How to Get to Gishwati-Mukura National Park: Routes From Kigali, Musanze and Lake Kivu

The park lies in the western highlands above Lake Kivu, on hilly roads that wind through farmland and villages. There is no airstrip for visitors, so you will travel overland with a driver-guide.

Most travellers fit the park into a western Rwanda loop that includes Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu or Nyungwe.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

From Kigali

The route heads north-west out of the capital on paved roads through the hills, with the final approach to the forest on smaller roads. Allow several hours and start early so that you reach the forest while animals and birds are active. A 4x4 safari vehicle with an experienced driver is recommended because side roads can be steep and muddy after rain. Your operator will confirm the exact route and the part of the park you will enter.

From Musanze and Volcanoes National Park

If you are trekking gorillas, the park can be reached from the Musanze area by road, which makes it a natural addition to a northern Rwanda itinerary. This gives you a contrast between volcano forests and the lower, fragmented forests of the west. See Volcanoes National Park and things to do in Musanze.

From Lake Kivu and Rubavu

The lake towns are a comfortable base because they offer hotels, restaurants and lake views, and they sit close to the forest. A visit can be a half-day or full-day excursion with a return to the shore for the evening. See Lake Kivu for places to stay and relax.

Linking With Nyungwe and Kigali

A west Rwanda loop can continue south along Lake Kivu to Nyungwe for chimpanzees and canopy walks, then return to the capital. See Nyungwe National Park guide and Kigali to Nyungwe route.

Choosing Where to Base Yourself

Because the forest is quiet and lightly developed, it helps to decide early whether you want comfort or a closer connection to the landscape. Rubavu and the Lake Kivu shore offer the widest choice of hotels and meals, while smaller guesthouses in the hills put you nearer the forest edge but with simpler facilities. Whichever you choose, ask your operator how long the daily transfer will take on the day of your forest visit, since hilly roads slow progress and the best activity hours are early. If you are building a trip around several western parks, a lakeside night at the start or end of the route makes a pleasant rest between long drives.

Practical Advice

Carry water, rain gear and snacks, and confirm permit and guide arrangements in advance because the park is not a large, busy destination. Ask for the latest on trail conditions, and check Rwanda visa, money and practical information. For wider planning, read Rwanda safari itineraries.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team