Gishwati-Mukura National Park Explorer Safari
Rwanda's Newest Park — A Forest Reborn
Overview
Gishwati-Mukura is Rwanda's fourth and newest national park, gazetted in 2015 and declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2020. It unites two separate forests — larger Gishwati and smaller Mukura — that ride the crest of the Congo-Nile divide in the country's mountainous west. This is one of Africa's most heartening conservation stories: decades of clearing had reduced Gishwati to a fraction of its former size, but a determined restoration effort has brought the forest, and its wildlife, back.
Today the reborn woodland shelters a small community of Eastern chimpanzees, together with golden monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, blue monkeys and the black-and-white colobus, as well as 232 bird species, among them Albertine Rift endemics. Visitor numbers are deliberately low, so a guided trek here feels genuinely exclusive — you walk misty ridges and moss-hung trees with a guide and tracker, often without another soul in sight. Chimp and monkey tracking, birding, a waterfall hike and community experiences with the neighbouring farming cooperatives make Gishwati-Mukura a rewarding, off-the-beaten-track addition to a western Rwanda journey.
Who It's For
Ideal for travellers who want to experience Gishwati-Mukura National Park in privacy and comfort, with expert guiding and the finest lodges the region offers.
Package Highlights
Chimpanzee Tracking
Trek with a guide and tracker in search of Gishwati's small community of Eastern chimpanzees.
Golden & L'Hoest's Monkey Trek
Seek out Gishwati's troops of golden monkeys and the striking, chestnut-backed L'Hoest's monkey, along with blue monkeys and colobus, on a guided walk through the regenerating woodland.
Ridge-Top Forest Hike
Follow trails along the crest of the Congo-Nile divide through moss-hung montane forest, with sweeping views over the hills towards Lake Kivu and, on clear days, the Virunga volcanoes.
Waterfall Hike & Birding
Hike through the forest to a hidden waterfall, spotting some of the park's 232 bird species along the way, including Albertine Rift endemics, turacos and sunbirds in the regenerating canopy.
Community Forest Walk
Meet the communities restoring and protecting the forest on a walk to tea plantations, a tree nursery, a traditional healer and local craft cooperatives — a warm, grounding insight into the human side of conservation.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive via Kigali and transfer to your lodge in Gishwati-Mukura National Park, where a warm welcome and a first taste of the landscape await. After settling in, head out for an orientation drive as the light turns golden, before sundowners and dinner beneath a vast African sky.
🏨 Accommodation: Forest of Hope Guest House
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Forest of Hope Guest House
📍 Gishwati forest edge
The park's community-run guest house on the forest edge, supporting restoration and local livelihoods.
From $120 per person per night
Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel
📍 Rubavu, Lake Kivu (nearby)
A stylish lakeside base at Rubavu, an easy drive from Gishwati for those wanting more luxury.
From $400 per person per night
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
📍 Between Kivu and Nyungwe
A restful hilltop hotel with forest views, well placed for combining Gishwati with Nyungwe.
From $320 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Classic
(~$616/night)
Comfortable lodges and camps, guided activities, all meals and transfers
Get QuoteLuxury
(~$933/night)
Premium suites, enhanced guiding and privacy, curated experiences
Get QuoteUltra-Luxury
(~$1,333/night)
Private guide and vehicle, exclusive-use options and the finest lodges
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ Return road/air transfers from Kigali
- ✓ 3 nights luxury lodge and camp accommodation
- ✓ All meals as specified in the itinerary
- ✓ Twice-daily guided activities and excursions
- ✓ Expert local guides throughout
- ✓ Park, reserve and conservation fees
- ✓ All in-destination transfers and logistics
- ✓ Bottled water and lodge soft drinks
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International flights to Rwanda
- ✗ Visa fees where applicable
- ✗ Travel and medical insurance
- ✗ Premium and imported beverages
- ✗ Optional activities and spa treatments
- ✗ Gratuities (guidelines provided)
- ✗ Personal expenses and souvenirs
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is at its best in the dry season (June–September & December–February (dry seasons)), when wildlife and conditions peak. Green-season travel brings lush landscapes, fewer visitors and excellent value.
Why Choose This Package
Chimpanzee Tracking
Trek with a guide and tracker in search of Gishwati's small community of Eastern chimpanzees.
Golden & L'Hoest's Monkey Trek
Seek out Gishwati's troops of golden monkeys and the striking, chestnut-backed L'Hoest's monkey, along with blue monkeys and colobus, on a guided walk through the regenerating woodland.
Ridge-Top Forest Hike
Follow trails along the crest of the Congo-Nile divide through moss-hung montane forest, with sweeping views over the hills towards Lake Kivu and, on clear days, the Virunga volcanoes.
Waterfall Hike & Birding
Hike through the forest to a hidden waterfall, spotting some of the park's 232 bird species along the way, including Albertine Rift endemics, turacos and sunbirds in the regenerating canopy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Gishwati-Mukura National Park Explorer Safari?
From $1,850 per person | 4 Days / 3 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates