Hiking Trails in Nyungwe Forest.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in the southwestern region of Rwanda and is one of the country’s four National Parks. It spans approximately 1,019 square kilometers and is one of the most frequently visited parks in Rwanda. The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, which includes 13 primate species, 85 mammal species, 120 butterfly species, 140 orchid species, and 320 bird species, with over 29 of these being endemic to the Albertine region. There are over 15 hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park, providing an excellent way for visitors to explore the park on foot. Each trail offers stunning scenic views, catering to all levels of fitness from easy walks to challenging hikes, ensuring a unique and unforgettable experience during an African safari. Visitors can engage in various activities within the park, such as chimpanzee trekking, where they can search for playful chimpanzees, as well as experiencing the canopy walk, which is a unique attraction in East Africa. Other activities include bird watching, nature walks, and tracking colobus monkeys.
The hiking trails are well-maintained and typically conclude with picturesque views of waterfalls and the park’s breathtaking scenery. Most of the trails begin at the Uwinka reception center, where visitors can access the most commonly used paths.
Hiking Trails in Nyungwe Forest.
Igishigishigi Trail: This is one of the best hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park and the most popular choice for first-time hikers. The trail is approximately 2.1 kilometers long and offers stunning panoramic views of the canopy walk experience as well as the tropical rainforest, providing a unique perspective of the park from above. Along this trail, visitors have the chance to see a variety of wildlife species, including colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys. Birdwatchers are especially drawn to this trail, where they can spot unique bird species such as the Red-collared Mountain Babbler and the Rwenzori Turaco, among others.
Uwinka Trail: This is one of the most popular hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest, spanning approximately 17.7 kilometers. It is a challenging trail best suited for experienced hikers, taking around 8 hours to complete. The hike begins at the Uwinka Visitor Centre. The trail offers impressive rainforest scenery, featuring massive trees and elevated views of Kamiranzovu Marsh and, on clear days, Burundi. Hikers have the opportunity to see a variety of tree species, primates such as blue monkeys and colobus monkeys, as well as bird species like Rwenzori Turacos, Kivu ground thrush and the Red-collared Mountain Babbler. Additionally, you may encounter butterflies and reptiles, making this hiking experience truly unforgettable.
Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail: This is an amazing trail that is approximately 5 km long and takes about 3 hours to complete. It is named after an elephant that disappeared from one of the wetlands in the area. “Kamira” means “swallowing,” and “Nzovu” means “elephant.” This location features the largest swamps, which are rich in orchids, frogs, and birdlife such as Grauer’s swamp warbler, Grey-crested Kakamega, and Short-tailed warbler, offering a unique wetland hiking experience that differs from the dense rainforest.
Bigugu Trail: This trail is named after Mount Bigugu, the highest peak in the park, which is approximately 13.2 kilometers long and takes about 6 hours to complete. It is one of the more challenging hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Hiking this trail provides unique views of Lake Bigugu, as well as opportunities to spot various bird species, including the great blue turaco, chestnut owlet, and red-collared babbler.
Rukuzi Trail: The hiking trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park is primarily used by tourists participating in chimpanzee trekking. The park is home to over 500 chimpanzees, making it one of the best spots for this activity in Rwanda. The trail spans approximately 9.1 kilometers and takes about 5 hours to complete. While the hike can be challenging, it is ultimately rewarding. Along the way, hikers have a fantastic opportunity to view Lake Kivu and observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Isumo Waterfall Trail: The Isumo Trail is one of the moderate hikes in Nyungwe Forest National Park, stretching approximately 9.1 km and taking around 4 hours to complete. This trail is named after the largest tropical waterfall in the park. Hikers can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the forest, stunning views of the waterfall, and the abundant birdlife, including various species of turacos.
