Gazetted in 2015, Gishwati-Mukura is Rwanda’s fourth and newest national park — two separate forest fragments, Gishwati and Mukura, in the Western Province between Volcanoes National Park and Lake Kivu. It receives a fraction of the visitors that Volcanoes and Nyungwe do, which is exactly its appeal: primate trekking here feels genuinely exclusive.
The forest holds chimpanzees, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and over 200 bird species, alongside a landscape restoration story — much of Gishwati was degraded by settlement and agriculture before reforestation efforts began, and the park today is as much a conservation success story as a wildlife destination.
LOCATIONWestern Province, ~2.5–3 hour drive from Kigali
PRIMATESChimpanzees, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys
BEST FORTravellers who want primate trekking without the crowds of Nyungwe
PERMITSChimpanzee and monkey tracking permits — contact us for current RDB rates
Gishwati is the part of the park most visitors see. Its chimpanzee community is small and still getting used to people, so trekking here is less predictable than at Nyungwe — but when it works, you are often the only group in the forest. Golden monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys share the same forest, and the birdlife includes Albertine Rift endemics also found at Nyungwe.
The park’s larger story is restoration. Gishwati lost most of its original forest cover to settlement, cattle farming and plantations in the late twentieth century. Reforestation and community programmes since then have reconnected fragments of the forest, and the park was created to protect that recovery. Community-run activities on the park edge, including tea and farming visits, form part of the experience.
The park sits between Volcanoes National Park and Lake Kivu, so the practical way to include it is as a stop on the road from Musanze to Rubavu or Kibuye, rather than a separate trip from Kigali.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should we go to Gishwati or Nyungwe for chimpanzees? Nyungwe has larger habituated groups and more reliable sightings. Gishwati is for travellers who value quiet over certainty, or who have already trekked chimps elsewhere.
How long do we need? One full day covers a primate trek and a forest walk. Two nights allow a second attempt if the chimpanzees are not found on the first day.
Is it suitable for families? The forest trails are moderate. Minimum age rules for primate trekking follow RDB policy, so tell us your group’s ages and we will confirm.
How do we fit it into an itinerary? Between Volcanoes National Park and Lake Kivu. It adds variety to a Rwanda circuit without a long detour.
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