Gishwati Mukura National Park is one of the newest and most exciting national parks in Rwanda. Located in the western part of the country near Lake Kivu, the park offers beautiful rainforest landscapes, unique wildlife, and peaceful hiking experiences. It is a perfect destination for travelers who want to explore nature away from busy tourist areas.
The park was officially created in 2015 by combining Gishwati Forest and Mukura Forest. These forests are part of the Albertine Rift, one of the most important biodiversity regions in Africa. Today the park is protected and restored, giving visitors the chance to discover Rwanda’s growing eco-tourism destination.
Where is Gishwati Mukura National Park?
Gishwati Mukura National Park is located in Western Rwanda along the Congo Nile Divide. It lies between the districts of Rutsiro, Ngororero, Nyabihu, and Rubavu. The park is also close to Lake Kivu towns such as Kibuye (Karongi) and Gisenyi, making it easy to combine a forest adventure with a relaxing lake trip.
Travelers can reach the park within a few hours from Kigali, making it a great addition to Rwanda safari itineraries.
Wildlife in Gishwati Mukura National Park
Despite being Rwanda’s newest national park, Gishwati Mukura is rich in wildlife. The forest is home to many primates, birds, and unique plant species.
Visitors may see:
Chimpanzees living in the Gishwati forest
Golden monkeys
L’Hoest’s monkeys
Blue monkeys
Various forest mammals and reptiles
The park is also famous for birdwatching. More than 230 bird species have been recorded here, including several species that are only found in the Albertine Rift region.
Things to Do in Gishwati Mukura National Park
Visitors can enjoy several eco-tourism activities while exploring the park.
Chimpanzee trekking is one of the main attractions. Guided groups walk through the forest to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Guided nature walks allow visitors to explore rainforest trails, discover waterfalls, and enjoy incredible mountain views.
Birdwatching is excellent because of the park’s rich biodiversity and rare forest birds.
Cultural and community tourism experiences give visitors the opportunity to learn about local traditions and conservation projects.
Why Visit Gishwati Mukura National Park?
Gishwati Mukura offers a very different experience compared to other parks in Rwanda. The forest is quiet, natural, and less crowded, making it ideal for nature lovers, photographers, hikers, and birdwatchers.
The park also plays an important role in environmental protection. Large restoration projects are helping rebuild the forest and protect wildlife for the future.
Visiting the park supports conservation and local communities living near the forest.
Combine Gishwati Mukura with Lake Kivu
One of the best travel experiences in Western Rwanda is combining Gishwati Mukura National Park with Lake Kivu. After exploring the rainforest, visitors can relax by the lake, take boat trips to islands, enjoy kayaking, or visit local fishing villages.
This combination creates a perfect Rwanda itinerary with wildlife, culture, adventure, and relaxation.
Plan Your Visit
Gishwati Mukura National Park is an emerging destination that offers authentic nature experiences in Rwanda. Whether you are interested in chimpanzee trekking, hiking, birdwatching, or eco-tourism, the park provides a unique opportunity to discover one of Africa’s recovering rainforests.
If you are planning a trip to Lake Kivu or Western Rwanda, Gishwati Mukura National Park is a destination worth exploring.
