Guided Nature Walks in Nyungwe Forest National Park (Forest Walks in Nyungwe)

Guided Nature Walks in Nyungwe Forest National Park offer a great way to indulge in nature and discover the incredible diversity of Rwanda. Nyungwe National Park is located in the south western part of Rwanda – one of the most popular safari destinations in Rwanda especially for chimpanzee trekking adventures. Beyond primate tracking (Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe), Nyungwe National Park also offers a number of different other exciting safari activities including bird watching, canopy walks, colobus monkey trekking, waterfall hikes, and Nature Walks/Forest Hikers among others. This article focuses on the exciting Guided Nature Walks in Nyungwe Forest National Park. For Starters, What are Guided Nature Walks in Nyungwe?

Guided Nature Walks in Nyungwe Forest National Park / Nature Walks in Nyungwe/ Forest Walks in Nyungwe/ Forest Hike in Nyungwe are adventures designed to allow visitors discover the unique biodiversity of Nyungwe. These adventures are conducted with the help of experienced and local guides who lead the way into the forest and help visitors identify different species in the park. This experience connects visitors deeply with the park’s unique flora, fauna, and the tranquil atmosphere. Guided Nature Walks in Nyungwe grant you an opportunity to experience nature and the beauty of the forest while giving you insights into plant species, primate behavior and habitats, and bird species among others. As you trek through various trails, you’ll witness the towering trees and tangled vines, encounter different wildlife species like monkeys and chimpanzees, butterflies, and more than 300 different bird species that call this place home.

Nature walks in Nyungwe give you an opportunity to experience the jungle beyond wildlife sighting as you’ll feel from the soothing sounds of the chirping birds, rustling leaves, and distant water fall accompany every step of your hike in the forest.

Nature Walking experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park: What happened during the Forest Hikes/Guided Nature Walks in Nyungwe

Forest hikes in Nyungwe National Park starts at around 9 am; however there are also other departures at around 11 am and 2 pm. Regardless of the time you choose to do the activity, the experience is rewarding. For visitors who opt for the early morning hike, you’ll enjoy breakfast at your lodge before transferring to the Uwinka Visitors Center. At the visitors center, you’ll meet other hikers and meet your assigned ranger guide who will brief you about the hike.

After the briefing, visitors set off into the forest to experience this adventure. Regardless of the chosen trail, visitors should be prepared to trek for anywhere between 1 to 6 hours in the forest, passing though varying terrains and elevations. The hike is never a rush experience and visitor usually have as many stops as possible in order to better experience the forest. Most stops however are made after spotting something unique (wildlife, unique tree species, or birdlife). Monkey sighting up in the canopies are common during the hike and visitors will have great moments witnessing them as they swing from branch to branch. Incase you are trekking longer trails like the Isumo Waterfall Hike trail, ranger guides can suggest the mid-way breaks for example near the waterfall to just relax, enjoy the views and take pictures.

 

Combining the hike with a Canopy Walk

Trekking in the ground alone may not give you the ultimate experience during Guided Nature Walks in Nyungwe Forest National Park and for that reason, we always recommend our visitors to consider combining their Forest Hike/Nature Walk with a canopy walking experience. The Canopy Walk in Nyungwe is a unique experience don on a high suspended walkway stretching across the tree tops of Nyungwe. The Canopy walks gives visitors a different perspective of the forest as they’ll witness the sweeping views of the lush landscape below – adding to the common sighting of forest bird species and primates.

 

Hiking Trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest has over 130 kilometers of forest hiking trails with each offering a distinct experience. The following are the most popular Nature walking/Forest Hiking trails;

Buhoro Hiking Trail

The word buhoro in the local language means slow. The Buhoro trail is one of the shortest, spanning only about 1,8 kilometers and can be trekked in about 1½ hours. Despite being short, the trail is offers visitors a memorable experience in Nyungwe – accompanied with lots of sightings.

Waterfall (Isumo) Trail

The waterfall (Isumo) trail is one of the longest trails in Nyungwe National Park. Since it is one of the longest trails in the park, trekking it will require a minimum of at least 4 hours although the duration may also be influenced by the speed of the hikers and the condition of the trail. Unlike most Nature walking trails in Bwindi, the Waterfall (Isumo) trail starts from Nyungwe Gisakura side and takes about 4 hours to complete.

This trail takes visitors up and down hillsides across the ancient tropical rainforest where trees are festooned in vines and. The major highlight of this hike is the remote waterfall. To be able to trek this trail, one should be at least 10 years and above.

Umuyove Trail

This trail derives its name from the large amount of Mahogany that can be seen as you hike this trail. The word ‘Umuyove’ means Mahogany in Kinyarwanda. The trail is known for its views of the colorful birds, flowers, and the waterfall. This trail starts from the Uwinka Visitors center and stretches about 5.5 kilometers and takes about 3½ hours to complete. It is also known for offering a unique cool breath from its charming waterfall.

Igishigishi Trail

The word ‘Igishigishi’ means a tree fern in local Kinyarwanda from which the trail derives its name from. The trail was named so because of the giant tree ferns that are common along the trail than elsewhere in the park.

The Igishigishi trail is considered a shorter trail and covers about 2.1 kilometers – requiring about 1½ hours to complete. This trail is also a shorter route to the canopy walk. It is popular on most visitors bucket list since it allows one to combine the Guide Nature Walks in Nyungwe Forest National Park with Canopy Walking Safaris. The tail offers visitors with the views of wildflowers year-round and opportunities to spot various bird and wildlife (monkey)species.

Imbaraga Trail

The word Imbaraga means strength in the local Kinyarwanda. The trail was named so because of it is difficult to complete and requires strength. The Imbaraga just like most trekking trails in Nyungwe starts from the Uwinka Visitors Center. This is one of the longer trails in Nyungwe and stretches over 10 kilometers and hiking it takes about 6 hours.

The trail is more suitable for experienced hikers but also rewards hikers with spectacular views of the four waterfalls in Nyungwe.

Irebero Trail

The word Irebero means viewpoint in Kinyarwanda. This trail is known to have some of the most stunning viewpoints and on a clear day, visitors can view even the far Lake Kivu. You’ll also be able to see the forest and a park at a mare glance while on this trail. This trail stretches 3.6 kilometers and takes about 3 hours to hike.

Rukuzi Trail

The Rukuzi Trail is one of the long trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park, spanning a whole 9 kilometers. Hiking the trail takes about 5 hours to complete. This trail is popular for its chimpanzee sighting – one of the major attractions in Nyungwe National Park.

Umugote Trail

The Umugote trail starts from the Uwinka Visitors center and stretches about 3,6 kilometers. This trail takes about 3 hours to complete while on a nature guided walk in Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park. The trail offers spectacular views of the Nyungwe forest, especially the numerous ridges, rainforest, and the stunning beauty of the wildflowers on the Kibira National Park in the neighboring Burundi.

Karamba Trail

The Karamba trail is a three-hour hiking trail stretching about 6 kilometers. This trail is relatively easy to hike while on a nature-guided tour in Rwanda. This trail takes visitors through the goldmine sites, market and an army camp. It is also known as one of the best trail for those interested in witnessing birdlife in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Kamiranzovu Trail

The Kamiranzovu Trail stretches 6 km and takes about 3 hours to hike. This trail is known to feature the largest wetland, the ancient swamp that gives birth to the Nyungwe waterfalls. This trail is also popular for its rare species of orchids and birds such as the Grauer’s rush warblers among others.