Gishwati Mukura National Park

Rwanda’s most treasured and exciting new national park, Gishwati-Mukura National Park, is a remarkable fusion of two distinct and beautiful forests — the expansive Gishwati and the intimate Mukura — together covering 34 square kilometers of extraordinary wilderness, further protected by a carefully maintained surrounding buffer zone.

Dramatically perched along the ridge dividing the mighty Congo and Nile watersheds, this remarkable park sits within the breathtakingly rich Albertine Rift — one of the entire African continent’s most celebrated and biologically diverse regions. Across a dense and thriving canopy of 60 distinct tree species, including rare indigenous hardwoods and soaring bamboo, an extraordinary abundance of life flourishes in every direction.

Gishwati is home to a thriving and fascinating community of around 20 chimpanzees, living harmoniously alongside golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and blue monkeys. Bird enthusiasts will be absolutely delighted, with an impressive 230 bird species recorded across Gishwati and a further 160 in Mukura — including rare and highly sought-after Albertine Rift endemics and elusive forest specialists.

Since 2019, visitors have been able to explore the park’s wonders through expertly guided nature hikes, exhilarating chimp and monkey tracking experiences, dedicated birdwatching tours, and scenic visits to stunning cascading waterfalls. Once severely degraded by resettlement, mining, and farming, the park’s official designation in 2015 marked a powerful and defining turning point — launching an ambitious mission to restore forest cover, stabilize fragile slopes, revitalize soil fertility, and safeguard vital water streams for future generations.

Beyond its compelling conservation story, Gishwati-Mukura is deeply and warmly connected to its neighbouring communities. Visitors are enthusiastically welcomed to participate in enriching community-based activities including immersive farm stays, vibrant live cultural performances, hands-on handicraft workshops, fascinating beekeeping experiences, scenic tea plantation tours, and deeply enlightening sessions with traditional healers generously sharing their ancient knowledge of medicinal plants.

This extraordinary and rare blend of thriving wildlife, inspiring conservation, and living cultural heritage has firmly established Gishwati-Mukura as one of Rwanda’s most exciting and rapidly rising stars in the growing world of ecotourism.

What to Wear: Light, breathable, and comfortable clothing in neutral tones is highly recommended for exploring the forest trails. A reliable pair of sturdy, ankle-supporting walking shoes is absolutely essential, as trails can be uneven and slippery underfoot. Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers will offer welcome protection against insects and forest vegetation along the way. Given the park’s frequent rainfall and naturally misty conditions, a lightweight waterproof jacket and a pair of practical gaiters are strongly advised — ensuring you stay dry, comfortable, and fully prepared for whatever the forest has in store.