The Adventure Trails of Nyungwe Forest National Park
The Adventure Trails of Nyungwe Forest offer nature lovers a lifetime opportunity to have a close interaction with nature. Embarking on a guided hike in any of the Nyungwe Forest National Park trails allows visitors to experience the most sensational outdoor adventure and a complete immersion in the park’s hidden habitats each with unearthed treasures. The adventure trails of Nyungwe are accessible on foot thus guaranteeing visitors an exhilarating walking experience.
Nyungwe Forest National Park lies in the Southern Province of Rwanda and was officially gazetted in 2004. Nyungwe is a popular primate safari destination in Rwanda, a 970 sq. km protected area. Nyungwe Forest National Park protects over 85 species of mammals including 13 primate species, 38 reptiles, and 310 bird species.
Here are the top Adventure Trails of Nyungwe Forest
The Congo Nile Divide Trail
The Congo Nile Divide Trail is perfect for adventure seekers who desire to explore the longest trails in Nyungwe Forest. The Congo Nile Divide is a 42 km long trail and extends along the ridges of Nyungwe Forest that separate the river basins that empty their water into the Nile River on the side of the ridge into the Congo River basin. A complete exploration of the Congo Nile Divide requires multiple day(s).
Bigugu trail
Bigugu adventure trail of Nyungwe Forest National Park offers difficult hikes and visitors have a chance to conquer the 2367 meters elevation. Bigugu is 13.2 km and takes hikers about 6 hours to enjoy a round hike. It takes its name from the highest mountain area of Nyungwe which lies at an elevation of 2950 meters.
Bigugu is an enriching adventure trail in Nyungwe and is ideal for birders and any nature enthusiast. The birds to expect to come across during the guided hike on the Bigugu adventure trail include Great blue turacos, red-collared mountain babblers, red-collared babblers, chestnut owlet, Rwenzori turacos, white-headed wood hoopoe, bared long-tailed cuckoos, white-bellied robin chat, Elliot’s woodpeckers, and others.
Igishigishigi Trail
The Igishigishigi trail in Nyungwe National Park is one of the best trails which begins from Uwinka reception. A guided walk on the Igishigishigi trail also allows visitors to enjoy a canopy walk. This trail takes visitors on an altitude range of 2295 m and 2450 meters. It requires about 2-3 hours for hikers to have a round walk and interestingly, expect to come across birds and monkeys, etc.
Rukuzi Adventure Trail
The Rukuzi trail is part of the exhilarating adventure trails of Nyungwe Forest National Park. A complete walk on the Rukuzi trail (9 km) takes about 5 hours. This trail offers a few difficult hikes but rewards visitors with great sightings of chimpanzees and beautiful views of the lush Nyungwe Forest.
Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail
The Kamiranzovu Marsh trail offers moderate hikes. The hike through the Kamiranzovu trail introduces visitors to the scenic wetlands, waterfalls, and swamps. The trail is 6 km and expect to spend about 3 hours. During the wet season, expect to find several orchids. It is also an enriching birding trail where you can spot birds like the Grauer’s rush warblers.
Irebero Trail
The Irebero adventure trail is a 3.4 km walk trail and a complete hike takes about 3 hours. It is a perfect trail to be explored by visitors who desire moderate hikes. A hike on the Irebero trail takes you up to the beautiful border of Rwanda and Lake Kivu as well as offering magnificent views of the Nyungwe Forest.
Isumo Waterfalls Trail
The Isumo Falls trail is 10.6 km translating to about 4 hours. The hike on the Isumo Waterfalls involves conquering the 1770 meters elevation and highest point at 1940m. The trail derives its name from the scenic Isumo Waterfall. Along the Isumo Waterfalls, expect to come across birds like the Rwenzori turacos, and many monkeys.
Karamba Birding Trail
Karamba birding trail takes you on a rewarding 4 km long trail in Nyungwe National Park Rwanda. Hiking on the Karamba trail allows you to explore the different giant tree ferns, monkeys, and Orchids.
Muzimu Trail
Muzimu trail is a 5.2 km hiking trail and requires about 3.5 hours for you to have a complete walk. It offers moderately difficult hikes and introduces visitors to the heath-like shrubs and vegetation. Visitors who embark on the guided walk on the Muzimu trail can also enjoy a 360-degree view of the scenic Nyungwe Forest National Park and at a distance, don’t miss the stunning views of Lake Kivu.
Imbaraga trail
Imbaraga is a 10 km long trail and a complete hike takes about 6 hours. Visitors begin their hikes out of the Uwinka reception area. The Imbaraga derives its name from the word ‘Imbaraga’ meaning strength.
Umugote Trail
Umugote trail is 3.6 km long and takes visitors about 3 hours to have a round hike. A hike on the Umugote trail takes you on a great adventure along the mountain area with spectacular views of the park’s lush forest and valleys.
Umuyove Trail
Umuyove Adventure Trail of Nyungwe Forest National Park is 5.5 km long and is an enriching birding and primate trail. You require about 3-4 hours to enjoy a round hike on the Umuyove trail but some fitness level is needed. The trail derives its name from the Kinyarwanda word which translates as mahogany and interestingly, several mahogany trees exist along this adventure trail.
Conclusively, each of the adventure trails of Nyungwe Forest National Park has something unusual for visitors to encounter or experience. Visit Nyungwe to enjoy not only the popular chimpanzee trek or canopy walks but also guided hiking tours.