Nature Walks in Nyungwe Forest are some of the most done activities within this great forest and present great bird sightings as well as a cool forest breathe in the forest.
This network of trails was constructed in the late 1980s in an attempt to open up Nyungwe Forest National Park to tourists.
There are a number of well maintained network of trails set up in this great forest that your tour operator can recommend for you, these six trails are nevertheless reasonably well maintained.
Each trail is marked with a different colour.
Hikers can choose trails ranging from the 2km-long Buhoro Trail, a proverbial walk in the woods, right up to the 10km-long Imbaraga Trail, which winds steeply up forested slopes and requires about six hours roughly to accomplish this great walking safari within the forest.
Some of the most popular trails include the Igishigishigi Trail (2.1km, about 1½ hours), which has spectacular tree ferns and great views, and the Umuyove Trail (5.5km, 3½ hours), which has number of birds species, colorful flowers along the way, a waterfall and large tall mahogany trees.
The Irebero Trail (3.6km, three hours) is noted for its stunning viewpoints. All in all, no matter the trail you decide to take for your wonderful walking safari here depending on your physical ability, the great news is, you will greatly appreciate the energy drilled towards this, you will be left energized with a smile face at the end of these walking safaris
Although you need to specifically request to engage in either chimpanzee or colobus tracking, in theory you could run across either primate while hiking the coloured trails.
Even if you don’t come across these two star billings, you’re likely to spot some of Nyungwe’s other 11 primates, as well as a whole slew of birdlife, and possibly even the odd mammal or two.
These trails originate from the Uwinka Reception Centre and our reservation team can help you do the bookings so as to get things easy your way.
A number of walking trails are also available in the Kitabi area and begin at the Kitabi Booking Office. They’re much less known than the ones around Uwinka. A guide is also compulsory and is included in your trekking fee (US$40 per person).
Waterfall (Isumo) Trail
While not as popular as the nature walks, the Waterfall Trail (per person US$50) is a stunner of a hike and one of the highlights of Nyungwe. It’s one of the few treks that start from the Gisakura side of the park and takes three to five hours to complete depending on your fitness level.
The trail winds up and down steep hillsides through primeval-looking rainforest where the trees are festooned in vines and mosses and the air is heavy and damp. The highlight (quite obviously) is a remote waterfall, where you can take a shallow dip and refresh your body after the hot and humid hike.
Kamiranzovu Trail
If you have your own wheels, the Kamiranzovu Trail (per person US$40) starts somewhere between Uwinka and Gisakura, and runs for about 4km to Kamiranzovu Swamp.
Sadly, the last elephant was shot here in 1999, though the swamp lands are still your best bet for spotting other large mammals. Even if you don’t come across any other fauna, this trail is particularly famous for its rare species of orchids and birds, including the greater swamp warbler.
We can make a suitable package, that suits you and combine with other safaris so as to create a memorable stay in Rwanda during your holiday with us. Send us an email at info@rwandaecocompany.com, we shall get back to you with something exactly you seem to look for.