Gishwati Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s newest conservation area, it was derived from 2 forest reserves the Gishwati and Mukura, the larger forest is Gishwati and the smaller one is Mukura, these two combine cover a total area space of approximately 34 Square Kilometers the forest straddle along the water catmint areas of Congo and the Nile Basin. It is comprised of an angelic bio diverse ecosystem most of which are great albertine endemics. The park was formalized in 2015 as a way of protecting the animal species that call this home. This initiative was aimed at benefiting a two way interest the surrounding communities.

Gishwati Forest formally became part of the Gishwati-Mukura Forest National Park in 2019. Gishwati is managed by three bodies, the Rwanda Development Board, Wilderness Safaris, and Forest of Hope. Rwanda Development Board oversees all national parks in Rwanda. Wilderness Safaris will manage tourism activities in Gishwati Forest and Forest of Hope will manage the reforestation and conservation of Gishwati Forest. The main tourist activity in Gishwati Forest is chimpanzee tracking, but there are also a number of near-endemic bird species to see as well as Golden Monkeys, serval cats, and other animals. The Forest of Hope Guest House opened its doors to the public in 2020 It is a requirement that you stay in the guest house in order to visit Gishwati Forest National Park.

Official permits need to be bought to visit the park. As of 2021, a chimpanzee tracking permit is US$100. All permits and guides can be organized through the park office or the Forest of Hope Guest House. If you are traveling with a tour operator, this will be organized for you and included in the price.

Chimpanzee tracking can be done in Gishwati Forest. This activity starts early in the morning and requires that you stay at the Forest of Hope Guest House. There are now around 30 chimpanzees in Gishwati Forest. These chimpanzees are not habituated to humans making chimpanzee tracking a bit more difficult than in Nyungwe Forest. There are three hiking trails in Gishwati Forest. Umushwati Trail passes right through the forest and is 8 km long. The waterfall trail starts close to the Forest of Hope Guest House and is 7 km long. Matyazo Hill trail is 3 km long up to the highest point in the park at 2469 m and can be combined with the Umushwati trail.