Adventure into Rwanda’s less visited national park but a unique destination filled with many tourist attractions Gishwati Mukura National Park. The park is one of the newly introduced national parks and is located in the western sides of Rwanda. Gishwati Mukura national park was formed after joining Gishwati and Mukura forests.

One of the thrilling activities to carry out within the park is Chimpanzee Habituation.  In this article we are going to explicate all you need to know about Chimpanzee Habituation in Gishwati Mukura national park.

The chimpanzee habituation experience

Chimpanzee habituation refers to the process by which researchers gradually get chimpanzees become less afraid to human presence. The activity starts very early in the morning with a briefing at the park head quarters. The briefing mainly includes teaching tourists about the dos and don’ts while in the forest.

Unlike chimpanzee trekking, chimpanzee habituation allows tourists to spend 4 hours in the jungle learning more about the chimpanzees.

After the briefing you will then embark on the journey to the forest, while escorted with a team of researchers, guides and fellow primate enthusiasts.

Chimpanzee habituation allows tourists to learn and have vast information about the chimpanzees, for instance how they feed, play, how they look for their own food and many more.

How much does the chimpanzee habituation in Rwanda cost?

The chimpanzee habituation permit costs 250 dollars and can be purchased from Rwanda development board either directly from their website or through a trusted tour operator. It is high advisable to secure your habituation permit in advance more so in the peak season between June and October as permits that are issued per day are limited and a delay to book one can result into you missing out on your dream adventure of these great apes who are believed to be the closest human relatives.

Other activities that can be done with in Gishwati Mukura national park.

Chimpanzee trekking

This is one of the main and popular activity carried out with in Gishwati Mukura national park. Chimpanzee trekking also starts very early in the morning at the park head quarters.  This briefing entails tourists learning more about the rules and regulations to follow while in the forest.

After the briefing, you will have to go in the jungle with a group of people but before going to the forest, make sure you carried all the necessary requirements for trekking such as good hiking boots, insect repellents, safe drinking water, and many more.

While in the jungle, you will be able to see some monkey and bird species as you look for the chimpanzees.  Upon meeting or engaging with the chimpanzees, only one hour is offered to spend with these creatures.

After the one hour, you will then return to the park head quarters. However, chimpanzee trekking experience leaves tourists with unforgettable memories.

Chimpanzee trekking will cost you 200 dollars and the money is paid to Rwanda development Board either through the trusted local tour operator or paying direct to the board.

You can also do chimpanzee trekking from Nyungwe national park at the same price of 200 dollars.

Bird watching Gishwati Mukura

Gishwati Mukura national park is one of the best and incredible birding destinations with in the world. The park is a home to over 300 bird species both migratory and endemics. Some of the bird species to see include Rwenzori Turaco, red faced woodland, Grey throated tit and many more.

The park gives you vast chances to see and enjoy a variety of bird species and also learn more about them.

Golden monkey Trekking

One of the interesting and thrilling activity to do with in Gishwati Mukura national park is golden monkey trekking. Golden monkeys are one of the active and beautiful creatures on earth.  Trekking golden monkeys starts very early in the morning at the park head quarters with a briefing.  Golden monkey trekking allows tourists to fully have enough information about the golden monkeys.

Visting the waterfalls

The park is a home to the famous Kazaneza waterfalls that are situated within the middle of the park. The waterfalls offer extremely stunning views of the surrounding.  While on your hiking expedition you can be able to spot different bird and animal species.

Cycling through the Congo Nile trail

This is one of the interesting activities that can still be done with in Gishwati Mukura national park. Cycling along this trail allows you to pass along the shores of lake Kivu and then through Nyungwe forest.

While on your cycling adventure, you will be able to see the locals go about their daily businesses and interacting with them.

How to access Gishwati Mukura national park?

Accessing the park is completely very easy due to its closeness to the capital city of Rwanda. You can get to the park either by road or air.

BY air

Gishwati mukura national park can be accessed through air. You just need to board chartered flights from Kigali international airport then to Gisenyi. From Gisenyi then tourists connect to the park. The journey can last for about 50 minutes. Note these means of transport are very faster and quick but very expensive.

By road

Getting to the park from Kigali is just 3 hours to 30 mins drive. This is the commonest means of transport. Gishwati mukura national park is also very accessible for people with in Uganda especially for those near Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorillas national park

BEST TIME TO VISIT GISHWATI MUKURA NATIONAL PARK

Gishwati Mukura national park is an all-year-round destination. The park can be visited at any time of the year. However, it has the best time for visiting the park is generally during the dry season. The dry season usually covers (June to September) this is because during the dry season the roads are less slippery thus making hiking through the dense forests very easier.

Nevertheless, tourists can still visit with in the wet season despite the challenges incurred. The wet season usually ranges (September to December, March to May). The beauty in visiting the park during the wet season is that the park is less crowded since few people visit the park. Still in the wet season, the prices on accommodations are sometimes reduced.

Our popular safari packages

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Depending on the degree of lodging, the time of year, and the particular parks and activities included a 7-day safari in Rwanda and Tanzania might have somewhat different costs. Along with activities to do in every park, below is a sample schedule including expected expenses for middle-class, budget, and luxury alternatives.

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