Gishwati Forest is a protected reserve in the north-western part of Rwanda, not far from Lake Kivu. Reforestation efforts in the past few years have increased the remnant native forest to about 2,500 acres and a safari here offers such a special and unique wildlife experience. Large tea estates occupy the central and northern parts of the reserve and offer an interesting cultural component to a visit here.
A safari in the Gishwati Forest reserve offers a host of interesting wildlife interactions in a fascinating and haunitingly beautiful forest environment. The forest reserve has recorded 58 species of trees and shrubs, including numerous indigenous hardwoods and bamboo, giant tree ferns and blue lichen.
A wide range of wildlife can be found within the Gishwati Forest Reserve, including four species of primates -namely the Eastern Chimpanzee, the Golden Monkey, the Blue Monkey, and the L’Hoest’s or Mountain Monkey. A fifth species of primate, the Black and White Colobus has been reported having been seen, but not for some years. There is a small population of East African chimpanzees in the forest as well. Other mammals to be found here include the Red River Hog, the Black Front Duiker, the Southern Tree Hyrax, and the Serval.
There are also 84 species of birds, including Woodhoopoes , White-headed Woodhoopoe, Old World Warblers, and Mountain Yellow Warbler. The Brown Forest Frog along with multiple species of toads are some of the amphibian life found in the forest. With respect to reptiles, the Great Lakes Bush Viper and multiple species of chameleons are also found live in the Gishwati forest.