Chimpanzees and primates
A small community of eastern chimpanzees, around 30 individuals and increasing, lives in Gishwati. Guided treks follow trackers through the forest to find them, and the encounter feels intimate because so few people visit. Golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and blue monkeys also live here. Read about the chimpanzee and L’Hoest’s monkey.
Birding
More than 120 bird species have been recorded, including several Albertine Rift endemics found only in the mountains of this region. Early morning walks along forest edges and tea plantations are rewarding for birders.
Community and conservation
The park was created with local communities, and tourism supports forest restoration, ranger patrols and livelihoods for people living around it. Visitors can join community walks, see tea plantations and learn about the restoration work.
Things to do
- Chimpanzee trekking with trackers.
- Primate walks for golden and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
- Birding on forest trails.
- Waterfall and nature walks.
- Community visits and tea plantations.
A sample stay
Drive from Volcanoes National Park or Lake Kivu and arrive for an afternoon nature walk. Set out early the next morning to track chimpanzees, then join a community walk among farms and tea fields before continuing south towards Nyungwe or back to the lake.
What to expect
Gishwati is quiet and still developing for tourism, so facilities are simple and sightings require patience. In return, you get a genuinely uncrowded forest experience and the satisfaction of supporting a young park’s recovery.
Who it suits
Gishwati-Mukura suits travellers who have already trekked gorillas and want another forest experience, birders, and anyone interested in conservation and community tourism. It is less suited to travellers who want guaranteed chimp sightings on a short trip; for that, Nyungwe or Uganda’s Kibale are more reliable.
Where to stay
The park has a simple lodge and campsite run with local partners, the most convenient base for early chimp treks. More choice lies around Lake Kivu, about an hour away, where lakeside hotels make a comfortable alternative and a relaxing place to end the day.
Combining Gishwati-Mukura with your trip
The park sits between Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe, close to Lake Kivu, so it fits naturally into a Rwanda circuit. See our 8-day Rwanda forests, lakes and savannah and the best time to visit Rwanda.
Practical tips
- Wear long trousers tucked into socks and waterproof boots.
- Children usually need to be at least 15 for chimp trekking; we confirm the rules when booking.
- Bring binoculars for birds and monkeys high in the canopy.
- Treks start early, so plan to stay at or near the park the night before.
- Your permit and park fees directly support the forest’s restoration and local communities.
- Check current travel advice for areas near the western border before booking.
