GISHWATI - MUKURA NATIONAL PARK

GISHWATI – MUKURA NATIONAL PARK.

Rwanda the land of 1000 hills has few national parks but with some of the best wildlife viewing experiences in the world. The country’s main national parks are volcanoes national park famous for mountain gorilla trekking safaris, Akagera National Park home to big 5 African mammals and Nyungwe Forest National Park known for its chimpanzees and primates.

In addition to the three, Rwanda officially opened a new Gishwati – Mukura National Park which has diversified tourism in the country. Covering an area of about 34 km², Gishwati – Mukura National Park is located in Rutsiro district north west of Rwanda, covering total area of 2,610 meters above sea level. The park lies within the Albertine rift near Lake Kivu, one of the biologically diverse hotspots in Africa.

Initially, two separate forest reserves, Gishwati and Mukura were transformed into a national park in 2017 through a conservation program between the government of Rwanda and the Great Apes Trust. This has saved the forest from encroachment thereby protecting the wildlife found there.

The park is home to chimpanzees and golden monkeys, several primates, over 200 species of birds, mammals such as forest elephants and about 58 including indigenous trees such as Macaran a kilimand and mahogany.

Gishwati – Mukura National Park is now open to visitor while on Rwandan safari with opportunities for visitors to track chimpanzees, golden monkeys and bird watching.

In addition to conserving wildlife, the creation of Gishwati – Mukura national park will create opportunities for communities around the park to tap into tourism development in the long run.

People around the park boundary are farmers including cattle keepers will benefit through employment such as guides, rangers, local community tourism based enterprises that make and selling crafts. The lives of people near the park will be improved and also reduce the pressure on use of natural resources.

Attractions in Gishwati-Mukura National Park.

Visitors on Rwanda safari who can visit this park have a chance to explore the wildlife attractions including primates, birds and mammals.

Chimpanzees and Golden Monkeys

Gishwati – Mukura national park is home to a population of over 20 chimpanzees as well as golden monkeys which are both endangered animals. Through guided nature walks, visitors in the park can do chimpanzee tracking and golden monkey tracking the main tourism activities.

Although chimp tracking is famous in Nyungwe and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, visiting Gishwati – Mukura offers off the beaten path primate tracking experience.

Besides the chimps and golden monkeys, the park is also home to several species of primates including L’hoest monkey, blue monkey, the black and white Colobus monkey which offer opportunities for primate tracking safaris.

There are also species of mammals which includes forest elephants, black fronted duikers, southern tree hyrax and forest hogs.

Birds

Because the park is located in the Albertine rift valley, it’s no surprise that its home to over 200 bird species including 15 birds that are endemic to the region. For instance, the Albertine rift endemic species found there include red throated alethe, the Rwenzori turaco, the regal sunbird, strange weaver, martial eagle, grey crowned crane Rwenzori batis which make Gishwati – Mukura a must visit for Rwanda birding safaris. Other species of birds that can be spotted include mountain yellow warblers, wood hoopoes, and several species of weaver birds.

Kazeneza Waterfalls

Located inside the Gishwati reserve, Kazeneza waterfalls can be visited during nature walks. The trail to the waterfall offers opportunities to experience nature, drink water from the Nature River, spot butterflies and lots of forest birds.

The new Gishwati-Mukura national park is hoped to give a new experience for visitors on Rwanda safari as well as contribute to the development of communities nearby.

In addition, help to preserve the environment through eco-tourism given the support from conservation bodies like the Great Ape Trust that work together with local people and the Rwandan Development Board.

How to get there?

Gishwati – Mukura National park is located north-west of Rwanda about 85 km from Kigali which can take about 1-hour drive. The park is also 57km away from Volcanoes National Park and 45 km from Lake Kivu.

Accommodation options.

Gishwati Lodge the only lodge providing luxury accommodation with a capacity to host 16 guests. There’s also camping in the park. Because the park is easier to access from Lake Kivu, visitors can find a variety of lodges around Lake Kivu.

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