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Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Overview

Gishwati–Mukura is divided into two restored forests: Gishwati in the north and Mukura in the south, connected by a protected landscape corridor. The park forms part of the wider Gishwati–Mukura Landscape, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve recognized for its conservation and community engagement model.

Today, Gishwati–Mukura protects rare primates, rich biodiversity, birdlife, waterfalls, and lush landscapes. It offers an intimate rainforest experience with fewer crowds, making it a perfect add-on to Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks for travelers seeking authentic nature, forest walks, and community-based tourism in western Rwanda.

Activities & wildlife Experience in Akagera National Park

Primate Tracking & Forest Wildlife

Gishwati–Mukura offers excellent opportunities to see primates in a calm, uncrowded environment. Guided primate tracking takes visitors through lush forest trails where several species thrive. Notable primates include:

  • Golden monkeys
  • L’Hoest’s monkeys
  • Blue monkeys
  • Black-and-white colobus monkeys
  • Chacma baboons

The smaller forest size increases the likelihood of sighting these primates at close range during guided walks.

Waterfalls, Nature Walks & Scenic Trails

Gishwati–Mukura’s network of guided nature trails offers scenic forest experiences, including:

  • Waterfall hikes
  • Forest canopy walks (coming soon)
  • Tree identification walks
  • Herbal medicine interpretation
  • River-side nature trails

These walks provide opportunities to learn about indigenous plants, forest ecology, and the cultural significance of natural resources to local communities.

Birdwatching & Biodiversity

The park is an emerging hotspot for birdwatchers, hosting more than 200 recorded species, including Albertine Rift endemics and forest specialists.

Bird highlights include:

  • Rwenzori turaco
  • Mountain yellow warbler
  • Regal sunbird
  • Grauer’s swamp warbler
  • Stripe-breasted tit

Its quiet environment and restored habitats create excellent conditions for photography, birding, and nature observation.

Community Tourism Experiences

Gishwati–Mukura is surrounded by vibrant communities actively engaged in conservation. OliveSafari arranges meaningful community visits, including:

  • Beekeeping experiences
  • Traditional dance and storytelling
  • Farm visits and rural life tours
  • Handcraft and cooperative visits
  • Cultural exchange programs

Tourism revenue directly supports local families and helps protect the park from future degradation.

Best Time to Visit Gishwati–Mukura National Park

The best months for primate tracking and nature walks are during the dry seasons:

  • June to September
  • December to February

During these months, trails are drier, wildlife is easier to track, and photography conditions are ideal. The green season is also rewarding for birdwatching and lush landscapes.

How to Get to Gishwati–Mukura

The park lies between the Rubavu District and the Karongi Region, making it easily accessible from western Rwanda.

Approximate travel times:

  • 2.5–3 hours from Kigali
  • 1–1.5 hours from Rubavu (Gisenyi/Lake Kivu)
  • 2 hours from Karongi

Its location makes it ideal for combining with Lake Kivu relaxation, Nyungwe Forest, or Volcanoes National Park in a multi-destination safari.

Accommodation Options

There are several eco-lodges, community-run guesthouses, and boutique forest stays near the park. OliveSafari partners with carefully selected accommodations that offer comfort, local hospitality, and easy access to the forest. Accommodation options range from:

  • Eco-lodges near Gishwati Forest
  • Lake Kivu resorts in Rubavu or Karongi
  • Community-based guesthouses
  • Mid-range forest lodges

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Director/Sales & Marketing: Tusiime Cheryl Myra

Cheryl, the eldest daughter of Olive, has embraced the responsibility of carrying forward her mother’s legacy with resilience and determination. After losing her father at the age of six, she was raised by her mother, Olive, with the support of Christer. Olive’s passing in 2017, when Cheryl was just 19, became a defining moment in her journey.

Having been involved in the foundations of Sunset Hotel Entebbe and Olive Safari Uganda from a young age, Cheryl stepped up to manage the businesses alongside Christer. Under his mentorship, she navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship and discovered her passion for tourism.

With a Master’s degree in Business Administration and hands-on leadership, Cheryl has been instrumental in maintaining loyal clientele at Sunset Hotel Entebbe, adapting it to post-COVID standards, and expanding Olive Safari Uganda. As a certified tour guide for Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar, she remains committed to upholding her mother’s vision of exceptional service and unforgettable travel experiences.

Founder & CEO: Christer Torstensson

Christer, a Swedish education consultant with over 40 years of experience guiding travelers across Africa, co-founded Olive Safari Uganda with a deep passion for the continent’s wonders. His extensive journeying, particularly through Zimbabwe, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, enriched his understanding of Africa’s landscapes and cultures. As a consultant, he also contributed to education and development, notably establishing an automotive school in Zimbabwe. His work with the Global Journey program brought him to Uganda, where he collaborated with municipalities and fell in love with the country’s heritage.

During this time, he met Olive, whose exceptional leadership and organizational skills later turned their professional relationship into a personal one. Their shared vision led to the creation of Olive Safari Uganda in the early 2000s, followed later by Sunset Hotel Entebbe. While Christer split his time in Sweden managing the Global Journey program, Olive oversaw daily operations. Today, Olive Safari Uganda embodies Christer’s seasoned expertise as a guide and strategic insight, paired with Olive’s dedication, delivering outstanding safaris that showcase Uganda’s beauty and beyond.

Founder & CEO: Ayebale Olive

Ayebale Olive, co-founder of Olive Safari Uganda, brought over 20 years of community service experience into the world of tourism. As secretary to Entebbe’s Mayor, she honed her skills in program management and international partnerships, playing a key role in the Global Journey program that linked Uganda and Sweden.

It was through this program that she met Christer—three years after the passing of her first husband, while raising three children. United by a shared passion for travel and discovery, they founded Olive Safari Uganda in the early 2000s. Their commitment to exceptional service quickly set the company apart.

As demand grew, they expanded their vision by establishing Sunset Hotel Entebbe, creating a welcoming space for travelers exploring Uganda. Olive’s legacy lives on, shaping the company’s dedication to authentic and unforgettable safari experiences