Hiking Trails in Nyungwe National Park

Hiking Trails in Nyungwe National Park

The steep and picturesque terrain of Nyungwe Forest National Park in Southwest Rwanda offers a perfect escape for hikers of all skill levels. The park has a vast network of scenic hiking trails offering a chance to fully experience the beauty of the natural surroundings. Here you can explore some of the most exciting hiking trails.

For novice hikers, the Igishigishigi Trail delivers a comfortable 2.1 km trek that rewards with breathtaking views of the Canopy Walkway and vibrant wildflowers. This trail can also be combined with the longer Imbaraga or Umoyove Trails for a more immersive experience.

The Karamba Trail—situated on the grounds of a former gold mine, market, and army camp—offers another relatively easy hike. Flanked by numerous fern trees, it is considered one of the best spots for bird watching in Nyungwe Forest.

For stunning vistas of rainforests, ridges, and exquisite blooming flowers, the Umugote Trail is a must of the top hiking trails in Rwanda. On a clear day, hikers may even catch a glimpse of Kibira National Park in Burundi. This trail is also renowned for primate sightings and bird watching.

Experienced hikers can take on the Imbaraga Trail, a rewarding journey of approximately 10 km unveiling four scenic waterfalls along the way. These refresh in natural wonders provide a delightful respite amidst the trek and incredible photography in Rwanda.

The Bigugu Trail – offers awe-inspiring sights for hikers, it leads to the highest peak in Nyungwe Forest and is surrounded by magnificent flora. On sunny days, hikers can enjoy stunning views of Lake Kivu and the hills and islands that belong to the Democratic Republic of Congo.  There are just few examples of the many captivating trails Nyungwe Forest has to offer. Whether exploring the tea field, remote forests, wetlands, or camping sites, nature enthusiasts will find an abundance of beauty to discover in this remarkable park.

Nyanza Cultural Trails

Situated in Nyanza City – the former capital of the Kingdom of Rwanda, the Nyanza Cultural Trails offer a wealth of opportunities for hikers. Surrounding the city are picturesque and enhanting hilly landscapes, providing hikers with an authentic experience of traditional rural life in small communities that rely primarily on agriculture and livestock farming. These communities are not staged for visitors, ensuring an authentic encounter.

Historically, the Rwanda monarchy was nomadic, moving the court from one location to another. However, when the monarch eventually settled in one place, Nyanza became the natural choice and served as the capital of the Kingdom of Rwanda.

Nyanza boasts a relatively well – developed tourist infrastructure including museums and fascinating facilities that delve into Rwanda’s royal history. These combined attributes make Nyanza an incredible destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Currently, Nyanza offers three established hiking trails, and an additional four walking trails that are presently being developed by Rwanda. These trails feature captivating routes with diverse natural and cultural attraction, including the Royal Trail, the Big View Trail, and the Gatagara Trail. All these trails conveniently start from the centre of Nyanza and are connected to high – quality accommodations and dining options.