tree species including indigenous hardwoods and bamboo. The Park is home to 20 chimpanzee groups which live alongside the golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s and Blue Monkeys. 232 species of birdlife have been seen at Gishwati and 163 at Mukura, among them Albertine Rift Endemic species and forest specialists.

The formalization of this National Park status was in 2015, with aims to help redress the balance by increasing the number of trees to improve soil fertility and stabilize slopes and regulate stream flow and also contribute to better the livelihoods of the population living in the surrounding areas. In turn offering the forest a better chance of regeneration in collaboration with potential to raise the standard of living long term. As the are was nearly depleted largely as a result if resettlement, illegal mining in the mineral-rich forest and livestock farming.

The parks activities started in 2019, which includes guided nature hike, guided chimpanzee and primate tracking, guided bird watching, hike to the waterfalls, whilst community-based activities like a farm stay, live cultural dance, making handicrafts, beekeeping, a tea plantation tour and a tour to learn about traditional healing.

The Uniqueness of this location:  

• Group of 20 chimpanzee call Gishwati home
• Gishwati has 232 bird species recorded
• Mukura has 163 bird species recorded
• Albertine Rift Endemic species
• Chimpanzee & Golden monkey tracking

Accommodation Options: 

• Gishwati Lodge

Activities: 

• Chimpanzee Trekking in Gishwati Mukura National Park.
• Hiking in Gishwati Mukura National Park. 
• Birding in Gishwati Mukura National Park.
• Golden Monkey Trekking.
• Hiking Tours to the Waterfalls
• Community Visits
• Guided Nature Walks