Gishwati-Mukura is Rwanda's newest national park, created by law in 2015 from two separate forest fragments on the Congo-Nile Divide, between the Volcanoes and Lake Kivu. Together they cover only about 34 km², but they represent one of the country's great restoration projects. Much of Gishwati was cleared for cattle and farming in the 1990s and 2000s, and it is now being replanted with native trees, with local communities working as guides, rangers and nursery growers.
The park is small, quiet and very rarely busy. A small chimpanzee community lives in Gishwati alongside golden monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys and blue monkeys, and more than 200 bird species have been recorded, including many Albertine Rift endemics. Walks follow forest trails to waterfalls and viewpoints over tea plantations.
We suggest it for travellers who have already seen the gorillas and want a quieter forest experience, or for those who are curious about how Rwanda is rebuilding its forests. It fits easily into a journey between Musanze and Lake Kivu.
Gishwati is home to a small community of chimpanzees, which rangers track most mornings, as well as golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and blue monkeys. Mukura, the smaller southern block, is more for birds and forest walks. More than 200 bird species have been recorded across the park, including Albertine Rift endemics such as the Rwenzori turaco, the strange weaver and several sunbirds.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
The forest sits on high, rolling ridges above Lake Kivu, with patches of old-growth forest, bamboo, regenerating woodland and neat tea plantations. From the viewpoints you look west towards the lake and the hills of Congo, and east towards the Virunga volcanoes on clear days.
Activities here
Gishwati-Mukura is high and cool, with daytime temperatures of around 15 to 22°C and cooler nights. Rain falls mainly in the long rains from March to May and the short rains from October to November, but forest showers are possible at any time of year. Waterproofs and good walking boots are essential.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 22 | 12 | 120 |
| Feb | 22 | 12 | 120 |
| Mar | 21 | 12 | 160 |
| Apr | 21 | 12 | 200 |
| May | 21 | 12 | 150 |
| Jun | 21 | 11 | 40 |
| Jul | 21 | 10 | 30 |
| Aug | 22 | 11 | 60 |
| Sep | 22 | 11 | 110 |
| Oct | 21 | 12 | 160 |
| Nov | 21 | 12 | 180 |
| Dec | 21 | 12 | 130 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
The dry months, June to September and December to February, make walking easier and trails less slippery. The park is quiet all year, so there is no real crowding, and the wetter months have their own lush beauty.
Best time to visit Jan to Feb, Jun to Sep
Gishwati lies between Musanze and Lake Kivu, about 3 to 4 hours by road from Kigali, and about 1 to 1.5 hours from Rubavu on Lake Kivu. Most of our guests visit as a day trip from a lakeside lodge or on the way between the Volcanoes and the lake.
Chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey tracking and guided walks require permits from the Rwanda Development Board. They cost far less than gorilla permits and are rarely in short supply, but we still reserve them in advance.
Forest walks can be steep and muddy, so wear sturdy boots and bring a rain jacket. Fitness requirements are lower than for gorilla trekking, but the paths are uneven.
National ParkVolcanoes National ParkMountain gorillas in the Virungas
National ParkNyungwe National ParkChimpanzees and the canopy walkway
National ParkAkagera National ParkRwanda’s Big Five savannah
Lake & IslandsLake KivuLakeshore rest between treksLake & IslandsTwin Lakes Burera & RuhondoQuiet lakes below the volcanoesOur take
“A forest coming back”
We like Gishwati for what it tells you about Rwanda as much as for its animals. Walking with a guide who grew up nearby and planted some of the trees you pass is a different kind of safari, slower and more personal. The chimp group is small, so we treat any sighting as a bonus and plan the day around the forest itself. It pairs well with a few nights at Rubavu or Karongi on Lake Kivu.
Plan your time in Gishwati-Mukura
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Made to measure
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