Rwanda’s Hidden Gems: From Mukura to Gishwati

Nestled in the heart of Africa, Rwanda has become world-famous for its gorilla trekking experiences and the captivating landscapes of Volcanoes National Park. Yet beyond the misty volcanoes and the iconic mountain gorillas lies a quieter, lesser-known wilderness—Gishwati-Mukura National Park, one of Rwanda’s most remarkable hidden gems. Tucked away in the country’s western highlands, this pristine ecosystem tells a story of recovery, resilience, and natural rebirth.

From the dense bamboo groves of Gishwati to the lush, humid forests of Mukura, this park represents a new chapter in Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to conservation. Here, nature has been given a second chance—and for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience filled with beauty, biodiversity, and community connection, Gishwati-Mukura offers a journey into the wild heart of Rwanda that few have yet to discover.

A Forest Reborn: The Story of Gishwati-Mukura

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s newest and smallest national park, officially established in 2015. It combines two ancient forest reserves—Gishwati Forest in the north and Mukura Forest in the south—linked by a corridor of rolling hills and farmland. Covering around 34 square kilometers, the park may be small, but its ecological and symbolic importance is enormous.

For decades, both forests suffered from severe deforestation caused by human settlement, agriculture, and livestock grazing—especially after the 1994 genocide, when displaced communities sought land and resources. By the early 2000s, Gishwati had been reduced to just a fraction of its original size, and much of its wildlife had disappeared.

But Rwanda, a nation that has made conservation a pillar of its national identity, refused to let this forest vanish. The government, in partnership with organizations such as the Great Ape Trust and the Forest of Hope Association, launched one of the most successful forest restoration projects in Africa. Trees were replanted, wildlife corridors were protected, and local communities were engaged as stewards of the land.

Today, the forest is flourishing again—home once more to chimpanzees, monkeys, birds, and countless plant species. The park stands as a living testament to Rwanda’s belief that humans and nature can thrive together when balance is restored.

The Twin Forests: Gishwati and Mukura

Gishwati Forest

Gishwati, located closer to the town of Rubavu and Lake Kivu, is the more accessible of the two forests. It sits atop undulating hills covered in thick greenery, where morning mists curl between the trees and the calls of primates echo through the canopy.

The forest is home to several primate species, including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, golden monkeys, and blue monkeys. The chimpanzee group here is semi-habituated, meaning visitors have the rare opportunity to track and observe them in their natural environment. Walking through the forest with a guide, you might catch sight of a chimp swinging through the branches, hear the rustle of monkeys above, or spot fresh nests built high in the treetops.

But Gishwati isn’t only about primates. It’s a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 230 recorded bird species, including several endemic to the Albertine Rift region. Rare beauties like the regal sunbird, Ruwenzori turaco, and Grauer’s swamp warbler make this forest a dream destination for ornithologists and nature lovers alike.

The forest floor bursts with life—ferns, orchids, mosses, and mushrooms carpet the ground, nourished by the constant moisture that gives Gishwati its ethereal glow. It’s a place where every step feels like walking through nature’s cathedral.

Mukura Forest

Further south lies Mukura Forest, the quieter and more remote twin of Gishwati. Smaller and denser, Mukura feels like a world lost in time. It’s one of Rwanda’s oldest montane rainforests, with ancient trees towering above dense undergrowth and hidden waterfalls cascading through the vegetation.

Mukura is still largely undeveloped for tourism, which makes it ideal for travelers seeking raw wilderness. The forest is alive with birdsong, and though wildlife here is more elusive, it’s no less magical. Trekking through Mukura offers a sense of discovery—a feeling of being among the first to witness the forest’s slow but steady return to life.

The Wildlife of Gishwati-Mukura

Despite its small size, Gishwati-Mukura is rich in biodiversity. Researchers have documented over 60 species of trees, including indigenous hardwoods like hagenia abyssinica and carapa grandiflora, as well as bamboo groves that sustain the golden monkeys.

The park’s mammal population is growing too. Besides chimpanzees and monkeys, visitors may encounter serval cats, bushbucks, duikers, and even side-striped jackals. The forests also provide sanctuary for a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies—adding vibrant splashes of color to the forest undergrowth.

What makes this park unique is its role as a living laboratory for forest regeneration. Every species here, from the smallest insect to the tallest tree, contributes to an ecosystem that is healing and adapting. Gishwati-Mukura is proof that with the right care, damaged environments can rebound and flourish.

The Community Connection

One of the most inspiring aspects of Gishwati-Mukura is the role of local communities in its conservation success. Around the park, villages have transformed their relationship with the forest—from one of dependence and depletion to one of stewardship and cooperation.

Community-based tourism initiatives have provided alternative livelihoods that reduce pressure on the forest. Locals work as guides, rangers, beekeepers, and artisans, ensuring that tourism benefits flow directly into the surrounding area. Visitors can take part in cultural experiences that highlight traditional Rwandan life, from basket weaving and farming to storytelling and dance.

The Forest of Hope Village, located near Gishwati, is a wonderful example of this partnership in action. The village serves as a gateway for visitors to the park, offering eco-lodges, guided tours, and cultural encounters. Revenue generated from tourism supports education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements, reinforcing Rwanda’s holistic approach to sustainable travel.

Activities in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Though still developing as a tourist destination, Gishwati-Mukura offers a growing range of activities for adventurous travelers.

Chimpanzee and Monkey Tracking: Guided hikes into the forest bring you up close to primates, especially the semi-habituated chimpanzees. Watching them interact in the wild is a powerful and humbling experience.

Birdwatching: With its high density of endemic and migratory species, the park is a paradise for birders. Bring binoculars and patience—the forest rewards quiet observation.

Nature Walks and Waterfall Hikes: Trails through the forest reveal hidden streams, small cascades, and diverse plant life. The sounds of rustling leaves, chirping insects, and trickling water create an atmosphere of peace and renewal.

Community and Cultural Tours: Beyond the forest, visitors can explore nearby villages to experience daily Rwandan life—learn how banana beer is brewed, see traditional pottery making, or enjoy local dances and songs performed by community groups.

Reforestation Experiences: Some programs allow guests to plant trees as part of ongoing restoration efforts—a meaningful way to leave a positive footprint on Rwanda’s environment.

The Best Time to Visit

Gishwati-Mukura can be visited year-round, but the dry seasons—from June to September and December to February—are the best times for hiking and primate tracking. During the rainy months, from March to May and October to November, the forest is lush and green but trails can become muddy and challenging.

The park’s high altitude keeps temperatures pleasant throughout the year, averaging between 15°C and 25°C. Mornings are often misty, giving the forest its mysterious charm, while afternoons bring bursts of sunlight that illuminate the canopy in a golden glow.

Getting There and Where to Stay

The park is easily accessible from Rwanda’s major destinations. It lies roughly halfway between Volcanoes National Park in the north and Nyungwe Forest National Park in the south, making it a perfect stop for travelers exploring Rwanda’s western circuit. From Kigali, the drive takes about four to five hours, with scenic views of rolling hills and tea plantations along the way.

Accommodation options around the park include eco-lodges and guesthouses such as the Forest of Hope Guest House, Gishwati Lodge, and several community-based stays that provide a cozy, sustainable experience.

Why Gishwati-Mukura Matters

Visiting Gishwati-Mukura is more than an adventure—it’s an act of supporting one of Africa’s most remarkable conservation turnarounds. The park embodies Rwanda’s national vision of harmony between people and nature. It’s a reminder that progress doesn’t always mean expansion; sometimes, it means restoration.

Walking through Gishwati’s recovering forest, listening to the distant whoop of chimpanzees or the song of a turaco, you realize you are witnessing rebirth—both ecological and spiritual. Few places in the world offer this kind of hopeful beauty.

Explore Rwanda’s Hidden Gems with Moreen Tours & Travel

To experience the untouched beauty of Gishwati and Mukura, travel with Moreen Tours & Travel, Rwanda’s trusted safari and cultural travel expert. Their knowledgeable guides and personalized itineraries ensure that your journey goes beyond sightseeing—it becomes a story of connection, discovery, and sustainability.

Whether you’re trekking with chimpanzees in Gishwati, exploring the tranquil hills above Lake Kivu, or immersing yourself in village life, Moreen Tours & Travel designs each trip with care, authenticity, and respect for Rwanda’s people and environment.

With Moreen Tours & Travel, you won’t just visit Rwanda’s hidden gems—you’ll help preserve them for future generations.