Rwanda wildlife tour in Gishwati-Mukura National Park in 2025

Rwanda wildlife tour in Gishwati-Mukura National Park in 2025 : Gishwati-Mukura National Park is one of Rwanda’s hidden treasures, yet visitors to the country haven’t heard of it. It’s a stunning destination that really deserve a spot on any traveler’s Rwanda list. When exploring Gishwati-Mukura National Park, tourists have the opportunity to see of the country’s rarest animals and attractions. However, since its still relatively new compared to other parks.

 This remarkable park is situated in the western province of Rwanda, covering parts of Rutsiro and Ngororero districts, its is the smallest national park in the country covering an area of about 34 square kilometers and least visited national park in Rwanda. Gishwati- Mukura National Park was gazetted in gazetted in 2015, home to various primates, birds, reptiles and tree species including the endangered species that is the Eastern Chimpanzees.

Besides the chimpanzees, the park is home to other primates which include Golden Monkeys, L’hoest Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, Black and White Colobus monkeys. Gishwati- Mukura Forest is also home to over 232 bird species among them including the Albertine endemic species this has made it one of the best places for birding in Rwanda. The park is famous for its beautiful rolling hills and mountain slopes, which provide breathtaking views, especially when seen from the air during helicopter rides. Interestingly, Gishwati-Mukura is one of the last remaining natural forests and a hotspot for biodiversity in the Congo-Nile Divide within the Albertine Rift region.

Amazing wildlife safari activities to do in Gishwati- Mukura National Park

Gishwati Mukura National Park in Rwanda provides a variety of fun activities for visitors. You can enjoy bird watching, see chimpanzees and monkeys, take guided nature walks, and even go camping or have a picnic.

Primate tracking

Primate tracking in Gishwati-Mukura National Park is the main attraction and a highlight to a safari in the park. this stunning park is how to a variety of primate species such as golden monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, baboons as well as the chimpanzees.  During a primate tracking safari, you’ll get to see various primates roaming in their natural habitat. Like in other parks, the primate tracking begins in the morning with a briefing on the rules to follow as well as expectations and what to carry along. After that, a park ranger will guide you on a hike through the forest to look for the primates. While tracking the primates, you’ll also have the chance to spot other animals, such as duikers and a variety of birds.

Birding 

Gishwati- Mukura National Park is one of the best birding spots in Rwanda, the park is home to over 232 bird species have been recorded in the park among which include 15 species that can only be found in the Albertine Rift. during your birding excursions here, you’ll have the chance to spot different bird species such as Kivu Ground Thrush, Mountain Sooty Boubou, Regal Sunbird, Ruwenzori Batis, Ruwenzori Turaco, Weaver birds, strange weavers, Double-collared sunbirds, Great blue Turaco, Blue-headed sunbirds, Grey-crowned cranes, Purple-breasted sunbirds, and Mountain-masked Apalis among others. Birding tours in this stunning national park can be done on foot while on either primate tracking safaris or nature walks among others.

A visit to the stunning waterfalls

Visiting the waterfall is a fantastic experience on one of the top hiking trails in Gishwati-Mukura National Park. This trip leads you to the Kazeneza waterfall, which sits right in the heart of the park. You’ll get a chance to enjoy beautiful views and take in the stunning scenery all around you.

Guided nature walks

The park offers a variety of well-marked trails for you to wander through the forest. On this guided nature walk, you’ll get a chance to experience the forest’s natural beauty up close and meet its wildlife, including butterflies, chameleons, golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and duikers among others, birds especially Blue-headed sunbirds, Grey-crowned cranes, Purple-breasted sunbirds, Mountain-masked Apalis, butterflies, and tree species. You can spot over 60 different types of trees here, such as bamboo, ferns, Macaranga kilimand, mahogany, and orchids. The park has also introduced new species like dombeya torrida, eucalyptus, hagenia abyssinica, macaranga, and polyscias fulva, which you’ll have the chance to see as well.

Best time to visit Gishwati- Mukura National Park

Gishwati- Mukura National Park is open for tourism activities through out the year. However, the best time to visit is June to September and them December to early March which perfect for primate watching. Animals gather at the water sources.  Note that, the worst time to visit Gishwati- Mukura National Park is April and May which be the wettest months of the area.

Where to stay in Gishwati- Mukura National Park

Since Gishwati-Mukura National Park is relatively new, there aren’t many places to stay just yet. The top choice for lodging in the park is Gishwati Lodge, a luxury spot run by Wilderness Safaris. It features about six upscale chalets and accommodates fewer than 15 guests at once, so it’s a good idea to book your stay at least a month before your visit.

If Gishwati Lodge is fully booked, you could also consider staying in nearby Kivu, Rubavu, or Volcanoes National Park, as they are only a 30-minute drive from the park.

 How to get to Gishwati-Mukura National Park

To get to Gishwati-Mukura National Park, you can take a road trip from Kigali, which takes about two hours. If you prefer flying, there are chartered flights available from Kigali to the park. Additionally, you can reach Gishwati-Mukura from Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, making it a great opportunity to experience both Gishwati and gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Contact our trusted tour operators for more information and inquiries about Rwanda wildlife tour in Gishwati -Mukura National Park in 2025 and then book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global Safaris who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Rwanda.