Overview–rwanda

Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gazetted in 2015, Gishwati-Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s newest national park. It consists of the Gishwati and Mukura Forests, which are about 50km/30 mi apart. The area between them has been set aside for reforestation. At this point, only the Gishwati sector, an exciting new chimp trekking destination, is developed for tourism.

Best Time to Visit

Gishwati Forest can be visited at any time. The best time is in the Dry season, from June to September, when hiking conditions are optimum. Although it can rain at any time, there’s lots of sunshine in these months. The trails will be less slippery and getting out in dry conditions is overall more pleasant.

June to September –Dry Season

Best hiking conditions
The sun will more likely break through the clouds
Birds are less vocal and might be harder to spot

October to May –Wet Season

Excellent time for bird-watching
Rainstorms might interfere with activities
Everything gets damp and wet and trails are slippery

Scenery

From the guesthouse with its endless views over layers of rolling hills, a well-maintained trail crosses a tea plantation before disappearing into a beautiful secondary forest. The trail follows a lush river valley before coming to a stop at a picturesque waterfall. In 2002 the area was nearly depleted due to illegal mining and farming. Since then, big forestation efforts have accelerated the restoration of the Gishwati and Mukura Forests, which protect 60 species of tree including many hardwoods and bamboo.

Activities

The main activity is guided forest walks through the Gishwati sector. These come with a good chance of encountering semi-habituated chimps, as well as golden monkey and l’Hoest’s monkey, and a variety of forest birds including several Albertine Rift endemics. The guided walks are only available to people staying at Gishwati’s community-owned guesthouse. No organized activities are available at the Mukura sector, but the forest here is rated highly by bird watchers.

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

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Jul

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April

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Rates

From: $319 to $2000 pp/da

Best Time to Go

From: June to September (It is drier and trails are easier to hike)

High Season

From: June to September (It doesn’t get busy)

Size

From: 35km² / 14mi² (Gishwati 15km² / 6mi², Mukura 20km² / 8mi²)

Wildlife & Animals

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is home to a community of 25 semi-habituated chimpanzees. While they know and are comfortable with the trackers, they are still weary of strangers. As a visitor, you’ll be an important part of the habituation process. At this stage, sightings are of variable quality, but seeing wild primates is an exciting experience and you’ll probably have the encounter to yourself.

Wildlife Highlights

The chimps share the forest with l’Hoest’s and golden monkeys, both endemic to the Albertine Rift. Side-striped jackals can sometimes be seen trotting on the trails, and you might also see a shy black-fronted duiker scurrying off in the undergrowth. Also, keep your eyes open for the odd-looking Rwenzori three-horned chameleon. Other forest creatures include Rwenzori sun squirrel, servaline genet, and African civet.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time for chimpanzee trekking and general forest hikes is during the Dry season (June to September). Not only is this the most pleasant time to be out in the forest, but less slippery trails make hiking a lot easier.

General Wheather

Gishwati-Mukura National Park experiences a wet and cool climate. Due to the close proximity to the equator, temperatures are very uniform throughout the year. Daytime temperatures are around 19°C/66°F and it cools off at night to about 11°C/52°F. Bring warm, waterproof clothing and good hiking shoes whenever you visit.

Dry Season –June to September

Gishwati-Mukura is quite wet throughout the year, but there is a drier period from June to September (the Dry season).

June, July & August – The skies are mostly clear. Hiking conditions are excellent. Daytime temperatures average 19°C/66°F, with an average of 11°C/52°F at night.
September – It starts to rain more regularly, especially later in the month. Temperatures stay the same.

Wet Season –October to May

You can expect regular rainfall, but there are always dry, sunny periods in between. Rain mostly falls in the afternoon, so mornings are best for activities.

October, November & December – It rains a lot over this period and November is a peak month for rainfall. Evenings are damp and cold.
January & February – This is a drier period in the Wet season. Bright sunny days are interspersed with rain.
March, April & May – The rain picks up in March and peaks in April. April is the wettest month and hiking trails tend to get very slippery.

Prons

Semi-habituated chimps can be seen on forest hikes
Good birding with several Albertine Rift endemics
Simple but well-run guesthouse with stunning views
New off-the-beaten-track destination
Well-maintained trails and a beautiful waterfall
Cultural exchanges with neighboring communities

Cons

Chimps and monkeys are less habituated than in more established places
Only a two-room guesthouse and camping are available
No day visitors allowed

How To Get There

Your entry point into the country will most likely be Kigali International Airport (KGL), on the outskirts of the capital city of Kigali.

The Gishwati sector of Gishwati-Mukura National Park is easily accessible. It is located on a good surfaced road 170km/105mi from Kigali and the drive takes about 4 hours*. The last kilometer requires a 4x4. The distance from Gisenyi (Rubavu) is about 35km/22mi and from Ruhengeri (Musanze) 70km/43 mi. The respective driving times are 1 and 2 hours*. All over Rwanda the speed limit is 60km per hour.

Gishwati Forest is usually visited as part of a 4x4-vehicle tour around the country with a driver-guide.

There are currently no domestic flights to Gishwati-Mukura or any nearby towns.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Kigali International Airport (KGL), and what tickets cost.