Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Gishwati-Mukura National Park : Chimpanzees in Gishwati-Mukura national park in Rwanda- chimpanzees in Gishwati-Mukura national park are famously known as the Eastern chimpanzees, this eastern chimpanzees are categorized some of the chimpanzees which were rescued from the poachers and are only based in Uganda, Tanzania, democratic republic of Congo and the small population in Burundi. Chimpanzees are fascinating animals that can only be found in Nyungwe chimpanzee destination and Gishwati-Mukura national park in Rwanda
Chimpanzee trekking inn Gishwati-Mukura national park is the main activity offered to every visitor on Rwanda safari, while on Rwanda chimpanzee trekking safari in Gishwati-Mukura national park, visitors will bet an ample opportunity to spot the fascinating chimpanzee and akos others primates such h as golden monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoeast’s monkeys as well as baboons in a lucky day and trail followed while on chimps trek. Like other parks chimpanzee trekking here also starts in the morning with a briefing about the dos and don’ts then guided by one of the park rangers you will start your walk into the forest to search for the chimpanzees and once you meet them you will spend one hour encounter with them. During your chimp trek in the park you will also have an opportunity see other mammals including African duikers and birds such as , Abyssinian ground-thrush, Ruwenzori Batis, Woodhoopoes, grasshopper buzzard, black-faced apalis, red-faced barbet, Martial Eagle, short-tailed warbler, handsome francolin, strange weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing, yellow ramped tinker bird, salty flycatcher, Red-throated Alethe, Ruwenzori Turaco among others .
Gishwati-Mukura national park is the Rwanda’s new national park which was established recently in 2015 formed by combing Gishwati forest and Mukura forest covering an area of approximately 34 square kilometers, located on the ridge which divides the Congo and the Nile waters from catchment areas along the diverse Albertine Rift
Gishwati-Mukura national park is a home to a great number of primates species including endangered eastern chimpanzees, different species of monkeys which includes golden monkeys, vervet monkeys , blue and white colobus, L’hoest’s monkeys among others, Gishwati also inhabits a variety of bird species with over 232 species in Gishwati forest and 163 in Makara forest reserves but in a surprise among the birds Gishwati-Mukura is housing some are endemic to the Albertine rift and others are forest birds. The park also harbors a variety of plants species with over 60 species of trees including the bamboo and indigenous hardwood.
Others exciting activities to do while on Rwanda safari in Gishwati-Mukura national park
Primate tracking
Primate tracking in Gishwati-Mukura National Park is one of the main activity offered to visitors on Rwanda trekking tours in the park besides the fascinating chimps trek. While on the Rwanda primate tracking in the park, Visitors will have ample chance to spot primates such as Golden monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys and baboons. Primate trekking in Gishwati-Mukura national park is like any other parks in Rwanda. Primate trekking here also starts in the morning with a briefing about the dos and don’ts then guided by one of the park rangers you will start your walk into the forest to search for the primates during your walk you will also have an opportunity see other mammals including duikers and birds.
Birding
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is one of the best birding destinations in Rwanda. Gishwati-Mukura national park is a home to over 300 bird species with have been recorded in the park among include 20 species that can only be found in the Albertine Rift, 160 are found in Mukura forest and over 200 are found in Gishwati forest such as the Grey Crowned Crane, Martial Eagle, Mountain Yellow Warblers, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Red-throated Alethe, Regal Sunbird, Ruwenzori Batis, Ruwenzori Turaco, Weaver birds, Wood hoopoes, Strange weavers, the Stripe-breasted Tit, Cardinal woodpecker, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Abyssinian ground-thrush, grasshopper buzzard, black-faced apalis, red-faced barbet, short-tailed warbler, handsome francolin, , Dusky Crimsonwing, yellow ramped tinker bird, salty flycatcher, Red-throated Alethe, yellow-eyed black flycatcher among others
Visit to the Waterfall
A Visit to the Kazeneze waterfall is one of the best hiking trail in Gishwati-Mukura national park. Kazeneza waterfall is a famous waterfall in the park located in the middle of the park. Hiking to the waterfalls giving an opportunity for sightseeing and magnificent views of the park
Guided nature walk
Gishwati-Mukura national park has currently constructed stunning walking path to allow visitors to penetrate in the rainforest and get more insight of the hidden gems. While on your walking safari here, you will have an opportunity encounter with natural beauty of the forest up close with its creatures like butterflies, chameleons, insects, birds and primates. Over 60 species of trees can be sighted here including bamboos, ferns, mahogany and orchids. New species like dombeya torrida, eucalyptus, hagenia abyssinica, macaranga and polyscias fulva have also been introduced in the park, which you will have an opportunity to see as well.
Best time of the day to see chimpanzees in Gishwati-Mukura national park
Chimpanzees in Gishwati-Mukura national park can be visited throughout the year to trek chimpanzees, but the rainy months from October to May are the best for trekking and sighting chimpanzees in the park this is because food is readily available for Chimpanzees which resists them not to move further distances to search for food making their sightseeing easy. However, during this period the trails are slippery and hiking through the forest is not easier that during the dry season.
Trekking Chimpanzees Gishwati-Mukura National Park might be easier in the drier months from June to September. This is because the trekking trails are drier and the vegetation cover is not very thick compared to the wet season periods.
Accommodations facilities in Gishwati-Mukura national park
Due to the fact that the park is new and is undergoing serous development, accommodation facilities and camps are yet to be set up. The best lodge to stay in Gishwati-Mukura national park is Gishwati Lodge. This lodge is a luxury lodge, newly constructed with 6 cottages and accommodates a maximum of 12 guests. It is the best lodge in the Gishwati-Mukura national park, visitors are recommended to book your accommodation in advance at least a month before visiting the park. You can also opt to stay in lodges in Nyungwe forest national park or Kivu.
