Hiking Trails in Nyungwe Forest
The hiking trails in Nyungwe forest are filled with unmatched natural biodiversity, very exciting, and suitable for all levels of fitness. Nyungwe Forest National Park is a 1000-square-kilometer Protected Area in the southwestern side of Rwanda bordering Burundi, Lake Kivu, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This beautiful National Park is a biodiversity hot spot with over 1000 plant species that include 200 tree species and over 140 Orchids, about 95 mammal species that include 13 primate species, over 320 bird species that include several Albertine Rift endemics, a number of Amphibian, Reptile and Butterfly species. The best and most rewarding way to discover the hidden beauty of this Forest is by undertaking a guided nature walk it is interesting to know that there are over 15 hiking trails to choose from and they include;- Book Now
Igishigishigi Trail.
Starting from Uwinka Visitor’s Center, Igishigishigi is probably the most popular hiking Trail in Nyungwe Forest and is considered a medium-to-hike trail. Lasting about 2 hours, this 2.1-kilometer Trail is known for the “canopy walkway” where jaw-dropping views of the tree canopies, verdant ravines, primates and birds are enjoyed. The Igishigishigi Trail was named after the giant ferns along it and is usually combined with two other longer trails.
Uwinka Trail.
This Trail’s starting point is Uwinka visitor Center and extends for about 17.8 kilometers with a record time of 8 hours (to complete). This difficult trail involves passing through ravines and increases the chances of sighting as many bird species as possible.
Karamba Trail.
This Karamba Trail is over 6 kilometers and begins from Karamba main road, going through a former gold mine, Army Camp, and local market. While it usually sounds thronged, it is actually a perfect opportunity for birding and is also fringed by lots of fern trees. This 3-hour Trail is usually considered an easy option hence perfect for elderly travelers.
Umugote Trail
If you choose the Umugote Trail, then you should be prepared for a real challenge because this 3.6-kilometer Trail that takes only 3 hours involves a bit of ascending hills which reward you with clear views of the Ridges, beautiful flowers and Kibira National Park in neighboring Burundi. For travelers interested in birding and spotting primates, this is the perfect trail.
Imbaraga Trail.
If you feel you are an experienced hiker, then Imbaraga Trail is the one for you and to make it more exciting, this 10-kilometer trail treats visitors to breathtaking views of four beautiful waterfalls, with most of them sighted after a few kilometers of hiking. However, be prepared for over 6 hours of hiking.
Umuyove Trail.
Umuyove is another Trail that begins at the Uwinka Visitor Center, extending for only 5.5 kilometers, and takes only three and a half hours to complete. It is also referred to as the “Mahogany Trail” and provides an opportunity to refresh by the waterfall and walk under Mahogany trees. Some lucky visitors who use this trail were treated to surprising sights of chimps.
Muzimu Trail.
The starting point of the Muzimu Trail is Gisovu Ranger Post and it takes an incredible three-and-a-half-hour walk to complete this 5.2-kilometer Trail. Considered relatively easy, it provides opportunities for spotting a plethora of birds, in addition to having views of the Virunga Volcanoes and Lake Kivu on a clear day.
Rukuzi Trail.
Rukuzi Trail begins from the Uwinka Visitor Center and extends for 9 kilometers, with a total hiking time of about 5 hours. While it’s not always guaranteed, there are high chances of spotting chimps along this trail in addition to enjoying views of the Banda Village where children’s voices can be heard from the mountainside.
Irebero Trail.
Irebero is a medium-to-hike trail that extends about 3.4 kilometers and takes only 3 hours to complete. It goes around two of Nyungwe’s highest peaks while rewarding visitors with unmatched views of Lake Kivu on the Rwandan side.
Bigugu Trail.
Bigugu’s is among the famous hiking trails in Nyungwe forest, 13.2-kilometer length begins from Nyabishwati and takes over 6 hours to complete. Expect different flora species, incredible views of Lake Kivu, magnificent hills, and stunning islands on the DRC side of Lake Kivu. This trail also involves hiking to the highest peak of Nyungwe Forest (Bigugu).
Isumo Trail.
The sight of Nyungwe’s biggest waterfall is the highlight of this 10.6-kilometer Hiking Trail. Isumo Trail starts from Gisakura Visitor Center and can be completed in only 4 hours. Besides the waterfalls, also expect views of Gisakura tea estate (where you will be passing through), a steep rainforest, and lots of birds hence making it one of the most popular trails.
Ngabwe Trail.
Starting from Kitabi Center, Ngabwe is a 4.7-kilometer Trail that takes only 3 hours to complete. This Trail leads visitors to the peak of Mount Ngabwe, an amazing Camping and picnic site in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail..
The name “Kamiranzovu” means “swallowing elephants” and is what the wetland was named after it was believed that the last elephant was swallowed by the swamp (the largest in Nyungwe Forest). This Trail is over 5.9 kilometers and I considered a moderate-to-hike with an estimated time of only 3 hours. The Trail is also loved by birders because sunbirds and other species are commonly sighted.
Buhoro Trail.
Buhoro is one of the shortest Trails in Nyungwe Forest with a distance of only 1.8 kilometers and an estimated time of only one and a half hours. It is considered an easy Trail and perfect for simply enjoying the cool breeze and appreciating nature as it unfolds.
The Congo Nile Divide.
This is an adventurous 42-kilometer Trail named after the watershed that separates/divides DRC from the Nile hence the Congo Nile Divide. It passes through the Rwanda-Burundi border with views of the Nile River, the shores of Lake Kivu, and other areas.
Start your day the right way prepared to get on one of the hiking trails in Nyungwe forest, release your
body from the excitement helping you to re-energize, relax, and re-align. Come and explore Rwanda, and make an extension to other beautiful parks including Volcanoes popular for Rwanda gorilla tours, everyone dreams of encountering the gentle giants in their natural habitat.
