Gishwati- Mukura National Park
Exploring the Wildlife and Birds of Gishwati Mukura National Park
Gishwati-Mukura National Park in Rwanda was created recently (2015) and is Rwanda’s fourth national park. The opening of Gishwati Makura National Park is a clear example of the great effort put forth by the government of Rwanda to position the country as a leading tourism destination in East and Central Africa. After the launch of the Congo Nile Trail, restoration of royal heritage sites, opening of the Musanze caves, introduction of professional birdwatching and this new national park, Rwanda’s tourism sector continues to grow by leaps and bounds.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is located in the western part of Rwanda (the districts of Rutsiro and Ngororero) and covers an area of 13.2 square miles. The park was formed by merging the Mukura and Gishwati forests which lie between the Akagera and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. This combination of two major forests has a created a park with incredible biodiversity with animals like the Red river hogs, bush bucks, serval cats, tree hyraxes and black-fronted duiker calling it home. The park has 5 primate species including chimpanzees, baboons, golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys. Gishwati-Mukura National Park is now a primary birding destination in Rwanda. Over 100 species of birds can be sighted here. Key among them are the Old World Warbler, Mountain Yellow Warbler and White-headed Woodhooper. Visitors to the park can also expect to encounter brown forest frogs, toads, chameleons and bush vipers. Let’s discuss the two forests in the national park in more details.
What to do in Gishwati Mukura National Park
As a tourist thinking of visiting Gishwati Mukura Park for safari the first question which runs through your mind is what to do in the park, well Focus East Africa tours is glad to explain to you and also list activities to do while on your safari in Gishwati Mukura National Park.
Primate watching
Primate tracking in Gishwati-Mukura National Park is the major activity; on this activity you will have a chance to see primates including Golden monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys and baboons. Like other parks primate tracking here also starts in the morning with a briefing about the dos and don’ts then guided by one of the park rangers you will start your walk into the forest to search for the primates during your walk you will also have an opportunity see other mammals including duikers and birds.
Bird watching
Gishwati Mukura National Park is a wonderful tourist destination when it comes to bird watching safaris, the park is fairytale garden for bird enthusiastic as it is a home for over 83 colorful bird species and ranked as one of the best birding areas in Rwanda. Gishwati Mukura Park is dominated by forest trees which habit bird species such as Red-throated Alethe, Ruwenzori Turaco, Strange Weaver, Ruwenzori Batis, Regal Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, the Grey Crowned Crane, Stripe-breasted Tit, Martial Eagle and many more. Among the bird species there is Albertine rift species which only endemic to Albertine rift.
Hiking and nature walks
This is another activity that can be done in Gishwati-Makura national park. hiking and nature walk activities are guided by armed ranger guides who take you through different well-designed trails while protecting you from animals that could be wild. Three trails are commonly used in this park and these are the waterfall trail, Umushwati trail, and Matyazo trail. The activity gives you an opportunity to meet different mammals, primates, birds, plants, and waterfalls such as Kazenenza.
Biking safaris on Congo Nile trail
Biking safaris in Gishwati Mukura National Park takes place on the Congo Nile trail, the Congo Nile trail offers one of most thrilling and best biking experience in East Africa. This trail is passes through the shorelines of Lake Kivu to Nyungwe forest, Congo-Nile trail is situated close to Gishwati Mukura National Park offering you a tourist to experience touring of amazing Rwanda and its beautiful attractions.
