NYUNGWE HIKING TRAILS – Nyungwe Forest National Park is a biodiverse park with a rich animal and bird life, thousands of different plant species, hundreds of tree species, hundreds of orchids, butterflies, and different vegetation covers, including swamps, bogs, bamboo, grasslands, and amazing waterfalls.
With over 100 kilometers of walking/hiking trails in the national park, many visitors come to explore the lush, beautiful Nyungwe montane rainforests for various reasons, including chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, colobus monkey trekking, and butterfly watching.
There are over 10 established hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park, taking visitors to destinations such as waterfalls, bird watching spots, swamps and wetlands, the canopy walk, plantations, picnic sites, and the highest and lowest points in the park, such as Mt. Bigugu, making it a popular choice for Rwanda safaris.
The trails vary in distance and difficulty levels, catering to travelers with different fitness levels.
The hikes can take anywhere from 3 hours to multi-day treks, depending on the trail. Some trails also offer mountain biking, camping, and picnicking opportunities.
Trails start from various locations, including the Uwinka reception, between Gisakura and Uwinka, and between Uwinka and Kitabi receptions.
Top Hiking Trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Igishigishigi Trail
This is one of the most popular and interesting trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park, and it is also the trailhead to the famous Canopy Walkway.
It is recommended for visitors of all fitness levels, as it is relatively easy.
The trail covers a distance of 2.1 kilometers and takes about 2-3 hours to complete, depending on the hikers’ speed and physical fitness.
Kamiranzovu Trail
This trail takes hikers to an important watershed and the biggest swamp in the park, Kamiranzovu Swamp, where it is believed that the last forest elephant was seen.
The trail is about 5.9 to 6 kilometers long and takes about 3-4 hours to complete. It is recommended for experienced hikers, as it can be moderately challenging due to the caldera depression. For details on the Kamiranzovu Trail, visit our hiking trails section.
It is recommended for experienced hikers, as it can be moderately challenging due to the caldera depression.
Expect lovely water bird sightings.
Ngabwe Trail
Approximately 4.6 kilometers long, the Ngabwe Trail takes you through different vegetation zones, offering the best views of Nyungwe Forest National Park.
It is an excellent route for bird watching and provides sightings of some of the primates that inhabit the forest, such as mangabey monkeys, colobus monkeys, and silver monkeys. For more information on the Ngabwe Trail, refer to our detailed hiking trails guide.
The trail offers picnicking and camping opportunities and can be completed in 3 hours.
An optional visit to the tea plantations in Kitabi extends the trek to 8 hours.
Bigugu Trail
This trail takes you to the highest point of the park, the summit of Mt. Bigugu at 2,950 meters.
It is a 7-kilometer trail that is steep and not recommended for first-timers.
It is suitable for experienced hikers in good shape and anyone in good physical health who is up for a challenging adventure. For a complete guide to the Bigugu Trail, visit our hiking trails page.
The trail is good for bird watching and offers views of beautiful orchids and other wildflowers.
It takes about 6 hours to complete.
Umuyove Trail
The mahogany (umuyove) lined trail, 5.5 kilometers long, is among the shortest and most trekked trails in the park.
It takes hikers 2-3 hours to complete this short yet rewarding trek.
Expect beautiful bird sightings, orchids, and a refreshing waterfall.
Isumo Waterfall Trail
This 10.6-kilometer trail is one of the most popular trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park, taking you through a tea plantation and the forest to the beautiful Isumo Waterfalls.
The trail is moderately challenging but doable and takes about 4 hours to complete. For more details, check out the Isumo Waterfall Trail on our hiking trails page.
Congo Nile Divide Trail
At 227 kilometers, the Congo Nile Divide Trail is the longest trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
It divides the Nile River basin and the Congo River basin.
It is a multi-day trail recommended for experienced hikers.
To complete the trail within 5-10 days, visitors can walk, cycle, bike, or drive.
Other Hiking Trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park Include:
- Irebeto Trail, 3.4 km
- Imbaraga Trail, 10 km
- Muzimu Trail, 5.2 km
- Rukuzi Trail, 9 km
- Umugote Trail, 3.6 km
- Karamba Trail, 4 km
- Buhoro Trail, 1.8 km
- Uwinka Trail, 17.8 km
- Ndambarare Waterfall Trail, 9.6 km
No matter which hiking trail you choose, you are set to have a rewarding and refreshing time in the Nyungwe Forest jungle with spectacular views.
You will definitely feel one with nature. Get your hiking boots/shoes on and explore one of the oldest montane rainforests on the African continent.
Most of the hiking adventures in Nyungwe Forest National Park start at 9:00 am every morning and 1:00 pm in the afternoon.
Visit Nyungwe Forest with these recommended Chimpanzee Trekking Companies or send us an inquiry below to book directly through this website.
