A piece of paradise found its home inside the remarkable Nyungwe Forest! Located in the south west region of Rwanda, at an elevation of over 1600m, sounds and sights collaborate to create a majestic experience as you journey through the majestic rainforest.

The mountainous region is teaming with wildlife, including a small population of chimpanzees as well as 12 other species of primate, including the L’Hoest’s monkey endemic to the Albertine Rift. Nyungwe has 1,068 plant species and 140 orchids, 322 bird species including Red-collared Babbler and 29 other Albertine Rift E demic species. Butterflies are also a common sight, with at least 120 species. Nyungwe is also also 75 known mammals such as the cerval cat, mongoose, Congo clawless otter and leopard to name but a few. Nyungwe’s steep landscape makes it an ideal destination for hikers, whether novice or experienced, as the park boasts an extensive network of scenic hiking trails.

 

1. IGISHIGISHIGI TRAIL

Starting point: Uwinka Visitors Center

Duration: 2 hours

Length: 2.1 km

Level: Easy

A comfortable trek for novices, this 2.1 km hike will amaze youwith its majestic views of the Canopy Walkway and dazzling wildflowers. The Igishigishigi Trail is named after the giant tree ferns which are dotted along the trail. It can also be combined with the longer Imbaraga or Umuyove Trails.

                          Canopy walk

 

2. KARAMBA TRAIL

Starting point: Karamba Main- Road

Duration: 3 hours

Length: 6 km

Level: Medium

Another relatively easy hike, the Karamba Trail is 6 km long and located on the former site of a gold mine, market and army camp. The trail is considered one of the best spots for birding in Nyungwe as it is flanked by numerous fern trees

3. UMUGOTE TRAIL

Starting point: Uwinka Visitors Center

Duration: 3 hours

Length: 3.6 km

Level: Challenging

This 3.6 km hike provides marvelous views of numerous ridges, rainforests, and stunningly beautiful flowers and on a clear day, the Kibira National Park in Burundi. The trail is also a prime location for primate viewing and birding.

4. UMUYOVE TRAIL

Starting point: Uwinka Visitors Center

Duration: 3.5 hours

Length: 5.5 km

Level: Medium

Also known as the Mahogany Trail, visitors relax by a waterfall, take a stroll under some of the park’s tallest trees and savor the scent of aromatic leaves during this trek. With a distance of 5.5 km, the Umuvoye Trail provides access to several side trails used for chimpanzee viewing.

5. UWINKA TRAIL

Starting point: Uwinka Visitors Center

Duration: 8 hours

Length: 17.8 km

Level: Challenging

Although considered a difficult hike, this 17.8 km trail takes hikers through rather lovely ravines and is the perfect place to listen to early morning bird calls.

6. IREBERO TRAIL

Starting point: Uwinka Visitors Center

Duration: 3 hours

Length: 3.4 km

Level: Medium

This 3.4 km trail loops around two of the highest peaks in the park and provides views of Lake Kivu in Rwanda.

7. IMBARAGA TRAIL

Starting point: Uwinka Visitors Center

Duration: 6 hours

Length: 10 km

Level: Challenging

Geared toward experienced hikers, the trail rewards hikers with the sight of four scenic waterfalls and any of them will be refreshing after trekking a little less than 10 km.

8. BIGUGU TRAIL

Starting point: Nyabishwati

Duration: 6 hours

Length: 13.2 km

Level: Challenging

The highest peak in the park, this 13.2 km trail offers incredible flora and on a clear day views of Lake Kivu as well as hills and islands belonging to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

9. ISUMO TRAIL

Starting point: Gisakura office

Duration: 4 hours

Length: 10.6 km

Level: Medium

This trail 10.6 km takes hikers through verdant tea fields, steep rainforest ravines and to top it off, the biggest waterfall in the Nyungwe National Park.

              Waterfall (Isumo)

10. KAMIRANZOVU TRAIL

 Starting point: Kamiranzovu

Duration: 3 hours

Length: 6 km

Level: Medium

Water enthusiasts will love this 6 km trail as it features the park’s largest wetland, an ancient swamp that gives birth to Nyungwe National Park’s magnificent waterfalls.

11. MUZIMU TRAIL

Starting point: Gisovu Ranger Post

Duration: 3.5 hours

Length: 5.2 km

Level: Medium

A relatively easy hike in the remote north-eastern part of Rwanda takes hikers through pine and eucalyptus forests on a distance of 5.2 km. On this trail, you encounter many bird species and also get perfect views of the Lake Kivu and Virunga Volcanoes on a clear day.

12. NGABWE TRAIL

Starting point: Kitabi Center

Duration: 3 hours

Length: 4.7 km

Level: Medium

Two paths of 4.7 km lead hikers to the summit of mountain Ngabwe, which is a lovely picnic and camping site.

13. RUKUZI TRAIL

Starting point: Uwinka Visitors Center

Duration: 5 hours

Length: 9 km

Level: Challenging

This exhilarating 9 km hike provides outstanding chimpanzee spotting locations as well as views of Banda Village, from where children’s voices carry up the mountainside

 

For responsible hike: Don’t leave a trace, stay on the trail and respect wildlife.