Trails and Nature Walks in Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe National Park has 130kms of hiking trails that allow one to get up close to nature. Walking boots and waterproof coats at the ready – here are 5 of its best hiking trails that you can do in addition to your chimpanzee trekking excursion in the park.

I).Ngabwe Trail

We hiked this 4.7km trail in June alongside our Gonja Safari clients. The three hours experience felt as good as hiking through three different climatic zones (due to the different weather changes and different vegetation zones). At some point, it was sunny but we didn’t get sunburns thanks to the shelter by the forest canopy. During the moderate hike, we chanced on mangabeys, colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, well as L’Hoest silver monkeys. For a more intense experience, you can combine it with four hours hike through Kitabi tea plantation which is stunning all the whole way. There is no better way to wrap up this hike than by having a picnic lunch at its ultimate vantage point. It offers some really good views of the forest.

II).Bigugu Trail

The hike through Bigugu trail is demanding given the steep elevation of the terrain (and its slippery state).  Considering it takes an average of 6 hours to complete its 7km stretch, it is great for anyone passionate about mountain climbing. Bigugu trail leads to the highest point in the park, standing at 2,950m above sea level. It is also excellent for bird watching as it is a favourite hangout for specials such as the red-collared mountain babbler. Don’t forget your camera; there are so many gorgeous wild-flowers to capture along the way… including giant lobelias and orchids. We recommend it!

III).Igishigishigi Trail

The hike here starts from the main reception area of the park and leads into the canopy forest walkway. Trekking through this 2.4 km trail takes an average of 5 hours in total including the canopy experience. Considering it is the star attraction of the park, it can be crowded sometimes, especially in the peak season, but is worth a visit. Get ready for vocalization of primates, and tweets of birds. There is also a lot of butterflies en-route making the experience an amazing hike that you shouldn’t miss.

IV).Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail

Kamiranzovu offers such a breathtaking 3 hours hike that covers approximately 6kms! It unfolds inside a sort of caldera that is endowed with a pristine swamp (that is quite vast). You will come across lots of orchids especially if you visit in the rainy season of April-May and October-November. Kamiranzovu is well marked throughout and rich in swamp-associated bird species such as the Grauer’s Rush warber. Be warned though, it is slippery when wet. Don’t forget to wear waterproof shoes otherwise, you might regret it.

V).Isumo Waterfall Trail

This is the second most popular trail as it leads to a stunning waterfall that is very refreshing. It starts through a scenic tea plantation,and then slithers through patches of tropical forest with lots of monkey species. By the time you reach its waterfall, you will have moved through the tree ferns that offer a perfect camouflage for Ruwenzori Turaco birds. Altogether, it covers 10.6km but thankfully it is not too tough to traverse. Within 3-4 hours, you will have completed it. Have fun!