Kamiranzovu trail in Nyungwe Forest with an estimated distance of 5.9 km including the Orchid loop. The 3 hours return journey of hiking is rated moderate and requires no hiking experience to any visitor. The Kamiranzovu trail in Nyungwe runs through Nyungwe’s largest wetland Kamiranzovu Marsh an impressive geological formation. With its nearly circular rim of lush, forested mountains, it resembles a giant caldera and drains through a dramatic gap between two peaks.
On the more elevated western side of Kamiranzovu trail in Nyungwe Forest, hikers will reach several good vantage points for taking in the whole marsh, including its outlet. About 3 km, to Kamiranzovu Waterfall, then onward to Lake Kivu, Lake Tanganyika, the Congo River. Kamiranzovu trail in Nyungwe Forest derives its name from Kamira (to swallow) and Nzovu (elephant), and refers to the elephants that used to roam Nyungwe occasionally becoming trapped in the ooze of the marsh.
Kamiranzovu trail in Nyungwe Forest
It is on record that the last elephant died in 1999 and its skull is displayed in the Uwinka Interpretation Center. Scientists are using DNA sequencing and other techniques to identify a close cousin of the Nyungwe elephants and exploring the possibility of reintroducing them to the forest.
The two Kamiranzovu trail in Nyungwe Forest.
There are two Kamiranzovu trailheads off the main road, 0.7 km apart. Starting at trailhead 2, to the east, reduces the altitude gain by about 37m, unless you plan to do a complete loop. This route also has a long, lovely descent to the marsh, with fine views. Setting off from trailhead 1 means you reach the marsh very quickly.
If you want a shorter version of the trip, start at trailhead 1 and explore only the section of trail bordering the marsh or to view marsh birdlife or plant life, then return to the road. From trailhead 1 to the far end of the Orchid loop and back would be about 4km round trip. Hikers who do the full Kamiranzovu Trail, but bypass the Orchid Loop, will save about 0.5 km.
For the end of the hike, visitors can arrange a pick-up at either trailhead or walk back along the road to a parked vehicle at either end of the loop. Two of the endemic Albertine Rift bird species found by the marsh are Grauer’s Rush Warbler and the Albertine owlet. For the latter, you can arrange a special trip to the marsh at night, with one of the guides who has a recording of its call. Although not always seen, the owlet can usually be heard.
At the far northern point of the hike of Kamiranzovu trail in Nyungwe Forest, the Uwinka trail comes in on the left. This connects the Kamiranzovu Trail to the Uwinka Reception center compound, many uphill kilometers away. The trail climbs through humid thickets and eventually enters classic rainforest again. Along the way there are several views of the marsh.
As you stop to rest, listen, to count how many different frog calls you can distinguish, coming from the marsh and in the trees. If you think the views of the marsh are lovely, consider doing the Uwinka Trail for your next hike. It is a gorgeous trail, usually done one way, beginning near the height of Uwinka ridge and ending at Kamiranzovu Trail. The views of the marsh from the higher elevations offered by Uwinka Trail are some of the most satisfying in the park.
Visitors in Nyungwe forests, have plenty of activities to take part in especially the Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda and the Canopy walk experience. Those who can explore more than Nyungwe forest, Rwanda is blessed country giving visitors a chance to meet the Mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Many have also loved visiting Akagera National Park for wildlife safari in Rwanda to see the big 5 mammals.