Gishwati-Mukura National Park Travel Guide - Free Web & App

Your ultimate guide to Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Discover top landmarks, proposed trips, and local tips. Free on the web or via the Evendo companion app.

Download the Free PDF guide

All photos

Gishwati-Mukura National Park in Rwanda offers guided forest walks, primate tracking, birdwatching and conservation experiences near Lake Kivu.

Two Forests in Rwanda’s Western Highlands

Gishwati-Mukura National Park protects two separate montane forest blocks in western Rwanda: Gishwati Forest to the north and Mukura Forest to the south. Together they cover roughly 34 square kilometres of steep, humid highland terrain between Lake Kivu and the cultivated hills of the interior. The park is smaller and less developed for tourism than Rwanda’s better-known Volcanoes and Nyungwe national parks, but its compact forests offer an important introduction to the country’s conservation work and primate habitats.

Read more about Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Wildlife and Conservation

The forests shelter chimpanzees, golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and other forest-adapted primates, although sightings depend on season, weather and animal movements. Birdwatching is another important reason to visit, with montane forest species inhabiting the canopy and forest edges. Gishwati-Mukura is also significant as a biological corridor and as a landscape where restoration, community participation and protection of remaining native forest are closely connected. The forests lie within a wider rural region of farms, tea-growing areas and densely settled hills, making the boundary between conservation landscape and working countryside especially visible.

Experiencing the Park

Visits are generally arranged through Rwanda’s conservation and tourism authorities or licensed operators, with activities focused on guided forest walks, primate tracking and birdwatching rather than a large network of self-guided trails. Rubavu, also known as Gisenyi, is the most practical base for the northern forest and can be combined with time on Lake Kivu; visitors approaching the southern forest may use rural settlements in the Ngororero and Rutsiro area, although facilities are more limited. Travel here rewards patience, local guidance and an interest in forest ecology rather than an expectation of extensive visitor infrastructure.

When is the best time to visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park?

Best: May–June, November · 24°C

22° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: 14.2°C, High: 22.1°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 50 mm, High: 100 mm J

23° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: 14.5°C, High: 22.5°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 50 mm, High: 100 mm F

23° Temperature Range for MarchLow: 15.1°C, High: 22.9°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 50 mm, High: 100 mm M

23° Temperature Range for AprilLow: 15.6°C, High: 23.3°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 50 mm, High: 100 mm A

Best 24° Temperature Range for MayLow: 15.9°C, High: 23.7°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 50 mm, High: 100 mm M

Best 24° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 15.7°C, High: 23.5°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 50 mm, High: 100 mm J

23° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 15.3°C, High: 23.1°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 50 mm, High: 100 mm J

23° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 15.1°C, High: 22.9°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 50 mm, High: 100 mm A

23° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 15.3°C, High: 23.1°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 50 mm, High: 100 mm S

24° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 15.7°C, High: 23.5°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 50 mm, High: 100 mm O

Best 24° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: 15.9°C, High: 23.7°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 50 mm, High: 100 mm N

23° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: 15.6°C, High: 23.3°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 50 mm, High: 100 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January	22	75
February	23	75
March	23	75
April	23	75
May (best)	24	75
June (best)	24	75
July	23	75
August	23	75
September	23	75
October	24	75
November (best)	24	75
December	23	75

Getting to and around Gishwati-Mukura National Park

How to get there

Gishwati-Mukura National Park lies in western Rwanda, between the Lake Kivu area and the inland highlands. Most international visitors first travel from Kigali by road, either towards Rubavu and Gisenyi for the northern Gishwati sector or towards the Ngororero and Rutsiro area for access closer to Mukura. Kigali International Airport is the country’s principal air gateway; there is no airport or railway within the park. Road journeys are scenic but can be slow on winding highland routes, so transfers should be arranged with an experienced driver or tour operator. Confirm the exact access point with the park authority before travelling, as the two forest blocks are geographically separate.

Transportation

A private vehicle with a driver or an organised tour is the most practical way to combine Gishwati-Mukura with other western Rwanda destinations. Public buses connect major towns such as Kigali, Rubavu, Ngororero and nearby regional centres, but they do not provide a simple door-to-trail connection into the park. Rural roads and final approaches may be narrow, steep or affected by rain. Guided forest activities should be undertaken with an authorised guide, and visitors should not assume that all tracks are open for independent walking. A vehicle also makes it easier to combine the park with Lake Kivu, tea-growing areas or other attractions in western Rwanda.

Best attractions in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Park

Icyi

Explore the serene beauty of Icyi Park in Rwanda, a tranquil escape amidst nature's splendor perfect for relaxation and family outings.

Show more attractions

Explore Gishwati-Mukura National Park on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Gishwati-Mukura National Park, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

Gishwati-Mukura National Park essentials

Currency and Payment

Rwanda’s currency is the Rwandan franc, abbreviated RWF. Larger hotels, tour companies and established businesses in Kigali and Rubavu commonly accept international cards, but payment facilities become less dependable in villages and rural areas around the park. Carry sufficient Rwandan-franc cash for small purchases, local transport and unexpected expenses, while retaining a card for larger tourism payments. Cash machines are easiest to find in substantial towns rather than near forest access points. Foreign currency exchange is more practical in Kigali and major regional centres, and visitors should not rely on mobile signal or electronic payment services in the forest.

Safety

The main outdoor considerations are wet weather, slippery ground, steep or uneven paths, insects and the remoteness of some forest approaches. Follow the guide’s instructions around chimpanzees, golden monkeys and other wildlife, and never approach, feed or attempt to touch animals. Weather can change quickly in the highlands, so use sturdy footwear and carry waterproof clothing. Stay with the permitted route and group, particularly where mobile coverage is uncertain. Visitors should also respect farming areas and private land around the park, and check current access arrangements before setting out because conditions may vary between Gishwati and Mukura.

Emergency Situations

Rwanda’s principal emergency number is 112, which can be used to request assistance from the relevant emergency services. In a forest emergency, provide the name of the park sector, trail or access point, the number of people involved and any visible landmarks, and ask the guide or driver to communicate directly with responders. Mobile coverage may be inconsistent in wooded or remote areas, so leave a clear itinerary with accommodation or an operator before departure. For serious medical problems, follow local advice on reaching the nearest suitable health facility; do not assume that specialist emergency care is available beside the park.

Do's and Don'ts

Do use an authorised guide, remain on agreed routes and observe wildlife quietly from the distance required by conservation rules. Do keep food, litter and plastics out of the forest, and ask before photographing local people or entering community land. Do respect farmers, livestock and planted areas around the park rather than treating the wider countryside as open-access wilderness. Do not feed animals, disturb nests, remove plants or collect forest material. Avoid loud music and unnecessary noise, and follow any current instructions about hygiene, disease prevention or temporary restrictions during primate encounters.

Local Tips

Rubavu, on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, is the most convenient established base for exploring Gishwati Forest and offers a wider choice of transport and accommodation than the rural park surroundings. Mukura requires more deliberate logistical planning, so it is sensible to confirm the meeting point, road condition and guide arrangements before leaving a regional town. Early starts are useful for cooler walking conditions and wildlife activity, while mist and rain can add to the difficulty of forest photography. Combining the visit with Lake Kivu or western Rwanda’s tea landscapes provides a fuller understanding of the region’s geography and livelihoods.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Muraho	[moo-rah-ho]
Goodbye	Murabeho	[moo-rah-bay-ho]
Yes	Yego	[yeah-go]
No	Oya	[oh-ya]
Please/You're welcome	Mwiriwe	[mwee-ree-way]
Thank you	Murakoze	[moo-rah-koh-zay]
Excuse me/Sorry	Ndasubirwaho	[n-dah-soo-beer-wah-ho]
How are you?	Amakuru?	[ah-mah-koo-roo]
Fine. And you?	Ni meza. Nawe?	[nee-meh-zah. nah-way]
Do you speak English?	Mwifuriza ikinyarwanda?	[mwee-foo-ree-zah ee-keen-yah-rwan-dah]
I don't understand	Ntazi	[en-tah-zee]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	Nifashishije komeza, kubanjirije	[nee-fah-shee-shee-jay koh-meh-zah, koo-ban-jee-ree-jay]
I don't eat meat	Siya gukora ibiryo by'inyama	[see-yah goo-koh-rah ee-beer-yoh bee-een-yah-mah]
Cheers!	Amasaro	[ah-mah-sah-roh]
I would like to pay, please	Nifuzire kubika, kubanjirije	[nee-foo-zee-ray koo-bee-kah, koo-ban-jee-ree-jay]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	Udutereze!	[oo-doo-teh-reh-zay]
Go away!	Jya isuri!	[jah ee-soo-ree]
Call the Police!	Simbata polisi!	[seem-bah-tah poh-lee-see]
Call a doctor!	Simbata dokoteli!	[seem-bah-tah doh-koh-teh-lee]
I'm lost	Narangiye	[nah-rahn-gee-yeh]
I'm ill	Naronda	[nah-rohn-dah]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	Nifuza gukora...	[nee-foo-zah goo-koh-rah]
I'm just looking	Nifuza kureba	[nee-foo-zah koo-reh-bah]
How much is it?	Ni iki cyatumye?	[nee ee-kee chah-too-mye]
That's too expensive	Iyo ni nyirinko	[ee-yoh nee nee-reen-koh]
Can you lower the price?	Wibagirwe cyane?	[wee-bah-gee-rweh chyah-nay]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	Saa ngapi?	[sah-ah ngah-pee]
It's one o'clock	Ni saa imwe	[nee sah-ah eem-weh]
Half past (10)	Y'igice gito	[ee-gee-chay gee-toh]
Morning	Mugitondo	[moo-gee-ton-doh]
Afternoon	Mugitondo w'umugoroba	[moo-gee-ton-doh w'oo-moo-go-roh-bah]
Evening	Mugitondo w'umugoroba	[moo-gee-ton-doh w'oo-moo-go-roh-bah]
Yesterday	Ejo	[eh-joh]
Today	Ejo	[eh-joh]
Tomorrow	Ejo	[eh-joh]
1	Rimwe	[ree-mweh]
2	Kabiri	[kah-bee-ree]
3	Gatatu	[gah-tah-too]
4	Kane	[kah-nay]
5	Gatanu	[gah-tah-noo]
6	Gatandatu	[gah-tahn-dah-too]
7	Kagatandatu	[kah-gah-tahn-dah-too]
8	Kagatandatu na rimwe	[kah-gah-tahn-dah-too nah ree-mweh]
9	Kagatandatu na kabiri	[kah-gah-tahn-dah-too nah kah-bee-ree]
10	Igice	[ee-gee-chay]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	Iki kibazo ...?	[ee-kee kee-bah-zoh]
What's the address?	Aho adiresi iherereye?	[ah-hoh ah-dee-reh-see ee-heh-reh-ray-yay]
Can you show me (on the map)?	Wibagirwe cyane (muri iki gishushanyo)?	[wee-bah-gee-rweh chyah-nay (moo-ree ee-kee gee-shoo-shahn-yoh)]
When's the next (bus)?	Igihe cyo gato kijya?	[ee-gee-hay choh gah-toh kee-jyah]
A ticket (to ....)	Ingingo (kuri ....)	[een-gee-n-go (koo-ree)]

History of Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Highland Forests and Early Settlement

Gishwati and Mukura form part of Rwanda’s moist western highlands, where altitude, abundant rainfall and volcanic-influenced soils support dense montane vegetation. Human settlement and cultivation have long shaped the surrounding landscape, while the remaining forest blocks preserved habitats that disappeared from much of the heavily farmed countryside. The history of the area is therefore closely linked to the relationship between communities needing agricultural land and the ecological importance of retaining forest on steep, erosion-prone slopes.

Forest Loss and Fragmentation

During the twentieth century, population growth, cultivation, livestock keeping, timber extraction and the expansion of other land uses reduced the extent and continuity of western Rwanda’s native forests. Gishwati in particular became fragmented, while Mukura retained a separate block of highland forest. These changes affected wildlife habitat, water regulation and the movement of forest species, creating a strong conservation case for protecting the surviving areas and restoring degraded edges.

Protection and Restoration

Gishwati and Mukura were formally brought together as a national park in 2015, establishing a protected framework for the two forest systems. Park management has emphasised habitat restoration, ecological monitoring, forest protection and cooperation with neighbouring communities. Reforestation and improved land management are important because the park is surrounded by a densely used rural landscape, and conservation depends not only on safeguarding the remaining trees but also on reducing pressure along the forest margins.

A Modern Conservation Landscape

Gishwati-Mukura’s modern identity combines wildlife protection with community-based conservation and environmental education. In 2020, the wider Gishwati-Mukura landscape was recognised by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve, reflecting the links between protected forest, surrounding settlements and sustainable land use. Tourism remains relatively small-scale compared with Rwanda’s principal safari destinations, but guided visits help support awareness of the forests’ biodiversity and the long-term work required to reconnect and maintain these habitats.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

Neighbouring destination travel guides

The closest destinations to Gishwati-Mukura National Park, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

More of the region

Explore more of Gitarama

Explore Gitarama, now Muhanga, for Rwanda’s republican history, Kabgayi heritage, highland landscapes and everyday southern-road culture.

Explore Gitarama

More of the country

Explore more of Rwanda

Discover Rwanda: A land of rolling hills, rich culture, and unforgettable wildlife experiences. From mountain gorillas to serene lakes, adventure awaits in every corner.

Explore Rwanda