What are the top Activities in Gishwati–Mukura National Park?
The Gishwati–Mukura National Park was established in 2016. This National Park is Rwanda’s newest National Park, located in the hills of the western region of the country. Just like most of the National Parks in Rwanda, Gishwati-Mukura National Park is popular for primate safaris, especially chimpanzee trekking. However, contrary to its counter parts like Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park, the Gishwati-Mukura National Park is less popular and quieter, making it a great destination to connect with nature during Rwanda Safaris/Rwanda Holiday Tours. Some of the Activities in Gishwati – Mukura National Park include; chimpanzee trekking, guided nature walks in the forest, Bird watching, Cycling and scenic rides, Cultural experiences with nearby communities, Waterfall visits, and Tea plantation tours, among others.
This national park is a story of both environmental loss and recovery. For decades, deforestation has lessened the vastness of the forest belt, but conservation efforts have brought the land back to life. And this brings a fresh opportunity to tourists looking to explore Rwanda’s wildlife safari and Primates during Rwanda Safaris/Rwanda Holiday Tours.
This National Park is the best eco- tourism destination in Rwanda, especially for primate tracking tours, like chimpanzee habituation, and monkey tracking. This Park arguably gives visitors the best opportunity to connect with nature since it is usually not crowded, and there is a high chance of you having it all alone to yourself during your visit. Explore Rwanda’s unique Gishwati Mukura National Park, book one of our Rwanda customized packages, and experience nature.
History of Gishwati –Mukura National Park
Gishwati is one of Rwanda’s four national parks and the newest reservoir in the country. It is located in the south-western region of Rwanda, and it covers an area of 1,600 km. The Gishwati Park was established in 2004 and was named in honors of Gishwati–Mukura, an early leader of the Rwandan independence movement. The main objective of the park is to protect the region’s diversity as well as to promote sustainable development and ecotourism in the country.
Chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda
The most captivating experience a quest can ever have at Gishwati-Mukura National Park is chimpanzee tracking. Unlike in other popular parks where the primates are accustomed to human presence, the chimpanzees there are still in the process of habituation. This means encounters are fewer but also incredible. These chimpanzees live in deep, dense forests, moving with mobility and impressive speed through the trees. The tracking experience starts very early in the morning when primates are active. With a trained ranger leading the tour, your venture into the thick forests with breaking branches, fresh dung, vocalization sounds, and nest sites to the troop location.
During the tour, after reaching the chimpanzees, they were swinging from tree to tree, grooming each other, calling from tree tops across with loud rhythmic calls, and cracking nuts. The chimpanzees also pause to observe you as well out of curiosity and caution. This trek lasts at least 2-3 hours, depending on how far the chimpanzees travel.
Bird watching ( Bird watching safaris in Rwanda)
Gishwati- Mukura National Park stands out as the world’s classy birding destination. This destination has over 200 bird species, including 20 Albertine Rift Valley regional species. The park’s mixture of highland, regenerating woodlands, and open landscapes creates ideal habitats for a variety of species. From vibrant nectars to forest dwellers. Such birds are the mountain yellow warbler, the elegant grey crowned crane, Rwanzori turaco, sunbird, purple–breasted sunbird, woodpeckers, flycatchers, bee-eaters, cuckoos, and birds of prey, which are eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and vultures.
Birding is the best experience when watching, which is usually done in the mornings or late afternoons. Expert rangers guide to spot and identify birds during the experience.
Combining Gishwati-Mukura National Park with gorilla trekking in Rwanda – Trip to Musanze Gorilla National Park.
After the drive from Kigali city to the park’s gate, which is a two-hour drive. The traveller will start a trek through the forest in search of mountain gorillas for hours [2-4]. It’s an amazing encounter with these gentle primates. To avoid damaging the habitats during gorilla trekking, 8 visitors are allowed to trek.
During the tour in the forest, the travellers will have to follow the guide through the trail winding to the bamboo platforms along which gorillas move during the day in search of food. As the visitor moves through the trail, one will be sure to see and hear a wide range of bird species such as hornbills, sunbirds, woodpeckers, as well as monkeys and other mammals that inhabit the forest. Once you locate the gorillas, you will have a short time to observe them up close; you will have to start the trek again at the park’s entrance.
Other top activities in Rwanda’s Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Rafting on the Mubuku River
The river rafting trip begins at the base of the mountain Karisimbi, where the river is calm and ideal for beginners. As you stream down, you will be surrounded by massive vegetation and beautiful waterfalls as you raft through the amazing, breath-taking scenery. The adventure stops at the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you will have the opportunity to explore the area and enjoy a relaxing lunch in Uganda before returning to Kigali [Rwanda] for your onward journey.
Climbing the Gishwati Mukura waterfalls
The Gishwati –Mukura waterfalls are the most popular tourist attractions at Gishwati National Park. This park attracts hundreds of visitors each year and is known for its exceptional beauty. The hike to the falls is extremely challenging, but the views at the top are worthy extra effort. A visitor is allowed to take the cable cars up to the waterfalls instead of just admiring them from below.
Trekking on top of the Gishwati-Mukura peak
The trek to the summit of the Gishwati–Mukura Mountains is a forgettable experience that offers incredible views of the surrounding volcanoes, mountains, and valleys, such as Musanze and Ruhondo River Valley. It is considered to be one of the best day hikes in Rwanda.
Golden monkey trekking
Golden monkey trekking tour is another popular experience in the Gishwati–Mukura National Park that will delight any nature lover. The Golden monkeys are an endangered primate species that can only be found in central Africa and are one of the most beautiful primates in Africa. During the tour, you will be accompanied by a guide who will give detailed explanations about the golden monkeys, their habitats, and the efforts being made to protect them. This is one of the best tours in Kigali.
Natural reserve walk
Gishwati Nature Reserve is located in the heart of Rwanda’s volcanic landscape, nestled between the Virunga volcanoes and Lake Kivu. The reserve covers an area of 765km and is home to a wide variety of remarkable species, including lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes. There are some fun activities, these include forest walks, birdwatching, and visits to the nearby Iby’iwachu cultural village. In this village, you learn about the traditional heritage and customs of Rwanda.
Visit the Iby’iwachu cultural village.
This village is located near Volcanoes National Park. The Gishwati Nature Reserve is a great place to visit during your visit to Rwanda. The iby’iwachu cultural village is located on the edge of the park and is the perfect place to learn more about the local wildlife as well as the history, heritage, and culture of the country. Activities available in the village include traditional dance and drumming performances as well as cultural classes.
In case a visitor wants to expand his itinerary, this can be the best time because the best way to combine Gishwati–Mukura with Uganda is to drive north through the Cyanika border post into Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Because Gishwati sits in north-western Rwanda. It takes only 2-3 hours to drive from Uganda’s premier south-western primate destinations.