Gishwati-Mukura national park was created in 2015 with the government passing the law in an effort to protect the chimpanzees found in this park. It is the smallest park with a total of 34 sq kms of space bringing together Gishwati forest and Mukura forest. It is currently the least visited park with minimal tourism traffic. The park is situated on the ridges of the Congo-Nile strange giving you an experience of some species of the Albertine region.
The park is home to several primates, reptiles, birds, tree species.
Wildlife in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Animals in Gishwati-Mukura National park
The park is mostly home to primates maybe because it is a forest and also because it was encrusted on the communities ant therefore drove out most of the big mammals like Buffaloes out of the park. The most come primates in Gishwati-Mukura park are chimpanzees, Golden monkeys, L’hoest Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, Black and White Colobus monkeys, etc.
Birds in Gishwati-Mukura National park
Some of the birds in this park include; Regal Sunbird, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Ruwenzori Batis, Woodhoopoe, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Martial Eagle, Strange weave, Grey Crowned Crane, Dusky Crimsonwing, Ruwenzori Turaco, Mountain Yellow Warblers, Red-throated Alethe etc.
Activities in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Birding
Hiking and Nature walks
Cultural experiences in the communities adjacent to the forests.
Biking or Walking the Congo-Nile Trail
How to get to Gishwati-Mukura National park
You will need to drive from Kigali to the park which is about 2 hours drive. There is an option of a chartered flight from Kigali to Gishwati-Mukura.
Safari lodges and camps near Nyungwe national park
Gishwati Lodge
PS: Gishwati is less than 30minutes from Volcanoes national park and Rubavu so one can opt to stay in any of these more established locations and drive to experience Gishwati-Mukura national park.
