Exploring Gishwati Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve

Gishwati Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve, located in the heart of Rwanda, exemplifies nature's resilience and the power of conservation. This lush oasis, made up of the Gishwati and Mukura forests, provides a one-of-a-kind combination of biodiversity, breathtaking scenery, and an inspirational commitment to ecological restoration. A visit to Gishwati Mukura is an invitation for both visitors and nature enthusiasts to experience the revival of a key ecosystem and participate in its continuing tale.

Explore Gishwati Mukura National Park for travelers

Overview of Gishwati Mukura National Park

1. A Brief History

The path of Gishwati Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve is a captivating story of decline and restoration. Historically, the Gishwati and Mukura woods were part of a huge network of montane rainforests that encompass most of Rwanda. However, decades of deforestation for agriculture, cattle farming, and development have severely fragmented these woods, resulting in major habitat loss and a fall in animal populations.

Recognizing the critical need for action, the Rwandan government and numerous conservation organizations launched an ambitious undertaking to restore and safeguard these woods. Gishwati Mukura was formally named a national park in 2015, and it will be recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve by 2020. This classification recognizes the area's global importance for biodiversity protection and sustainable development.

Despite being part of the same national park, the Gishwati and Mukura woods are separated by around 50 kilometers. The whole land between them has been designated as a National Park for protection, with plans to reforest the entire area into a single forest that would be nearly as vast as Nyungwe Forest. There are also discussions on how to connect the Gishwati and Mukura woods to Nyungwe Forest via a rainforest corridor.

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The two woods in Gishwati-Mukura National Park are similar yet appropriate for different activities. Mukura Forest is less "developed" than Gishwati Forest. There are presently no hiking paths in Mukura Woods, but the Rwandan government is preparing a plan and getting financing to create hiking trails and activities in the park. Little is known about the animal situation in Mukura Forest since it has been closed to the public for many years, with very little research conducted. Gishwati forest has well-developed hiking paths, waterfalls, and a big population of the elusive eastern chimpanzee.

Sightseeing the natural beauty of Gishwati Mukura National Park

2. How to reach Gishwati-Mukura National Park?

As mentioned earlier, the park is located in the northwestern province of the country, between Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park. It is just a 27-kilometer drive from Volcanoes National Park. The park is also easily accessible from Kigali, either by road or chartered flight. A chartered flight takes only 45 minutes, while the 84-kilometer road journey from Kigali takes about 2 to 3 hours. From Rubavu, the park is approximately 54 kilometers away.

Gishwati Mukura National Park can also be reached from Uganda’s Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks. It's possible to combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with a visit to Rwanda and Gishwati Mukura National Park. Although you can hire public buses or vehicles, we recommend using a professional tour operator for the best experience. Tour operators can arrange every aspect of your trip, so all you need to do is show up. They are familiar with the park and have connections with park authorities, which can be very beneficial during your visit.

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Things to See in Gishwati Mukura

Gishwati-Mukura National Park, established in 2015, is home to a broad range of animal species that are of particular interest to travelers on Rwanda safaris. Gishwati Mukura N/P is a true hidden gem. The 34-square-kilometer protected area includes two gorgeous rainforests: Gishwati (big) and Mukura Forest Reserves. Its woods serve as the primary water catchment regions, and it is located along the Albertine rift, giving it home to the majority of the unique Albertine rift species.

Primates watching

Chimpanzee trekking is one of the most popular things to do 

Gishwati-Mukura nearly lost its chimpanzee population due to habitat loss and poaching. However, their numbers have significantly increased thanks to government intervention, supported by Wilderness Safaris and other international wildlife conservation agencies. When visiting Gishwati Mukura National Park in Rwanda, you can expect to see golden monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, baboons, and chimpanzees. In the past two years, Wilderness Safaris has been working on the habituation process for many primate families, including the chimps. This process ensures that the primates become comfortable with human presence. Gishwati-Mukura is quickly becoming a top destination for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda. All park activities, including chimpanzee tracking, begin with a briefing at the park offices about the activity, expectations, and what to bring. While tracking primates, visitors are likely to encounter other forest creatures such as wild cats, duikers, and forest birds.

Birding

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is one of the premier bird-watching locations in Rwanda, with over 83 recorded species. Among these, 15 species are unique to the Albertine Rift, including the Grey Crowned Crane, Martial Eagle, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Red-throated Alethe, Regal Sunbird, Ruwenzori Batis, Ruwenzori Turaco, Weaver birds, Wood Hoopoes, Strange Weavers, and Stripe-breasted Tit. Birding is done on foot as the park is relatively small. It is highly recommended to hire an experienced guide from the park office to help identify the various species and locate the best birding spots.

Hiking in Gishwati Forest

Gishwati Forest has various hiking routes of varying complexity that offer the opportunity to observe a variety of animals, insects, and plants. Mukura Forest currently has no hiking routes and is therefore rather inaccessible to visitors. Because Gishwati Forest is a national park, all park activities must be conducted with the assistance of a certified guide. The guide is included in the park's admission cost.

Biking or Cycling along the Congo Nile Trail

This path offers one of the most enjoyable bike experiences in East Africa. The route was planned to go along Lake Kivu's shorelines before passing into Nyungwe forest. The Congo Nile Trail is located near Gishwati-Mukura National Park, providing tourists with the opportunity to experience rural Rwanda and learn about rural African life.

Visiting Gishwati Forest National Park

1. The best time to visit the national park

Traveling the Park at the best time to visit for tourists

Gishwati-Mukura may be visited at any time of year due to its pleasant weather and climate. The best period is during the dry season, which lasts from June to September. The short dry months are from December to February.

2. Health and Safety at Gishwati Forest

During the excursion, the guide carries a first aid kit to administer basic first aid in case of a medical emergency. The guide also has radio and mobile phone contacts with support workers at the reception center. If you have any medical issues that the guide should be aware of, please notify him or her ahead of time. Akagera Aviation offers helicopter evacuation for any situation. 

3. Accommodation in Gishwati Mukura National Park

The park includes a modest number of overnight accommodations. Some of them may be utilized during a visit to the Nyungwe forest, although the Gishwati Lodge is the most recommended for a visit to Gishwati-Mukura, and there are campsites available for budget tourists. Overnight stays at Gishwati-Mukura National Park include Gishwati Lodge, a premium hotel establishment with a capacity of 15 people, and camping trips. Alternatively, guests can hire accommodations in the Volcanoes National Park or Lake Kivu region.

Conclusion

Gishwati Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve is an excellent example of how devoted conservation efforts can restore and safeguard critical ecosystems. From its diverse biodiversity to the active participation of local people, the park exemplifies the concepts of sustainability and resilience. It allows visitors to engage with nature, support conservation efforts, and observe the incredible turnaround of a once-threatened region.

To start an unforgettable trip and experience the magnificent Gishwati Mukura National Park in Rwanda, you must first arrange your travel documents. Rwanda, sometimes known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills," is a country recognized for its breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. To visit Gishwati Mukura National Park, make sure your travel document is in order. Obtain a valid passport with enough validity time, and check the visa requirements for your nationality. Rwanda provides e-visas to numerous countries, making the application procedure more convenient and efficient. Also, don't forget to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to protect your trip. Once you have all of the necessary documentation, you may go on an exciting adventure to Gishwati Mukura National Park, where you can see beautiful rainforests, interact with different species, and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of Rwanda's conservation success story.