Gishwati Mukura National Park is the newest of the national parks in Rwanda. It was formed in 2015 and has got two forest reserves forming the national park. They both cover an area space of approximately 34 square kilometers. Currently it is the least visited national park with less traffic and straddles along the edges of the great Albertine Rift Valley region. The national park is Rwanda’s forth conservation area. The two forests are of different sizes. The larger Gishwati and the small Mukura which make an extended buffer zone.
The two forests are the ones that divide the Congo and Nile water catchment areas. It is comprised of 50 species of trees mostly bamboo forest and hard wood. It is home to a number of primate species including the chimpanzees, l’hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys to mention a few. Other mammals present in the national park include; serval, side stripped jackal, Rwenzori sun squirrel etc.
Gishwati Mukura National Park is home to over 200 bird species. Some of these are endemics to the great Albertine Rift Valley region. It is gaining fame with time thanks to the Rwandan Government for the vigorus marketing on destination Rwanda. The vegetation of the park is a thick undergrowth and large forest presenting a mixed variety of tree species, bamboo and open grassland, example trees include the carapa grand forlia symphonia to mention a few. The caraapa grand fornia is the most common tree species of the forest.
Attractions of the park include its park beauty the wildlife and vegetation of Gishwati Mukura National Park. The key highlight of the park are trails and waterfalls. These have been naturally well distributed in the conservation area. The trails will enable you to hike, take nature walk, to mention a few.
Activities in the park began in the 2019 following the opening of the destination area to travellers. Its hilly landscape is the best place for tourism activity. The composition of the park will give you a precious time to view the expanse biodiversity of the region. You will witness a number of bird species, animals, plants, amphibians, and reptile. The park can be visited all day long. Activities include; the guided nature walk hike; this is an insightful nature walk hike inside the beautiful trails of the park. Its done by a group of 8 persons on maximum led through by a trained guide. Along the trail, you will experience many large animals and small insects. Some of these include the birds, chameleons. These trails lead to the angelic waterfalls in the hidden corners of this place full of life.
The park has an excellent offer to watch birds while in the national park. There are over 200 species present in the park some of which are endemic to the great Albertine Rift Valley region. The purple breasted sunbird is the highest in concentration. Other example species include; the dusky crimson wing, handsome francolin, martial eagles, crested crane.
There is stable transport that can take you from the city center to Gishwati Mukura National Park. It is just as lovely. Domestic helicopter flights can be organised to enjoy the maximum survey of the park from above.