A triumph of nature's resilience

A breathtaking story of restoration, formed by the joining of two ancient forests—Gishwati and Mukura. Once nearly lost to time, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve has been painstakingly restored into a lush, 34-square-kilometer haven along the Albertine Rift. Situated on the ridge that divides the Congo and Nile water catchments, the park offers a misty, high-altitude landscape of primary forests, bamboo thickets, and vibrant waterfalls. It is a destination where every leaf and vine represents a victory for conservation, making it the perfect escape for travelers who want to see nature’s healing power firsthand.

What to expect

Gishwati-Mukura is Rwanda’s youngest park, it offers an exclusivity that larger parks cannot match. Expect a quiet, soul-stirring adventure where you are more likely to hear the call of a bird than the engine of another vehicle.

• The Recovering Great Apes: Expect to see a flourishing community of Eastern Chimpanzees, whose survival is the park’s crowning achievement.

• A Monkey’s Playground: Expect frequent sightings of the endangered Golden Monkeys, along with L’Hoest’s, Blue, and Black-and-White Colobus monkeys leaping through the canopy.

• Rare Albertine Gems: Expect to encounter a “who’s who” of rare wildlife, from the side-striped jackal and serval cat to the prehistoric-looking chameleons and vibrant forest butterflies.

Seasonal Overview

Gishwati-Mukura is a tropical montane forest, meaning the weather is always a vital part of the adventure. The experience shifts beautifully between two primary seasons:

• The Sun-Drenched Season: When the rains subside, the forest trails become much more accessible. This is the ideal time for trekking and hiking, as the ground is firmer and the steep slopes are easier to navigate. The clear skies offer incredible views of the distant volcanic peaks, and the sunlight filtering through the dense bamboo makes for spectacular photography.

• The Misty Green Season: As the rains nourish the earth, the park transforms into a deep, emerald sanctuary. This is the paradise of birdwatchers and dreamers, as the forest becomes incredibly vocal with the calls of migratory birds. While the trails can be slippery and adventurous, the dramatic mist rolling over the mountains creates a mystical atmosphere that makes the forest feel ancient and alive.