Lake Bunyonyi to Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve

Updated: March 14, 2024 08:03 AM

Lake Bunyonyi to Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve

Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve is a protected area in Rwanda that is home to a variety of wildlife, including chimpanzees, monkeys, and birds. The park is also home to a number of hiking trails and waterfalls.

Language

The official languages of Rwanda are Kinyarwanda, French, and English. However, English is not widely spoken in the Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve.

Currency

The currency used in Rwanda is the Rwandan franc (RWF). You can exchange currency at banks and exchange bureaus in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

Distance

The distance from Lake Bunyonyi to Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve is approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles).

How to Reach

There are a number of ways to reach Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve from Lake Bunyonyi.

By car: The drive from Lake Bunyonyi to Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve takes approximately 3 hours.
By bus: There are no direct buses from Lake Bunyonyi to Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve. However, you can take a bus from Lake Bunyonyi to Kigali and then transfer to a bus to Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve.
By taxi: You can hire a taxi from Lake Bunyonyi to Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve. The cost of a taxi will vary depending on the distance and the time of day.

Expenses

The cost of visiting Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve will vary depending on your budget and the activities you choose to do. However, you can expect to pay the following expenses:

Park entrance fee: 30 USD per person
Chimpanzee tracking permit: 50 USD per person
Guided hike: 20 USD per person
Accommodation: 20-50 USD per night
Food and drinks: 10-20 USD per day

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. During the dry season, the weather is warm and sunny, and the roads are passable.

What to Eat

There are a number of places to eat in Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve. You can find restaurants that serve both Rwandan and international cuisine. Some of the popular dishes in Rwanda include:

Ibihaza: A stew made with beans, corn, and vegetables
Umutsima: A type of bread made from cassava flour
Amasi: A fermented milk drink

Where to Go

In addition to chimpanzee tracking, there are a number of other activities you can enjoy in Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve, including:

Hiking: There are a number of hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging.
Bird watching: The park is home to over 200 species of birds.
Waterfall viewing: There are a number of waterfalls in the park, including the stunning Rusizi Falls.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve:

Is it safe to visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve? Yes, it is safe to visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve. However, you should always take precautions when traveling in a foreign country.
Do I need a visa to visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve? Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Rwanda for up to 90 days. However, you should check with your embassy or consulate to confirm the visa requirements for your country.
What should I pack for a trip to Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Biosphere Reserve? You should pack light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a rain jacket, a hat, and sunscreen. You should also bring your passport, visa, and travel insurance.

*Distance calculation may be aerial distance.

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