Nyungwe Forest National Park Hiking Trails
Nyungwe Forest National Park Hiking Trails are carefully developed for travelers to follow in the bid to explore the forest in great depth. The Nyungwe Forest National Park Hiking Trails take anything from 4 hours to up to 3 days. Nyungwe Forest National Park Hiking Trails can cover distances up to 130 km, sighting a variety of attractions in the park say the supposed Rwanda source of the Nile, a variety of primates including chimpanzees, olive baboons, and black and white colobus monkeys among others, and various bird species, butterflies, and plant life. Whereas chimpanzee tracking and canopy walking are the main tourist activities that travelers do while in Nyungwe Forest National Park, hiking through the forest on trails is also very rewarding and a number of tourists spend more days in the park just to explore the park further. Nyungwe Forest National Park Hiking Trails are categorized into three, dependent on their geographical location. The Nyungwe Forest National Park Hiking Trails are categorized into three groups based on their geographical locations: those between Kitabi and Uwinka Center, those from Uwinka reception through the forest, and those between Uwinka and Gisakura reception center. The following are the trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park, according to their categories:
Nyungwe Forest National Park Hiking Trails between Kitabi and Uwinka reception centers are
Congo Nile divide trail
The Congo Nile divide trail is a very long trail that covers up to 42.2 kilometers. The Congo Nile divide trail is considered to be the longest hiking trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park, with an elevation that ranges between 2366-2878 meters above sea level. The Congo Nile divide trail is a multiday hike that takes about 3 days to complete; it includes a spur to the source of the Nile in Congo and leads to the point where the Nile River separates from the Congo River, providing travelers with stunning views, although the hike can be quite strenuous.
Ngabwe trail
The Ngabwe trail covers a 4.7 kilometre distance. This trail is at an elevation between 2320 and 2730 meters above sea level and is mostly famous for having one of the most scenic views and a great birding route for those travelers who have a special interest in bird watching. The Ngabwe Trail is a relatively moderate hike that usually takes only about 3 hours to complete. Among the wildlife travellers are likely to see are chimpanzees, mangabeys, and so many others.
Rukuzi trail
The Rukuzi trail covers a 9.1 kilometres distance, through the forest. The Rukuzi trail leads through an elevation of 2175-2395 meters above sea level and is famous for its very breathtaking views, mainly of Lake Kivu at a far distance. This trail is also used for chimpanzee tracking; travellers who take it therefore have a chance to see chimpanzees along with other primates like baboons and various monkey species. Completing the Rukuzi trail can take about 5 hours and is considered relatively difficult.
Mizumu trail
The Mizumu trail covers a distance of 5.2 kilometers, making a round trip to the second summit that runs through Nyungwe forest. The The Mizumu Trail is at an elevation that ranges from 2516–2816 meters, making it relatively harder as compared to the Ngabwe Trail above. This trail usually starts at the forested buffer zone and winds into an open area. Hiking Mizumu rewards travelers with magnificent views of not only Lake Kivu but also the volcanoes on very clear days. The Those who have hiked the Mizumu trail consider it a moderate hike, typically taking travelers about 3-4 hours to complete.
Bigugu trail
The Bigugu trail is relatively longer as compared to those mentioned above, for it covers a distance of 13.2 kilometers and leads through the forest at an elevation between 2367-2950 meters above sea level. Bigugu trail is named after Mount Bigugu, the very highest mountain in Nyungwe Forest National Park, which stands at 2950 meters above sea level. This makes hiking the Bigugu trail rather strenuous and takes about 6 hours to finish. Preparing adequately for it is therefore required. Birders are sure to see, among other birds, the red-collared mountain babbler, chestnut owlet, Archer’s Robin-chat, and Olive and Elliot’s woodpeckers while on this trail, as well as wildflowers like orchids.
Nyungwe Forest National Park Hiking Trails that begin from Uwinka reception include
Igishigishigi trail
The Igishigishigi Trail is one of the shortest and most popular hikes in Nyungwe Forest National Park. This trail covers a distance of only 2.1 kilometers, has an elevation ranging from 2295 to 2450 meters above sea level, and begins at the Uwinka reception area. The Igishigishigi trail is one of the most interesting hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park in that it rewards travellers immensely with not only the scenic views but also the abundant wildlife, plants and various monkey species. The trail leads to the canopy walk as well. The Igishigishigi trail got its name from the giant tree ferns along the trail that are locally known as Igishigishigi in the Kinyarwanda dialect. While on this trail, travelers get to see various monkey species, birds, treetops and beautiful wild flowers. The trail is rated easy and takes just about 1 hour and a half only to complete or at most 3 hours depending on one’s physical ability.
Imbaraga trail
The Imbaraga trail is at an elevation of 1950-2470 meters above sea level, covering a distance of 9.8 kilometers. Imbaraga means “strength” in the local Kinyarwanda language. The trail got its name from the fact that the terrain of the trail is rather hard and requires one to have strength to endure it. Travellers are encouraged to prepare adequately if they are to take up this trail. The Imbaraga trail is rated difficult and takes about 6 hours to complete.
Irebero trail
The Irebero trail covers 3.6 kilometers only with an elevation that ranges between 2407-2517 meters above sea level. This trail rewards travelers with magnificent views of Rwanda’s borders as well as the very beautiful Lake Kivu. Irebero is a local Kinyarwanda word for “viewpoint.” The Irebero Trail is relatively easy to hike and takes travelers only 3 hours to finish.
Umugote trail
The Umugote trail also covers only 3.6 kilometers, and travelers get to spend only 3 hours to complete the trail. This trail is good for primate spotting as well as birds. The Umugote trail takes travelers along the slope of a mountain, allowing them to enjoy beautiful views of pristine areas of Nyungwe forest and its wildlife. On a very clear day, the mountains of Burundi can be spotted. The elevation of the Umugote trail ranges from 2350 to 2460 meters above sea level. The trail is relatively moderate.
Umuyove trail
This trail is 5.5 kilometers with an altitude of 2120-2450 meters, leading travellers through very incredible sceneries with wonderful views of waterfalls and various plant species, including mahogany trees, flowers and so much more. It is the presence of many mahogany trees that the trail got its name for Umuyove is the local word for mahogany. The trail is a moderate hike, and it can take only about 3.5 hours to complete.
Buhoro trail
Buhoro trail is another of the shortest hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park. This trail is only 1.8 kilometers long from the Uwinka reception center through the forest. The trail is at an elevation that ranges from 2386-2450 meters above sea level. This trail is rather easy and can be done by just about anyone for it is short and takes only about 1.5 hours to complete. The word “Buhoro” means “slow” in the local language
Nyungwe Forest National Park Hiking Trails that are between Uwinka and Gisakura reception centers include
Kamiranzovu marsh trail
This is probably the most exciting hiking trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The trail is at an elevation that ranges between 1940-2140 meters and covers a total distance of 5.9 kilometers. Kamiranzovu marsh is the largest wetland in Nyungwe Forest National Park, and the trail was named after it. Locals in the area have a fascinating folklore about the swamp that is worth listening to. It is believed that the last elephant locally known as “nzovu” was swallowed locally known as “kamira” in this place, thus the name Kamiranzovu. The hike is moderate enough and it takes about 3 hours to complete.
Karamba trail
Karamba trail is a very scenic trail that is 4 kilometers long round trip with an elevation that ranges from 1935-2030 meters. This trail is the very pioneer hiking trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park and is best suited for those travellers after bird watching since it is characterized by open air. The Karamba Trail is easy enough to do, and it only takes about 3 hours to complete.
Isumo waterfall trail
Isumo waterfall trail covers a total distance of 10.6 kilometers and leads through a beautiful tropical waterfall named Isumo waterfall that the trail got its name from. This trail lies at an elevation between 1770-1940 meters above sea level and along it, travelers move through tree ferns and enjoy views of the waterfall as well as animal and birdlife like the Ruwenzori Turaco. The Isumo waterfall trail starts from Gisakura reception and leads to Isumo waterfall, where travelers get to enjoy the beautiful views. The Isumo waterfall trail is a moderate hike.
Uwinka trail
This trail is 17.8 kilometers and is at an altitude that ranges from 1982-2500 meters above sea level. The Uwinka trail starts from the Irebero trail to the Kamiranzovu marsh trailhead, and travelers are rewarded with great views. The trail can take up to 8 hours and is rated difficult. Travelers intending to take the Uwinka trail should adequately prepare for it.
