Booking Chimpanzee Permits for Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Booking Chimpanzee Permits for Gishwati-Mukura National Park

If you’re planning a trip to Gishwati-Mukura National Park in Rwanda to see the endangered Eastern Chimpanzees, you may be wondering how to book your chimpanzee trekking permit. Gishwati-Mukura, Rwanda’s newest national park, was established in 2015 following the merger of Gishwati and Mukura forests. Although it is Rwanda’s smallest national park, covering only 34 square kilometers, it is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including primates like golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and of course, the Eastern Chimpanzees.

In addition to primates, the park boasts over 230 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics, making it a top birding destination. The park’s conservation efforts have been instrumental in restoring the ecosystem, which was once heavily impacted by illegal activities such as livestock farming and mining.

A Guide to Booking Chimpanzee Trekking Permits for Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Booking your chimpanzee trekking permit for Gishwati-Mukura is a straightforward process. First, you’ll need to secure your permit through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Once your travel dates are confirmed, get in touch with us via email. We’ll check the availability of permits for the dates you plan to visit and confirm if they are available.

Once the permits are confirmed, we will send you an invoice for payment. After your payment is processed and received, we’ll immediately purchase your permit and send you a scanned copy for your records. This will officially confirm your booking for chimpanzee trekking in Gishwati-Mukura National Park, Rwanda.

The Cost of Chimpanzee Trekking in Gishwati-Mukura National Park?

Currently, chimpanzee trekking in Gishwati-Mukura is more research-focused, and there isn’t a fixed price for the permit. However, aside from the chimpanzee permit, you will also need to budget for additional services, such as transportation, accommodation, and guiding.

For example, our 3-day Gishwati-Mukura National Park tour (all-inclusive) starts at USD 2,375 per person when sharing a group of two. This package includes everything from the permit to transport, meals, and accommodation. Contact us for more details and to book your chimpanzee trek according to your preferences.

Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is open for chimpanzee trekking year-round, but the best time to visit is during the rainy season (from October to May). During this period, food is abundant for the chimpanzees, which means they stay closer to the trekking trails, making sightings easier. However, keep in mind that the trails can be slippery, and trekking through the forest may be more challenging compared to the dry season.

For easier trekking, consider visiting from June to September, when the trails are drier, and the vegetation is less dense. The dry months make it easier to navigate the park and improve the chances of a smoother trek.

What to Expect During Chimpanzee Trekking in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Chimpanzee trekking is the main activity at Gishwati-Mukura National Park. During your trek, you may also encounter other primates like golden monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and even baboons. The experience begins early in the morning with a briefing on the do’s and don’ts of the trek. A knowledgeable park ranger will then guide you into the forest to search for the chimpanzees.

Once you encounter the chimps, you’ll have an hour to observe them in their natural habitat. Along the way, you may also spot other wildlife such as duikers and a variety of bird species. This makes chimpanzee trekking in Gishwati-Mukura not only a primate adventure but a rich wildlife experience.

Other Things to Do in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Although it’s Rwanda’s newest and smallest national park, Gishwati-Mukura offers a wide variety of activities that bring you close to nature and local culture. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, birder, or adventure seeker, this pristine forest reserve has something unique for every traveler.

Primate Tracking

Primate tracking is one of the highlights of visiting Gishwati-Mukura National Park. On this guided trek, you’ll have the opportunity to see a variety of primates, including golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, and olive baboons.

Just like chimpanzee trekking, this experience begins in the morning with a safety briefing. You’ll then venture into the forest alongside a trained ranger in search of these fascinating creatures. Along the way, keep your eyes open for duikers, forest mammals, and a variety of bird species.

Birdwatching

With over 232 recorded bird species, Gishwati-Mukura is one of the best birdwatching destinations in Rwanda. It’s particularly special for those interested in Albertine Rift endemics, with highlights including:

• Regal Sunbird

• Purple-breasted Sunbird

• Ruwenzori Batis

• Mountain Yellow Warbler

• Grey Crowned Crane

• Red-throated Alethe

• Martial Eagle

• Ruwenzori Turaco

• Wood hoopoes

• Weaver birds

• Strange weavers

• Stripe-breasted Tit

Bring your binoculars—there’s always something new to spot in this vibrant ecosystem.

Guided Nature Walks

Nature walks in Gishwati-Mukura National Park offer an up-close experience with the forest’s diverse flora and fauna. Guided by an expert ranger, you’ll explore well-established trails that wind through lush greenery, giving you the chance to spot chameleons, butterflies, colorful insects, birds, and even primates.

The forest is home to over 60 species of trees, including mahogany, bamboo, orchids, ferns, and Macaranga kilimand. You’ll also see newly introduced species like Dombeya torrida, Hagenia abyssinica, Polyscias fulva, and eucalyptus. It’s an immersive way to experience Rwanda’s biodiversity.

Hike to the Kazeneza Waterfall

One of the park’s most scenic trails leads to Kazeneza Waterfall, tucked in the heart of Gishwati-Mukura. This hike offers not only a refreshing walk through the forest but also panoramic views and a peaceful spot for photography or simply enjoying nature’s tranquility.

Biking and Cycling Along the Congo Nile Trail

For adventure lovers, cycling the Congo Nile Trail is a must-do. This scenic trail passes along the shores of Lake Kivu and winds through tea plantations and stretches of lush forest, including parts of Gishwati-Mukura. It’s considered one of the most beautiful biking routes in East Africa.

Cultural and Community-Based Experiences

Engage with the communities living near Gishwati-Mukura by participating in community-based tourism experiences. These include:

• Farm stays

• Traditional dance performances

• Handicraft workshops

• Beekeeping tours

• Tea plantation visits

• Learning from local herbalists who use medicinal plants

These activities offer a deeper understanding of how local people live in harmony with the park and contribute to conservation.

How to Get to Gishwati-Mukura National Park

The park is easily accessible by road and air:

• By road: It’s a 2-hour drive from Kigali.

• By air: Charter flights are available from Kigali to Gishwati-Mukura for a quicker and more scenic option.

• From Uganda: You can also reach the park from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, making it easy to combine a chimpanzee trek in Rwanda with gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Where to Stay in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Since the park is still developing, accommodation options are limited—but quality is not compromised.

Gishwati Lodge

This is currently the best and only luxury lodge inside the park. Gishwati Lodge offers a high-end experience with six private chalets, ensuring exclusivity and personalized service. Due to limited capacity, it’s recommended to book your stay at least a month in advance.

Other Nearby Accommodation

If Gishwati Lodge is fully booked or you’re looking for alternatives, consider staying in Rubavu, near Lake Kivu, or near Volcanoes National Park. These are within a 30-minute drive to the park and offer a range of lodges and hotels to suit different budgets.

Why Book Your Chimpanzee Trek in Gishwati-Mukura with Us?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organize tailored wildlife experiences across Rwanda and Uganda. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor and known for our professionalism and personalized service.

As a locally owned and operated Ugandan tour company, we offer deep knowledge of the region and a commitment to responsible travel. From securing your chimpanzee permits to arranging accommodation and guided tours, we handle every detail to ensure a seamless and enriching experience.

Whether you’re planning a solo adventure or a family safari, we’re here to help you make the most of your visit to Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable trek.