Gishwati-Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s newest protected area, established in 2015 in the western part of the country to safeguard and connect the Gishwati and Mukura forests. Covering about 34 square kilometers along the Albertine Rift, the park was created to serve as a vital biodiversity corridor and to restore landscapes that had suffered decades of deforestation, farming, and mining. Despite its relatively small size, it holds remarkable ecological value, with high-altitude montane rainforest, rolling hills, streams, and waterfalls that shelter a rich variety of wildlife. The park is home to primates such as eastern chimpanzees, golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, and black-and-white colobus, alongside other mammals like duikers, civets, red river hogs, and serval cats. Birdlife is equally impressive, with more than 230 species recorded in Gishwati and over 160 in Mukura, including about 20 species endemic to the Albertine Rift, while unique tree species and diverse flora add to its ecological importance.

Recognized in 2020 as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Gishwati-Mukura highlights Rwanda’s strong commitment to conservation and eco-tourism. Visitors can engage in guided nature hikes, primate tracking, birdwatching, and cultural experiences with local communities actively involved in restoration projects. Though still developing as a tourist destination, the park offers an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience that combines lush scenery, rare wildlife encounters, and meaningful conservation stories, making it a symbol of resilience and a significant step in Rwanda’s journey of landscape restoration and sustainable tourism.

Key Aspects

Location: Situated in the western part of Rwanda, between Lake Kivu and Nyungwe Forest, in the districts of Rubavu and Rutsiro. 

Conservation: The park was formed from the Gishwati and Mukura forest reserves, which suffered from human encroachment and deforestation. Its creation is part of a broader landscape restoration program aimed at preserving biodiversity and protecting river headwaters. 

Wildlife:

Primates: Key species include chimpanzees, golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and blue monkeys. 

Birds: It is a promising destination for birdwatchers, with over 230 species recorded, including Albertine Rift endemic species like the Rwenzori turaco. 

Other species: The park also hosts various small mammals such as the southern tree hyrax and black-fronted duikers, as well as many species of plants, including hardwoods and bamboo. 

Activities: 

Visitors can participate in guided nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, primate tracking, and birdwatching. 

Development:

 The park is developing its tourism infrastructure, with the goal of building a more sustainable economy based on eco-tourism and community involvement.