Things to do in Gishwati- Mukura National Park: Gishwati-Mukura National Park in Rwanda it the new national park in Rwanda that was created recently in 2015, adding  Rwanda’s fourth national park of the Volcanoes National Park. The opening of Gishwati Mukura National Park by the government of Rwanda was clearly to put the great effort to position the country as a leading tourism destination in East and Central Africa.  Following the launch of the Congo Nile Trail, restoration of royal heritage sites, opening of the Musanza cave, the introduction of excellent bird watching and this new national park.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is located in the western part of Rwanda, Rutsiro and Ngororero, and covers an area of approximately 13.2 square miles. The park was formed by unifying the Mukura and Gishwati forests, which deceit between the Akagera and Volcanoes national park in Rwanda. This blend of two major forests has designed a park with unbelievable biodiversity, with wildlife such as Red river hogs, bushbucks, serval cats, tree hyraxes, and black-fronted duiker calling it home. The park also features 5 primate species such as chimpanzees, baboons, golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys. Gishwati-Mukura National Park is now primarily known as a birding haven in Rwanda. Adding on the wildlife and primate species the park also features over 100 species of birds that can be seen here. Among such as the Mountain Yellow Warbler, Old World Warbler, and White-headed Woodpecker. Visitors to the park can also expect to encounter brown forest frogs, toads, chameleons, and bush vipers

Gishwati-Mukura National Park in Rwanda offers visitors to this park a number of tourist things and activities, including bird watching, primates viewing that include Chimpanzees and monkeys, guided nature walks, camping and picnics. Here are some things you can do while exploring this beautiful park.

Primate tracking

Primate tracking in Gishwati-Mukura National Park is the major driving and commonly activity carries out by most visitors in the park. During this activity you will have a great chance to sight the primates such as Golden monkeys, Chimpanzees, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys and baboons. Like  in any other parks primate tracking here  also starts  at 6;00am in the  morning  accompanied by one  park rangers you will start your walk into the forest to search for the primates during your walk you will also have an opportunity see other mammals including birds and  duikers . This amazing experiences will help embark on an unforgettable journey to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.

Bird watching

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is one of the best places for bird watching in Rwanda. Over 235 bird species have been registered in the park among those,  15 species that can only be found in the Albertine Rift for example Martial Eagle,  the Grey Crowned Crane, Weaver birds, Mountain Yellow Warblers, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Red-throated Alethe, Regal Sunbird, Ruwenzori Batis, Ruwenzori Turaco, Wood hoopoes, Strange weavers and the Stripe-breasted Tit, Dusky Crimson wing, among others

Guided Nature Walk

The park has various ingrained trails for you to explore the lush forests, discover unique flora and fauna, and learn about the park’s ecosystem. On this guided nature walk, you will have a great opportunity to encounter with natural charm of the forest up close with its amazing creatures such as primates, bird’s butterflies, chameleons and insects. Over 60 plant species can be sighted here, including bamboos, ferns, Macaranga kilimand, mahogany and orchids, adding to the attractions, other new species such as macaranga, hagenia abyssinica, dombeya torrida, eucalyptus, and Polyscias fulva have also been put in place in the park, which you will have an opportunity to sight as well.

 Waterfall hike

A Visit to the waterfall is one of the best hiking path in Gishwati-Mukura National Park, you will have an opportunity refreshing hike to the waterfalls and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surroundings. This visit will take you to Kazeneza water fall located in the middle of the park giving an opportunity for sightseeing and breathtaking views of the park. During your climb you spot various villas that are just found in Gishwati Mukura National park and Nyungwe national park like Igishigishigi.

Biking and Cycling along the Congo Nile Trail.

This trail provides one of the best biking experiences in East Africa. The trail was designed to pass along the shorelines of Lake Kivu and then through Nyungwe forest. The Congo Nile trail is close to Gishwati-Mukura National Park, offering visitors a chance to explore Rwanda and study what life in rural Africa is like.

Cultural encounter

 Cultural encounters in Gishwati consist of visiting the local communities or individual homesteads. While on the cultural tours, visitor can also involve in Community-based activities include a farm stay, a live cultural dance, making handicrafts, beekeeping, a tea plantation tour and the chance to learn from traditional healers, who use natural plants to support modern medicine and synthesized drugs, these activities will give an opportunity to encounter and learn about the local communities and how they survive alongside the wildlife.

 How does access to Gishwati-Mukura National Park

You will drive from Kigali to the park, which is about 2 hours drive by road. For those interested in flying there is an option of a chartered flight from Kigali to Gishwati-Mukura. You can also access this park from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda, making it possible to combine your visit to Gishwati and Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Where to stay in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Due to the fact the national park is new, accommodation facilities and camps are under contractions. The best lodge to stay in Gishwati-Mukura National Park is Gishwati luxury lodge. It is the best lodge in the Gishwati-Mukura National park. Gishwati Lodge has about six luxury chalets which house less than 15 guests at a times. There is also an option to stay in Kivu, Rubavu or Volcanoes National park, given the drive from here to the park is 30 minutes which is closer to the park.

Book with as at Achieve Global Safaris and enjoy your unforgettable Gorilla safaris in Rwanda..