Gishwati Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park, located in the northwestern part of Rwanda, is one of the country’s newest national parks, established in 2015 to protect the Gishwati and Mukura forest reserves. Covering about 34 square kilometers, the park is a biodiversity hotspot and part of the larger Albertine Rift region, known for its rich endemic flora and fauna.

The park is home to a variety of primates, including chimpanzees, golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and blue monkeys. It also harbors numerous bird species, some of which are endemic to the region. Gishwati-Mukura plays a crucial role in Rwanda’s conservation strategy, promoting reforestation and supporting local communities through eco-tourism and employment.

Key activities in the park include guided nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, birdwatching, and community-based cultural experiences. The park’s creation has helped restore degraded forest areas and enhance biodiversity conservation, while also providing sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.