Gishwati National Park is the newest park in Rwanda, located in the Ngororero and Rutsiro districts.
The park boasts rich biodiversity, being home to 84 species of birds, 60 species of trees, and various species of wildlife and primates.
The wildlife in the park nearly became extinct after the 1994 Rwandan genocide when refugees settled in the area, clearing land for settlement and farming.
This led to significant extraction of natural resources.
The park had a small number of chimpanzees, which became a concern for an American research facility, and efforts were made to protect the area.
A wildlife corridor was also established, linking Gishwati Forest, Mukura Forest, and Nyungwe Forest National Park, providing incredible biodiversity.
This corridor allows free movement for primates such as chimpanzees, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest monkeys.
Currently, there is only one lodge operating in the park, along with a few campsites for budget travelers.
Tourists should ensure they book accommodations in advance.
Gishwati National Park makes a perfect stopover for tourists traveling to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Visitors can also engage in community-based activities while at the park, such as visiting farmlands, making handicrafts, learning from traditional healers, beekeeping, or visiting tea plantations.
Rwanda safaris can go on all year-round, but the most convenient time is during the dry months of June to September and December to February when animals in the national parks are concentrated around water points, and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife.
Tourists visiting during the wet season might face rain-related inconveniences, but they can benefit from discounted gorilla permits, and some hotels also lower their rates.
Tourists planning to visit Rwanda during the wet season, especially for hiking, chimpanzee trekking, and gorilla trekking, are advised to visit during the dry season when the hiking trails are in good condition, and wildlife can be easily spotted.
Other national parks in Rwanda include: Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park and Volcanoes National Park.
Visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park with these recommended Rwanda tour operators.