Hiking Nyungwe Forest enables hikers to explore the hidden treasures in this lush protected area. Hiking Nyungwe Forest is entirely an on-foot walk experience, involving immersing yourself in the jungles with a higher chance to encounter your favorite primates, other wildlife, and flora.
Nyungwe is a bio-diverse forest park, established in 2004, and protects over 13 primates which include 500 chimpanzees, 310 bird species, 1068 plant species, 120 colorful butterflies, 140 orchids, and more.
Location on Nyungwe Forest.
Lying in the far Southwest of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is accessible 6 hours’ drive off from Kigali’s capital. The park spans a land area of 970sq.km, featuring one of Africa’s oldest tropical forests with a remarkable network of hiking trails. Over 12 hiking trails exist in Nyungwe Forest Park alone and also offer the unique canopy walk, the first-of-its-kind experience in the East African region.
Hiking trails in Nyungwe
Igishigishigi Trail.
Igishigishigi is one of the most popular hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest NP, located around Uwinka reception. It offers a medium hiking experience and takes 2 hours to conquer this 2.4 km trail. The hikes begin at Uwinka Visitor Center and hikers stand a chance to see different primates, butterflies, birds, and more.
Kamiranzovu marsh trail
Kamiranzovu offers moderate hiking adventures, taking 3 hours on an altitudinal range of 258 to 2140m. The entire trail covers 5.9km and derives its name from Kamiranzovu Marsh where Kamira is translated as Swallowing while Nzovu –elephant.
This is 10.6 km trail in Nyungwe taking about 4 hours to conquer an altitude of 1770m to 1940m. It derives its name from Isumo Waterfalls and allows hikers to enjoy the spectacular Isumo falls.
Karamba Trail
Rising at an altitude of 1935 and 2030m, Karamba trail is 4km long about 3 hours round trip. If you are interested in birds, it is one hiking trail worth conquering on Rwanda safaris in Nyungwe Forest National
Park.
This is one of the trails that begin at Uwinka reception and offers challenging hikes. It is 3.6 km and takes hikers about 3 hours to have a round hiking tour. On a clear day, it is possible to view Burundi’s mountains and Kibira National Park.
Umuyove Trail.
Hiking the Umuyove trail begins from the Uwinka reception and it is 5.5 km long, offering medium hikes. It is also most popular as the Mahogany trail, and as you walk through, you will come across the scenic waterfall and the tallest trees in Nyungwe Forest.
Uwinka Trail.
Uwinka is 17.8 km, about 8 hours of hiking trail. Uwinka is one area where chimpanzee tracking begins. The briefing is done at Uwinka before visitors set off to search for habituated chimpanzee communities.
Irebero Trail.
Irebero provides medium hikes, taking hikers for 3 hours. It takes you through the 2 highest peaks with a chance to enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Kivu Rwanda.
Bigugu Trail.
Bigugu is 13.2 km hiking trail providing incredible views of flora and Lake Kivu plus the islands, and hills of the D.R. Congo. It is 6 hours hiking trail and hikers begin their hikes from Nyabishwati.
Imbaraga Trail.
Imbaraga trail begins from Uwinka Reception taking hikers 6 hours to walk through this 10km long trail. Hikers navigate through the lush vegetation with a higher chance to view 4 waterfalls.
Muzimu Trail.
Hiking through Muzimu trail begins at Gisovu ranger post, taking you about 3.5 hours. This trail allows nature lovers to sight interesting birds and view the scenic Lake Kivu plus the Virunga Mountains but on a clear day.
Rukuzi Trail.
Rukuzi is a 9km long trail, offering visitors a chance to see chimpanzees and also explore Banda village. Hikes begin at Uwinka reception with a lead of an experienced Nyungwe Forest N/Park.
Ngabwe
Ngabwe trail is 4.7km long and takes hikers to the scenic summits of Mt. Ngabwe. It is 3 hours hiking trail beginning at Kitabi Center and Ngabwe also features the best picnic and camping site.
Best time to go hiking Nyungwe Forest.
The dry season offers excellent hiking experiences to nature lovers. It is a season when there is little or no rain making the ground drier and trails easier to navigate through unlike during the wet/rainy season. Not only best for Chimpanzee safari in Rwanda but also for more hiking trips. The dry months of the year to consider hiking Nyungwe run from June, July, August to September, and December, January to February.