GISHWATI MUKURA NATIONAL PARK

Located between Gisenyi and Kibuye, Rwanda's fourth national park (Gishwati Mukura National Park) is composed of two distinct forests, the larger Gishwati (35.5 km2) and the smaller Mukura (19.8 km2). More than 60 varieties of trees can be found here. The reserve also includes tea-growing areas. Gishwati is home to a group of 40 chimpanzees that live alongside golden and blue monkeys. Birdwatchers will see nearly 230 species represented in Gishwati and 163 in Mukura. The forest remained virtually untouched until the mid-1980s. After the genocide, waves of refugees settled there, clearing the land to cook food and grow crops. By 2001, there was little left. The area was also depleted by illegal mining and ranching. But thanks to intense reforestation efforts and its status as a national park in 2015, the balance is slowly returning, with the number of trees to improve soil fertility, stabilize slopes and regulate stream flow increasing dramatically. The regenerated forest and soils have also improved the livelihoods of the people living in the surrounding areas. As a result of these successful conservation and reforestation efforts, the Gishwati-Mukura Forest was officially designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2020.
While visiting this area, in addition to the beautiful walks in the forest, where you will have the chance to observe the last chimpanzees, golden monkeys and mountain monkeys in their natural habitat, many community activities are offered: visit a tea plantation or a farm, discover medicinal plants with traditional healers, workshop of craft making (basketry, pottery), beekeeping, etc.
A camping area as well as a guest house are now available for visitors who wish to stay for a night or two and fully experience the place. The house has two rooms (twin beds, mosquito nets, hot water, Wi-Fi) and includes all meals. The camping area has sanitary facilities and a barbecue area. The park does not have vehicles for visitors. Visitors are invited to use their own vehicles to get to the park. A 4 x 4 vehicle is highly recommended to drive the one kilometer dirt road to the entrance of the reserve.