GISHWATI MUKURA NATIONAL PARK TRAVEL GUIDE, RWANDA

Rwanda’s fourth national park, Gishwati Mukura is made up of two separate forests – the larger Gishwati and small Mukura, forming a total of 34 square kilometres plus a buffer zone.

The forests sit on the ridge which divides the Congo and Nile water catchment areas, along the incredibly biodiverse Albertine Rift in the west of the country. It is made up of 60 species of tree, including indigenous hardwoods and bamboo.

Gishwati is home to a group of 20 chimpanzees which live alongside golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s and Blue Monkeys. Birds are well represented too, 232 species have been seen at Gishwati and 163 at Mukura, among them Albertine Rift Endemic species and forest specialists.

Activities in the park started in 2019 and include a guided nature hike, guided chimp and monkey tracking, bird watching and a visit to the waterfalls.

The area was nearly depleted largely due to resettlement, illegal mining in the mineral-rich forest and livestock farming.

The formalisation of its National Park status in 2015 aims to help redress the balance, to increase the number of trees to improve soil fertility, stabilise slopes and regulate stream flow.

It will also contribute to improving the livelihoods of the population living in the surrounding areas, which in turn offers the forest a better chance of regeneration in tandem with the potential to raise living standards in the longer term.

Community-based activities include a farm stay, a live cultural dance, making handicrafts, beekeeping, a tea plantation tour and the chance to learn from traditional healers, who use natural plants to support modern medicine and synthesised drugs.

Location Of The Gishwati Mukura National Park, Rwanda

Gishwati Mukura National Park is located in the Western Province of Rwanda, specifically within the Ngororero and Rutsiro districts.

Geographical Position of Gishwati Mukura National Park, Rwanda

Western Province: The park is situated in the Western Province of Rwanda, which is known for its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity.

Ngororero and Rutsiro Districts: Gishwati Mukura National Park spans across these two districts, covering an area of approximately 34 square kilometers.

Gishwati Mukura National Park Proximity to Major Landmarks in Rwanda

Albertine Rift: The park is part of the Albertine Rift, a region renowned for its high levels of biodiversity and endemism. The Albertine Rift is a section of the East African Rift that runs through several countries, including Rwanda.

Congo-Nile Divide: Gishwati Mukura National Park is located along the ridge that divides the Congo and Nile water catchment areas. This unique geographical feature contributes to the park's diverse ecosystems.

Gishwati Mukura National Park Accessibility:

By Road: The park is accessible by road from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. The drive from Kigali to Gishwati Mukura National Park takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Nearby Towns: The park is located near several towns, including Rubavu and Karongi, which provide additional access points and amenities for visitors.

Gishwati Mukura National Park's location in the Western Province of Rwanda, along the Albertine Rift and the Congo-Nile Divide, makes it a unique and ecologically significant destination. Its accessibility from Kigali and proximity to nearby towns enhance its appeal for tourists seeking to explore Rwanda's natural beauty and biodiversity.

History of Gishwati Mukura National Park, Rwanda

Gishwati Mukura National Park, located in the Western Province of Rwanda, has a rich and complex history marked by deforestation, conservation efforts, and eventual establishment as a national park.

Early History and Deforestation of Gishwati Mukura National Park, Rwanda

Gishwati Forest was once a vast and thriving ecosystem, covering approximately 28,000 hectares in the early 1970s. It was home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including primates, birds, and other wildlife.

During the 1970s, large-scale cattle farming projects were introduced in the Gishwati Forest area as part of efforts to modernize agriculture in Rwanda. This led to significant deforestation, as large portions of the forest were cleared to make way for cattle ranches.

The Rwandan genocide in the 1990s had a devastating impact on the forest. Large populations of displaced people settled in the area, leading to further deforestation for small-scale farming. By 2002, only 600 hectares of the original forest remained.

Conservation Efforts at Gishwati Mukura National Park, Rwanda

The severe deforestation of Gishwati Forest led to numerous environmental problems, including landslides, soil erosion, and diminished water quality. These issues prompted the initiation of conservation projects aimed at restoring the forest.

The first major conservation project, Projet d’Appui à la Reforestation au Rwanda (PAFOR), was launched. This project focused on sustainable forest management and allowed the forest to regenerate, increasing its size to 886 hectares.

The Great Ape Trust / Gishwati Area Conservation Program, sponsored by the Great Ape Fund, furthered reforestation efforts, particularly on steep hillsides. During this period, the forest expanded to 1,484 hectares, and the chimpanzee population grew from 13 to 16 individuals.

Establishment as a National Park of Gishwati Mukura National Park, Rwanda

The Rwandan Government and The World Bank signed a $9.5 million deal for the conservation of Gishwati and Mukura forests. This agreement laid the groundwork for the creation of a combined national park.

The Rwandan Government passed a law to establish Gishwati Mukura National Park, combining the Gishwati and Mukura forests and including much of the deforested area between them. This law came into effect in 2019, making Gishwati Mukura National Park the newest national park in Africa.

On December 1, 2019, Gishwati Mukura National Park officially opened its doors to the public. The park now serves as a vital conservation area, protecting the region's biodiversity and promoting sustainable tourism.

Gishwati Mukura National Park's history is a testament to the resilience of nature and the importance of conservation efforts. From its early days of extensive deforestation to its current status as a protected national park, the park has undergone significant transformation. Today, it stands as a symbol of Rwanda's commitment to preserving its natural heritage and promoting sustainable development.