Gishwati Mukura National Park

Gishwati Mukura National Park, Rwanda’s fourth national park, is a nature lover’s paradise. The park covers 34 square kilometers, including a buffer zone, and comprises two separate forests: the larger Gishwati forest and the smaller Mukura forest. Both forests are situated on the ridge dividing the Congo and Nile water catchment areas, along the biodiverse Albertine Rift in the west of the country. The park is home to a stunning array of flora and fauna, with 60 species of trees, including indigenous hardwoods and bamboo. Visitors can marvel at 232 species of birds, including Albertine Rift Endemic species and forest specialists. The park is also home to a group of 20 chimpanzees, which live alongside golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s and Blue Monkeys. Visitors can explore the park’s wonders with a guided nature hike, guided chimp and monkey tracking, bird watching, and a visit to the waterfalls. These activities began in 2019 and have already become popular among tourists. The area was nearly depleted largely due to resettlement, illegal mining in the mineral-rich forest, and livestock farming. However, the formalization of the park’s National Park status in 2015 aims to help redress the balance by increasing the number of trees to improve soil fertility, stabilize slopes, and regulate stream flow. In addition to preserving the forest and its inhabitants, the park aims to improve the livelihoods of the surrounding communities. Visitors can participate in community-based activities such as a farm stay, a live cultural dance, handicraft-making, beekeeping, and a tea plantation tour. Visitors also have the opportunity to learn from traditional healers, who use natural plants to support modern medicine and synthesised drugs. Gishwati Mukura National Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a unique cultural experience. The park’s rich biodiversity and community-based activities make it a truly unforgettable experience.