How to access Gishwati-Mukura National Park
How to access Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Gishwati-Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s quiet gem. While most travelers head straight for Volcanoes National Park or Nyungwe Forest, this smaller park offers a raw, intimate nature experience. It’s a place of reforestation, biodiversity, and renewal, home to chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and over 230 bird species. But because it’s relatively new and still developing its infrastructure, getting there takes a bit more planning.
Here’s a complete guide on how to access Gishwati-Mukura National Park, from transportation options to permits, local logistics, and insider tips that will help you make the most of your visit.
Where Is Gishwati-Mukura National Park?
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is located in the Western Province of Rwanda, nestled between Lake Kivu and the Nyungwe Forest, along the towering ridge that separates the Congo and Nile river watersheds. This location is not only scenic, it’s ecologically strategic. The park forms part of the larger Albertine Rift montane forest ecosystem, a global biodiversity hotspot that stretches across several East African countries.
The park covers an area of approximately 34 square kilometers, making it the smallest of Rwanda’s four national parks. But don’t let its size fool you, it packs a punch in terms of biodiversity and conservation significance. The area was once heavily degraded due to deforestation, agriculture, and livestock overgrazing, but it has been the focus of intense ecological restoration since being designated a national park in 2015. Today, it’s a symbol of Rwanda’s reforestation efforts and a vital corridor for species movement between isolated forest patches.
Two Distinct Forest Zones
The park is made up of two main forest blocks, which were once separated by deforestation but are now being reconnected through reforestation projects:
Gishwati Forest (Northern Sector)
This is the primary tourism zone of the park and the most accessible to visitors. It lies in Nyabihu and Rutsiro Districts, not far from the lakeside town of Rubavu (formerly Gisenyi). Gishwati Forest is smaller but denser in terms of biodiversity and easier to reach by road from Kigali, Rubavu, or Musanze. It’s here that most of the park’s activities are based, including Guided chimpanzee tracking, Colobus and golden monkey viewing, Birdwatching (over 230 species, including endemics), Nature hikes and forest walks and community-based tourism.
Because Gishwati has better infrastructure, trails, visitor centers, and trained guides—it has become the face of Gishwati-Mukura tourism. Most tour packages and independent travelers focus on this area.
Mukura Forest (Southern Sector)
Located in the more remote Ngororero District, Mukura Forest is lesser known and significantly less developed for tourism. It’s higher in elevation than Gishwati, ranging from 2,600 to 3,000 meters, and is often covered in mist. The forest here is older and more intact in some places, but access roads are poor, and there are currently no established visitor centers or guided tourism activities.
Mukura is, however, ecologically critical. It serves as an important water catchment area and provides habitat for a range of species, including forest elephants (rare sightings), amphibians, and endemic plant species. While tourism is not yet a focus here, conservationists see Mukura as key to the long-term integrity of the entire ecosystem. The Rwandan government, along with partners like the Forest of Hope Association, is working on restoration and sustainable development in Mukura, and there are future plans to open eco-tourism opportunities as access improves.
Why Location Matters
The strategic position of Gishwati-Mukura makes it a key part of Rwanda’s Kivu Belt tourism circuit. It lies roughly between Volcanoes National Park to the north (home to mountain gorillas) and Nyungwe Forest National Park to the south (famous for canopy walks and primates). This makes Gishwati-Mukura an ideal midpoint stop for travelers who want to experience Rwanda’s natural beauty without following the typical tourist trail. Its location also puts it close to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border, and near Rwanda’s scenic Lake Kivu, offering additional activities like kayaking, boating, and cultural tours along the lake. From the park, visitors can explore nearby towns like Rubavu, Karongi, and Rutsiro, each with their own lodging options and community-based tourism initiatives.
How to Access Gishwati-Mukura National Park by Road
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is accessible only by road, as there are no airports, airstrips serving the park directly. Fortunately, Rwanda has one of the best-maintained road networks in East Africa. This makes the journey smooth and scenic though some final stretches are on dirt roads. Depending on where you start, you have several road access options.
How to access Gishwati-Mukura National Park From Kigali
Traveling from Kigali to Gishwati-Mukura National Park covers roughly 150 kilometers taking 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The journey heads west out of Kigali and can follow two main routes. One through Musanze (Ruhengeri), which offers a scenic drive with views of the Virunga Mountains. The other route is a more central route via Muhanga and Ngororero, passing through hilly countryside and small towns.
Both routes eventually converge in Nyabihu District, from where travelers continue toward the Gishwati Forest entrance. This is typically located near Kanzenze or the Gishwati Research and Visitor Center. The final stretch may involve driving on unpaved or gravel roads, especially during the rainy season, so a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended. This route is ideal for travelers with a private vehicle or those joining a guided tour from Kigali. This is because it offers the most reliable and flexible access to the park’s northern tourism zone.
From Rubavu (Gisenyi) to Gishwati
The road from Rubavu (Gisenyi) to the Gishwati sector is the shortest and most convenient route. It covers about 25–30 km and taking roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by road. This drive winds through picturesque Rwandan countryside. Where rolling hills, tea plantations, and quiet villages offering a peaceful and scenic approach to the park. Since Rubavu sits right on Lake Kivu, travelers choose to stay here to combin lakeside relaxation and forest trekking. Transport options include private drivers, moto-taxis, or arranged trips with local tour companies. Lodges like Inzu Lodge and Lake Kivu Serena Hotel can assist with transport logistics. This an ideal option for travelers looking to explore the park on a day trip without venturing far from town.
Access Gishwati-Mukura National Park From Karongi (Kibuye) to Gishwati
Coming from Karongi (Kibuye), the drive covers approximately 90 kilometers and takes about 2.5 hours, depending on road conditions. This southern route follows the stunning Congo-Nile Divide Road, a scenic and winding corridor. The corridor has breathtaking views of Lake Kivu, remote highlands, and small farming communities. The journey passes through Rutsiro District, which borders the southern edge of the Gishwati Forest. This is a gateway for travelers approaching from the south. Although less commonly used than the Kigali or Rubavu routes, it’s perfect for those doing a road trip along the Kivu Belt, connecting Karongi, Rubavu, and Gishwati in a single adventure. The drive is manageable, but the terrain can be challenging in some stretches, so a reliable vehicle and an early start are recommended.
From Nyungwe Forest to Gishwati-Mukura
Travelers coming from Nyungwe Forest National Park can access Gishwati via a southern route. This runs through Karongi and Rutsiro, covering around 160–180 kilometers with a drive time of 4 to 5 hours. This route is part of the popular Rwanda national park circuit, connecting three of the country’s iconic parks. These parks are Nyungwe, Gishwati, and Volcanoes National Park. The road is smooth between Nyungwe and Karongi, but becomes rugged, particularly near the park’s entrance. The scenery comprises of lush hills, terraced farms, and lake views and conditions can deteriorate during the rainy season, so a 4×4 vehicle is essential. This route is recommended for travelers with time to explore Rwanda’s western corridor. Those looking to experience the full scope of its natural diversity are also recommended.
What is the best time to visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park?
The best time to visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park is during the dry seasons (June – September and December – February). During these times trails are easier to navigate, wildlife especially chimpanzees and monkeys are more active and visible. Forest walks are more enjoyable with minimal rain. These months offer clear skies, cooler temperatures, and better overall conditions for hiking, birdwatching, and photography. While the park is open year-round, rainy seasons (March–May and October–November) can make trails muddy and slippery. The wet season leads to delay of some activities, making dry months the most reliable for a smooth and rewarding visit.