What to see in Gishwati Makuru National Park

What to see in Gishwati Makuru National Park?

When travelers think of Rwanda’s national parks, Volcanoes National Park usually takes center stage—with its mist-covered mountains and rare mountain gorillas commanding global attention. But venture west, away from the well-trodden paths, and you’ll find a lesser-known but equally remarkable treasure, Gishwati-Mukura National Park.

Perched along the ridge of the Albertine Rift in the country’s northwest, Gishwati-Mukura is Rwanda’s youngest national park and its best-kept secret. Officially gazetted in 2015, the park is a sanctuary in recovery—a mosaic of dense montane forest, gently rolling hills, and regenerating woodlands that once suffered under the weight of deforestation, mining, and farmland expansion. Today, it stands as a symbol of resilience, conservation, and the profound ability of nature to heal when given the chance.

The park is split into two distinct forest reserves that is Gishwati and Mukura  connected by a protected corridor. Together, they span over 34 square kilometers, modest in size but mighty in biodiversity. Towering indigenous hardwoods reach into the misty sky, while underfoot, wild orchids, ferns, and medicinal plants form a living tapestry. Birds flit overhead, butterflies dance through sunbeams, and primates rustle through the canopy. Unlike the more trafficked parks, Gishwati-Mukura offers a quiet, immersive experience. There are no crowds, no roaring convoys of tourist jeeps. Instead, you explore on foot, accompanied by expert local guides who know the forest like a second home. It’s the kind of place where silence has weight, where every rustle could be a golden monkey or a chimpanzee. And where every visit feels like a personal discovery.

For those who love wildlife, conservation, and meaningful travel, this park delivers something special: authenticity. Here, your presence supports ongoing efforts to restore forest cover, protect endangered species, and uplift nearby communities through sustainable eco-tourism.

Attractions to see in Gishwati-Mukura National Park include

Chimpanzees

The crown jewel of Gishwati-Mukura National Park is undoubtedly its population of eastern chimpanzees, one of our closest living relatives. Though the group in Gishwati is relatively small with around 20 individuals. These chimpanzees are a vital part of the park’s recovering ecosystem. Tracking these intelligent primates through the thick undergrowth is a thrilling and humbling experience. You might hear them before you see them, the crashing of branches, or even synchronized drumming on tree trunks. They move through the forest with purpose and grace, foraging for fruits, insects, and leaves, and sometimes resting in social clusters where you can observe grooming and other complex behaviors.

Because they’re still in the process of habituation, meaning they are gradually getting used to human presence so sightings aren’t guaranteed. But that only adds to the magic. When you do catch a glimpse, it feels raw and unfiltered. Treks are always accompanied by trained guides and trackers who use subtle signs like nests, broken twigs, or fresh droppings to follow the chimps’ recent paths. Unlike the larger chimpanzee communities in Nyungwe National Park, the smaller, more elusive group in Gishwati offers a quieter, more intimate encounter that puts the focus on observation, respect, and patience.

Golden Monkeys and Other Primates

The Park is a vibrant sanctuary for a diverse primates, each adding its own rhythm, personality to the forest. The golden monkeys, with their fiery orange coats and playful energy, are among the park’s most charming residents. These leap through the treetops in medium-sized troops and often pausing to curiously observe human visitors. Sharing the canopy are the blue monkeys, often seen through the leaves as they chatter and bound between branches.

On the forest floor, the elusive Lhotse’s monkeys make rare, ghost-like appearances. Their white-bearded faces peeking from dense undergrowth before vanishing into the shadows. Meanwhile, the olive baboons patrol the ground in large troops. Their social hierarchies and bold behavior making them one of the most visible and dynamic primate species in the park. Together, these species create a layered and lively primate ecosystem rewards quiet observation, patience, and a good pair of binoculars.

Rare Birds, Butterflies, and Botanical Wonders

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a haven for more than just primates, it’s a sensory paradise for birders, botanists, and anyone who appreciates the subtler signs of life in a thriving forest. With over 230 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics like the radiant purple-breasted sunbird, the vividly adorned regal sunbird, the elusive Grauer’s swamp warbler, and the flamboyant Ruwenzori turaco with its crimson wings, the treetops are alive with color and song. But the magic doesn’t end in the canopy.

Look closer and you’ll find a world of delicate details with dozens of butterfly species drift through sunbeams, some boldly patterned like the forest mother-of-pearl, others masterfully camouflaged. The forest floor and understory brim with over 60 indigenous tree species, wild orchids, and medicinal plants still used by local communities for healing and cultural practices. Guided walks often include insights into how these plants are harvested and applied, linking conservation to deep-rooted traditional knowledge. Whether you’re scanning the branches with binoculars or crouching to examine a rare blossom, the biodiversity here invites you to slow down.

Rewilded Forests and Scenic Trails

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is more than a wildlife sanctuary, it’s a living example of ecological restoration in motion. Once severely degraded by logging, and cattle grazing, this forest is now bouncing back, protected and nurtured as one of Rwanda’s great conservation successes. The park is split into two main sectors: Gishwati Forest, the larger and more accessible area with ranger stations and walking paths, and Mukura Forest, a more remote and less developed section teeming with untamed beauty. As you explore, you’ll traverse mist-covered hills, walk beneath towering hardwoods, and brush past dangling vines, and spot mushrooms and ferns sprouting from mossy logs, signs of a forest slowly healing.

A network of guided hiking trails allows visitors to experience this rewilded landscape up close. The Migano Trail loops through forest and grassland, perfect for spotting primates and birds; the Umutuzo Trail offers a quieter path for nature lovers focused on flora; and the Kazenenza Waterfall, hidden deep within the trees, is a serene reward after a peaceful trek. These trails range from easy to moderate, but always require good boots—especially during the rainy season. With each step, you’re not just exploring a forest—you’re walking through a story of renewal and resilience.

Community Projects and Cultural Encounters

One of the most meaningful aspects of visiting Gishwati-Mukura National Park is the deep connection between conservation and community. Unlike more commercialized parks, Gishwati-Mukura operates with local people at its heart. Many of the guides, rangers, and conservation staff come directly from nearby villages. These bring along traditional knowledge and a personal stake in the forest’s protection. The park works closely with these communities to ensure that eco-tourism also uplifts livelihoods. Visitors have the chance to engage with handcraft cooperatives, explore bee-keeping projects producing organic forest honey. They can also tour agro-tourism farms that demonstrate sustainable agriculture, and attend traditional dance performances that celebrate local heritage. These experiences are not staged, they’re authentic, grassroots-driven, and built on mutual respect. By participating, you’re not just sightseeing, you’re contributing directly to a conservation model that supports both people and planet.

What is the best time to visit to see in Gishwati –Mukura National Park?

The best time to visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park is during Rwanda’s dry seasons, (June to September and December to February). These months offer favorable conditions for exploring the park’s trails, spotting wildlife, and enjoying guided treks without the challenges of muddy paths. During the dry season, the forest is more accessible, primates like chimpanzees and golden monkeys are easier to locate. The chances of clear views and great birdwatching increase significantly. While the park remains open year-round, the rainy months (March to May and October to December), can make trekking more difficult. This is due to slippery terrain and occasional trail closures. For the most rewarding and comfortable experience, planning your visit during the dry periods is highly recommended.

How to Access to see in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is located in northwestern Rwanda, along the Albertine Rift, between Rubavu (Gisenyi) and Ngororero districts. It’s easily accessible by road and well-connected to other major tourist hubs in the country. The park is approximately 3 to 4 hours’ drive (around 150 km) from Kigali via well-maintained roads. The most common route is through Muhanga and Ngororero, passing through scenic countryside and rolling hills.

The main access point is through the Gishwati Forest Sector, where most guided treks, wildlife tracking, and community experiences begin. There is a ranger post and visitor reception center to organize activities and permits.