Bigugu Trail | Challenging Hikes in Nyungwe Forest

BIGUGU TRAIL – Bigugu Trail is named after the highest mountain/point in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Mount Bigugu. It is a scenic route up the mountain, offering trekkers stunning views of Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu, and, on a clear day, some islands and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The hikes on Bigugu Trail set off from the Uwinka Reception Center.

Bigugu Trail at a Glance

Covers a distance of 13.2 kilometers on a round trip with a hiking time of 6 full hours.
The highest elevation point of Bigugu Trail is at 2,950 meters at the summit of Bigugu Mountain, and the lowest is at 2,367 meters.
Bigugu Trail is among the most difficult and challenging trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park, thus recommended for frequent hikers/climbers looking for a challenging and more engaging hike within Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Hiking the Bigugu Trail will see you gain an elevation of 666 meters from the starting point at the trailhead up to the summit.
Bigugu Trail is an excellent route for birdwatching. Bird lovers should expect to encounter different bird species on this trail like the turacos (Great Blue and Ruwenzori), Olive Woodpeckers, Red-collared Mountain Babbler, among others.

Highlights of Bigugu Trail

Beautiful birdlife
Clear water lakes (Burera and Rwanyankoma)
Coffee and tea plantations
Waterfalls
Nyarusiza Cave
Beautiful flora including orchids

The best time to go hiking on the Bigugu Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park is during the long dry season from June to September and the short dry season of December, January, and February.

Hiking Bigugu Trail will cost you $15 for half a day and $25 for a full day, excluding the park entry fees and the hike guide fee.

The hike on Bigugu Trail starts at 9:00 am every morning from Uwinka.

Other Trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park Include: