This newly established park seems to be a hidden treasure. It has not been around for long, but its beauty has yet to be fully discovered by tourists who visit the park on their safaris.
While primates are the main attraction throughout the year, there are many other activities tourists can enjoy in the park.
Tourist Attractions in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Chimpanzees: Chimpanzees are the stars of primate tracking in the park. Unlike gorillas, they are easier to spot in the forest as they swing and jump through the trees, and tourists don’t need to hike steep hills to find them. With 20 groups of chimpanzees living alongside golden monkeys, the park showcases wide diversity.
Golden Monkeys: The park offers a rare chance to see golden monkeys, which are as unique as their name suggests. From October to May, during the wet season, food is abundant and the monkeys don’t move far, making this the best time for tourists to visit and enjoy a memorable adventure.
Other Primates: The park’s appeal isn’t just about golden monkeys and chimpanzees. Other primates, like blue monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys, add further variety to the park.
Waterfalls: The sound of rushing waterfalls brings joy to visitors, while the cool forest breeze refreshes them. The Kazeneza Waterfalls, located at the center of the park, are a must see, with cascading water creating a memorable scene.
Birds: The forest comes alive with the songs of over 83 bird species, including those unique to the Albertine Rift. Martial eagles, regal sunbirds, Rwenzori turacos, and weaver birds are among the most commonly spotted in the park.
Flora Diversity: The park’s landscape is enriched by over 60 plant species, ranging from emerald green to light green. Hidden treasures like chameleons, butterflies, insects, and birds live among the ferns, bamboo, eucalyptus, mahogany, orchids, and other tree species, adding to the park’s natural charm.
When to Visit the Park
Rwanda, known as one of the cleanest countries and the land of a thousand hills, welcomes visitors all year round. However, the dry seasons are best for activities like chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest. See our full best time to visit Rwanda guide for more detail.
The wet months, from October to May, are ideal for spotting golden monkeys and other primates.
Activities to Enjoy in the Park
Forest Hikes and Nature Walks: Walking through the forest allows tourists to discover hidden wonders like chameleons crawling on branches, insects chirping on leaves, colorful butterflies, and various primates. A four hour hike leads to the Kazeneza Waterfalls. Other trails include the Umushwati Trail and Matyazo Hill Trail, offering further hiking experiences in Rwanda.
Bird Watching: With 83 bird species, including 15 unique to the Albertine Rift, bird lovers can enjoy spotting fascinating birds like the grey crowned crane, Rwenzori batis, martial eagle, and wood hoopoes. Guides are helpful in finding the best bird watching spots.
Primate Trekking: This is the park’s most popular activity. Visitors can see chimpanzees, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, baboons, and other primates, making it a rewarding experience.
Community Tours: A nature walk can be combined with a visit to nearby villages for a Rwandan cultural experience. Tourists can enjoy traditional Rwandan songs, dances, storytelling, cooking local dishes, and visiting plantations, offering a glimpse into the lives of the locals.
Biking: A bike ride from Lake Kivu to Nyungwe Forest Park offers wide views of the Congo Nile Trail near the park. Cycling around the park and along the trail offers both challenges and rewarding adventures as tourists explore the hilly terrain.
