Ndambarare Waterfall Trail
Ndambarare Waterfall Trail is one of the many hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park that will lead you to the recently discovered Ndambarare waterfalls. This Trail is 9.6 kilometers long for a round trip and takes about three and a half hours to complete. Starting from the Gisakura reception Center, this trail goes through different viewpoints that include the tea estate/plantation and factory that offer unmissable views as well as sights of different bird species. This Trail is hiked in two sessions- the morning session (starting at 9 am) and the afternoon session (beginning at 1 pm). Book Now
Expect breathtaking views while hiking through the dense rainforest and if lucky, you will come across different wildlife species, especially the L’Hoests monkeys, black and white Colobus monkeys, and others, plant and tree species as well as lots of birds. This hike costs $40 per person per hike for foreign non-residents and $30 per person for foreign residents, and you will be required to pay Park entry fees ($100 per person for International visitors, $60 per person for foreign residents in Rwanda and the African Citizens, $10 for Rwanda/EAC Citizens. Also, pay for a Ranger Guide ($15 per guide).
Best time to undertake the Ndambarare Waterfall Trail Hike
Besides the Ndambarare trail, another waterfall Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park is the 5.3-kilometer Isumo waterfall Trail which lasts 4 hours. Other unmissable Trails in/around this Park are the One & Only Nyungwe House Trail, the Karamba Birding Trail, the Source of the Nile Trail, Umuyove, Umugote Trail, Irebero, Rukuzi, Imbaraga, Uwinka, Ngabwe, Bigugu, Muzimu and Igishigishigi/the canopy walkway Trails among others. In addition to hiking, you can opt for chimpanzee trekking tours in this stunning Protected Area.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a 1000-square-kilometer Protected Area found in the Southwestern part of Rwanda. This National Park, popular for being the largest montane rainforest in the East and Central African region dates back to before the Ice Age and is one of the unmissable, and must-visit places for discovering the beauty of Rwanda’s jungles. This Forest supports more than 1000 plant species of which 200 are tree species and over 320 bird species that include more than 25 Albertine Rift endemics, about 80 mammal species that include 13 primate species. Besides Nyungwe’s Biological diversity, it is beautifully known for its waterfalls which are only discovered via hiking/guided forest walks.
Ndambarare waterfalls hike can be undertaken all year round but each season comes with merits and demerits. Ndambarare waterfall is more beautiful during the rainy season (March to May and October to November) as the water levels have increased and also, lots of birds will be spotted. However, you are likely to spot fewer animals during this time and also, the forest trail is likely to be muddier and more slippery.
If you are looking for a less hectic hike, it is during the dry season (June to September and December to February) as reduced rainfall levels mean the trail is less muddy or slippery. Also, lots of animals especially monkeys, and sighted during these months of the year. However, reduced rainfall levels mean the waterfall has reduced water levels thus not as beautiful as it will be during the rainy season.
What to carry/pack for the Ndambarare Waterfall Hike
For your Ndambarare waterfall hike, you will need to carry a rain jacket regardless of the season, some snacks, enough drinking water to keep hydrated, a good camera, pair of binoculars, a backpack, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, an insect repellant and gardening gloves in addition to wearing hiking shoes or boots, long-sleeved shirt, and safari pants.
Rwanda is equally a perfect safari destination whether you’re planning your very first safari to track mountain gorillas in Rwanda or visit the golden monkeys in Volcanoes or get really close to wildlife in Akagera National Park and see all the Big Five.
