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How to Book Chimpanzee Permits for Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Are you dreaming of a trip to Gishwati-Mukura National Park in Rwanda to see chimpanzees? If so, here’s everything you need to know about booking your chimpanzee permits for this stunning park. Established in 2015, Gishwati-Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s newest national park, merging the Gishwati and Mukura forests. Although it covers just 34 square kilometers and is the smallest national park in Rwanda, it offers a unique experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Nestled on the ridge that separates the Congo and Nile watersheds along the Albertine Rift, the park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to various primates, including the Eastern Chimpanzee, as well as golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and blue monkeys. Bird enthusiasts will also find delight here, with over 232 bird species, including many Albertine endemics, making it one of Rwanda’s best birding destinations. Since its designation, the park has made significant strides in conservation, helping restore its ecosystem after previous degradation due to resettlement, livestock farming, and illegal mining.
How to Book Your Chimpanzee Trekking Permit
To embark on an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking adventure in Gishwati-Mukura National Park, you’ll need a valid chimpanzee trekking permit. These permits can be obtained from the Rwanda Development Board or through a local tour operator. At Africa Adventure Vacations Limited, we specialize in helping you secure your chimpanzee trekking permits for Gishwati-Mukura National Park with ease.
Here’s how it works: simply send us an email with your desired travel dates, and we’ll check the availability of permits for those dates with the Rwanda Development Board.
Once we confirm that permits are available, we’ll provide you with payment details. After receiving your payment, we’ll promptly book the permits on your behalf.
If you prefer to handle the booking yourself, you can contact the Rwanda Development Board directly by emailing them with your intended travel dates. Once they confirm the availability of permits, you can send them your payment, and your permit will be secured.
No matter which method you choose, we’re here to ensure that your chimpanzee trekking experience is smooth and memorable!
Cost of Chimpanzee Trekking in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Currently, chimpanzee trekking in Gishwati-Mukura National Park is primarily research-based, and there is no fixed price for the permits. In addition to the chimpanzee permit, you’ll need to budget for transportation, accommodation, and guiding services. Our 3-day Gishwati-Mukura National Park Tour, which includes all these services, starts at USD 2375 per person, based on double occupancy in a group of two. Contact us for more details, and we’ll handle your booking!
Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
You can visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park year-round for chimpanzee trekking, but the best months are generally from October to May. During this rainy season, food is abundant, making it easier to spot chimpanzees as they don’t need to travel far for sustenance. However, be aware that the trails can be slippery, making hiking more challenging.
Conversely, the drier months from June to September offer easier trekking conditions, with drier trails and less dense vegetation.
Chimpanzee tracking is the main activity in Gishwati-Mukura National Park. After a morning briefing about the dos and don’ts, you’ll set out with a park ranger to search for the chimpanzees. Once located, you’ll enjoy an hour observing them in their natural habitat. During your trek, you might also encounter other wildlife, such as duikers and various bird species.
Other Activities to Enjoy in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a treasure trove of activities that allow you to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife of Rwanda. Here are some exciting experiences to consider during your visit:
Guided Nature Walks
Explore the enchanting forest on a guided nature walk, where established trails lead you through the lush surroundings. During this adventure, you’ll have the chance to encounter the park’s vibrant flora and fauna, including colorful butterflies, chameleons, various insects, birds, and primates. Gishwati-Mukura is home to over 60 tree species, such as bamboos, ferns, Macaranga kilimand, mahogany, and orchids. You might also spot newly introduced species like Dombeya torrida, eucalyptus, Hagenia abyssinica, Macaranga, and Polyscias fulva.
Primate Tracking
Primate tracking is one of the highlight activities in Gishwati-Mukura National Park. This experience begins in the morning with a briefing on the dos and don’ts of trekking. Accompanied by a knowledgeable park ranger, you’ll venture into the forest in search of the park’s captivating primates, including golden monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and baboons. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife, such as duikers and an array of bird species.
Bird Watching
For bird enthusiasts, Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a paradise. With over 232 recorded bird species, including 15 Albertine Rift endemics, this park offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities. Look out for stunning species like the Grey Crowned Crane, Martial Eagle, Mountain Yellow Warblers, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Red-throated Alethe, Regal Sunbird, Ruwenzori Batis, Ruwenzori Turaco, weaver birds, wood hoopoes, strange weavers, and the stripe-breasted tit.
Visit the Waterfall
A hike to the Kazeneza Waterfall is a must-do in Gishwati-Mukura National Park. This scenic trail takes you through the heart of the park, offering breathtaking views and the chance to experience the tranquility of nature. The sight of the waterfall is a perfect way to appreciate the park’s natural beauty.
Biking and Cycling Along the Congo Nile Trail
For adventure seekers, the Congo Nile Trail provides one of the best biking experiences in East Africa. This picturesque trail winds along the shorelines of Lake Kivu and through the beautiful Nyungwe Forest, making it an exhilarating way to explore the region.
Community-Based Activities
Engage with local communities through various cultural activities, such as farm stays, traditional dance performances, handicraft making, beekeeping, and tea plantation tours. You’ll also have the chance to learn from traditional healers who utilize natural plants alongside modern medicine. These experiences offer a unique insight into the daily lives of the locals and their harmonious coexistence with wildlife.
Accessing Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Getting to Gishwati-Mukura National Park is convenient. A two-hour drive from Kigali will take you directly to the park. For those preferring a quicker option, chartered flights from Kigali are available. Additionally, you can access Gishwati-Mukura from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, making it easy to combine your visit with gorilla trekking.
Where to Stay in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
As a relatively new national park, Gishwati-Mukura is still developing its accommodation options. The Gishwati Lodge stands out as the premier choice, offering luxury chalets that can accommodate fewer than 15 guests at a time. We recommend booking your stay at least a month in advance to ensure availability.
Alternatively, you can stay in nearby Rubavu or Volcanoes National Park, which are only a 30-minute drive from Gishwati-Mukura, providing convenient access to the park.
Why Book Your Chimpanzee Trekking Adventure with Us?
At Excursia Adventures, we pride ourselves on our professionalism and dedicated team, ready to handle all your requests and inquiries. Highly recommended on TripAdvisor, our website is a reliable resource to help you prepare for your chimpanzee trek, featuring the latest information and insights.
As a responsible local tour company run by Ugandans with extensive knowledge of Rwanda, we ensure you receive personalized service and expertise. Feel free to reach out to us for assistance with booking your chimpanzee permits for Gishwati-Mukura National Park!
