How to Get to Gishwati-Mukura National Park

How to Get to Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Reaching Gishwati-Mukura National Park is convenient, with several travel options. The park is about a 2-hour drive from Kigali, making it accessible for those traveling by road. For those who prefer to fly, chartered flights are available from Kigali directly to the park. Additionally, visitors can access Gishwati-Mukura from Uganda, specifically from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, allowing for a combined itinerary that includes gorilla trekking in Uganda and a visit to Gishwati.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park lies along the ridge that divides the Congo and Nile water catchment areas in the biodiverse Albertine Rift. The park is home to various primates, birds, reptiles, and unique tree species, including endangered eastern chimpanzees. Chimpanzees here coexist with golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and blue monkeys. Bird enthusiasts will also enjoy the 232 species found in the park, including several Albertine Rift endemics, making it one of Rwanda’s prime birding locations. Conservation efforts, initiated in 2015, have revitalized the ecosystem, which previously suffered from deforestation and illegal mining.

Primate Trekking Cost in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Currently, primate trekking in Gishwati-Mukura National Park focuses on research, and pricing for trekking permits is not yet fixed. Beyond permit costs, you’ll need to budget for transportation, accommodation, and guided tours. For a fully organized experience, our 3-Day Gishwati-Mukura National Park Tour starts at USD $2375 per person (based on double occupancy). Contact us to learn more, and we’ll handle all your booking needs.

Best Time to Visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park can be visited all year, but the rainy months (October to May) are ideal for sighting chimpanzees. During this time, food is plentiful, so chimpanzees stay closer, making sightings easier. However, rain makes trails slippery and hiking more challenging. The drier months (June to September) offer better trail conditions, with drier paths and less dense vegetation, although chimpanzees may roam further for food.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Chimpanzee tracking is the highlight at Gishwati-Mukura, providing an incredible opportunity to observe these intelligent primates in their natural environment. The trek begins in the morning with a briefing on safety and behavior guidelines, followed by a guided hike into the forest. Once you find the chimpanzees, you’ll spend up to an hour observing them up close. Alongside chimpanzees, you may spot other primates such as golden monkeys, blue monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys, as well as other wildlife like baboons, duikers, and a variety of bird species.

Activities and Things to Do in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Guided Nature Walks

Explore the beauty of Gishwati-Mukura National Park on guided nature walks that take you through a diverse landscape rich with wildlife. These trails offer up-close encounters with butterflies, chameleons, insects, birds, and a variety of primates. You’ll also discover over 60 tree species, including bamboo, ferns, mahogany, and orchids. Recently introduced species like eucalyptus, Hagenia abyssinica, and dombeya torrida add to the park’s unique ecosystem, providing a truly immersive forest experience.

Primate Tracking

Primate tracking is one of the highlights of Gishwati-Mukura. The park is home to golden monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and baboons. This exciting activity begins with a morning briefing on safety and etiquette, followed by a ranger-led trek into the forest. Along the way, you may also encounter duikers and several bird species, adding to the rich wildlife experience.

Bird Watching

With over 232 bird species, Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. Among these are 15 Albertine Rift endemics, such as the Grey Crowned Crane, Martial Eagle, Mountain Yellow Warblers, Purple-breasted Sunbird, and the Ruwenzori Turaco. Birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of these unique species and many more, making the park one of the top birding destinations in Rwanda.

Visit to Kazeneza Waterfall

A visit to the Kazeneza Waterfall is one of the park’s most scenic hiking trails. Located at the heart of Gishwati-Mukura, the waterfall offers breathtaking views, serene surroundings, and a perfect backdrop for photography. The waterfall hike is ideal for those looking to connect with nature and enjoy the park’s peaceful beauty.

Biking and Cycling Along the Congo Nile Trail

For adventure enthusiasts, the Congo Nile Trail offers a thrilling biking experience through East Africa’s stunning landscapes. This trail winds along the shores of Lake Kivu and passes through Nyungwe Forest, offering cyclists incredible views and unique encounters with Rwanda’s landscapes and cultures.

Community-Based Experiences

Engage with the local culture through community-based activities like farm stays, traditional dance performances, handicraft making, beekeeping, and tea plantation tours. You can even learn from traditional healers who use indigenous plants to complement modern medicine. These experiences provide a glimpse into the lives of the people who live harmoniously alongside the park’s wildlife.

Why Book Your Visit to Gishwati-Mukura National Park with Excursia Adventures

Excursia Adventures is known for its professional, knowledgeable team and highly rated service on TripAdvisor. Our website provides updated, reliable information to help you prepare for your trip to Gishwati-Mukura, including details about chimpanzee tracking and other activities. As a Ugandan-owned company with extensive experience exploring Rwanda, Excursia Adventures brings you authentic, first-hand insights and personalized service for a memorable experience in Gishwati-Mukura.

Ready to start planning your adventure? Contact us to learn more about how to reach Gishwati-Mukura National Park and to book your trip today.