Tourists’ activities in Gishwati-Mukura National Park: What are the tourists’ activities in Gishwati-Mukura National Park? Gishwati-Mukura National Park is located in the western province of Rwanda, covering an area of approximately 1,535 hectares. The park was established in 2015 with the merging of Gishwati and Mukura Forest Reserve to create a protected area for the conservation of biodiversity in the region. Gishwati-Mukura National Park is home to a variety of endangered and endemic species, including the golden monkey, chimpanzees and several species of birds. Gishwati-Mukura National Park is home to a large group of over 20 chimpanzees and other primate species like golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s and blue monkeys, as well as over 232 species of birds also dwell in the park which can be spotted at Gishwati Forest Reserve and over 163 species at Mukura Forest, surprisingly among the bird species in the forest some are those that are endemic to the Albertine rift and others are the forest birds. The park is managed by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and various conservation organizations, working together to protect and preserve the park’s unique ecosystems. Gishwati-Mukura National Park offers visitors a number of tourist activities including bird-watching, primates viewing, guided nature walks, camping and picnics. Let’s look at these activities in more detail: –
Primates tracking
Gishwati-Mukura is also a home to number of different primate species with a fascinating population of chimpanzees, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, l’hoest’s monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons among others. Achieves global safaris can also organize for you amazing primates-watching safaris in order for you to embark on your unforgettable safari in Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Like in any other parks primate tracking, primates walk also starts at 6; 00 am in the morning accompanied by one park rangers you will start your walk into the forest to hunt for these fascinating primates. During your walk you will also have an opportunity see other mammals including side stripped jackal, several cats, Carruthers mountain squirrels, African palm civet, giant poached rats and black fronted duikers among others, as well as different kinds of bird species, walk, once these fascinating primates are encounters , visitors are able to learn about their habits, take photos and watch them do daily activities such as hunting, nesting, feeding, and coupling among others while taking photos
Birdwatching
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is one of the best places for birding destinations in Rwanda with over 83 species have been recorded in the park among which include 15 species that can only be found in the Albertine Rift. during your birdwatching tours in the park , you will have the opportunity to spot different colorful birds such as , Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Black Faced Apalis, Strange Weaver bird, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Grauer’s Swamp Warblers, Regal Sunbird, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Malachite Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, martial Eagle ,Lagden’s Bushshrike, dusky crimsonwing , Tawny Eagle, Black Cuckoo, Gray-headed kingfisher, Black-billed Turaco, Pied Crow, African Stonechat, Rwenzori Hill Babbler, White-browed Crombec, Ruwenzori Batis. Birding can be done on foot because the park is not very large. It is important to hire the services of an experienced Guide from the park office to help with identifying the various species and getting to the best birding spots.
Hiking and Guided Nature walks
The park authorities have established several trails that allow tourist to explore the inner parts of the forest. While on a hiking and nature walk at the Gishwati-Mukura National Park, you will have the chance to navigate and appreciate the natural beauty of the forest and its stunning creatures like butterflies, chameleons, insects, birds and primates. You will be marvelled with a calm environment in the forest which is characterized by a magnificent sound from the birds and primate calls. While on the way, you will have the chance to spot over 60 species of trees can be sighted here including bamboos, ferns, Macaranga kilimand, mahogany and orchids. The park authorities have introduced new species like Dombeya torrida, eucalyptus, hagenia abyssinica, macaranga and polyscias fulva. One of the best hiking trails is the one that leads to the kazeneza waterfall in the middle of the park. This stunning waterfall and the scenery around it will impress anyone who sees it.
Biking or Cycling through the Congo Nile Trail
This trail provides one of the best biking experiences in East Africa. The trail was designed to pass along the shorelines of Lake Kivu and then through Nyungwe forest. The Congo Nile trail is close to Gishwati-Mukura National Park offering visitors a change to explore rural Rwanda and study how life in rural Africa looks like.
Cultural Encounter
Cultural encounters in Gishwati-Mukura National Park involves visits to the local communities or individual homesteads and their farms to learn more about livelihoods. While with the local community or individual homestead, visitors can learn how to make local crafts and prepare traditional foods. You can choose to visit the local farmers in their gardens or stay for a night in one of the homes to experience the kind of life lived by the locals. Alternatively, you can choose to go and attend local cultural performances including dance, drama, songs and storytelling. If you are more adventurous, you could visit one of the farms or you can also opt to visit one of the tea plantations, traditional healers among others
Accommodation facilities in Gishwati- Mukura National Park
Tourists go to Rwanda safari adventure particularly those interested in exploring Gishwati-Mukura National Park may ask whether there are accommodations facilities where visitors can rest well! Gishwati-Mukura National Park is relatively a new national [ark with limited accommodations facilities but the fact that the park is close to Nyungwe Forest National Park, travellers can do activities in Tourists’ national park and still stay around Nyungwe. the various accommodation facilities where you can stay range from budgets, mid-range to luxury accommodation, these includes Gishwati Lodge, Emeraude Kivu Resort, Nyungwe Top View Hotel, Golden Monkey Hotels, Peace Guest Hotel, The Uwinka Campsite, Gisakura Family Hostel, Comoran Lodge and KCCEM Guest House among others
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about tourist activities at Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global Safaris who offer the best tour packages while on your safari adventure in Rwanda.
