DISCOVER RWANDA
Irebero Trail in Nyungwe Forest
The name ‘Irebero’ means ‘a place to observe from,’ and the vistas are undoubtedly the highlight of this walk. You can see all the way over the Rwandan border to the first ridge of Burundi to the south, as well as Lake Kivu, 30 kilometers northwest, by looping around one of the park’s highest hills.
The Irebero Trail in Nyungwe Forest is located beneath a canopy of ancient tree species. Nyungwe Forest is located in the southern portion of Rwanda, which adds to the sense of adventure here. The Irebero trail circles two of Nyungwe Forest’s highest peaks. Hikers on this trail may get a glimpse of Lake Kivu. It is a 3½ kilometer circular that takes around 3 hours to trek to and from. This trail’s hiking trips begin at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., respectively.
The name ‘Irebero’ means ‘a place to observe from,’ and the vistas are undoubtedly the highlight of this walk. You can see all the way over the Rwandan border to the first ridge of Burundi to the south, as well as Lake Kivu, 30 kilometers northwest, by looping around one of the park’s highest hills. This lovely ride is complemented with wildflowers, tall trees, and an abundance of birds.
The Irebero trail in Nyungwe forest has breathtaking perspectives, the stunning overlooks along this route have romanticists visiting every day. Visit the most unspoiled and secluded environment, with fresh green foliage, butterflies, bird species, and diverse primates that have enticed so many people regardless of tribe, culture, or nationality to spend the majority of their thrilling hours trekking the Irebero route.
The Irebero trail is an excellent choice for a walk while in the Nyungwe forest; it’s not just the huge events that make safaris so exciting. A nature walk will allow you to observe a variety of wildlife species that live in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Not only do you learn how to follow and recognize various prints up close, but you also get to see mother nature at its finest. You will be able to see lizards, scaled reptiles, the small five, including the rhino beetle, weaver birds, leopard tortoise, and elephant shrew.
Home to a variety of birds, stunning green landscape, and the refreshing water view of Lake Kivu. This is one of those spots that comes highly recommended to visitors looking for pristine nature. On a hike, you will be able to view the many tree types that provide companionship as you attempt to figure out how they are protected from these favorable weather conditions, and it is not strange to discover roses flourishing in such a location. The sideways not only captures images but also circulates into your spirit; this green environment will captivate you; flowers flourish in all hues of the rainbow, making it gorgeous.
When is the best time to hike the Irebero Trail in Nyungwe Forest?
For those planning to go on a hiking tour along the Irebero trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park can do so at any time of the year; however, the best time to go hiking in the park is from late May to early September and from December to February.
What is the cost of hiking the Irebero Trail in Nyungwe Forest?
Half-day hikes in Nyungwe forest national park cost 15 USD per person while full-day hikes cost 25 USD per person. These hiking fees include park guide fees but exclude park entry fees of 100 USD per person per day.
How long does it take to hike the Irebero Trail in Nyungwe Forest?
Guided hikes along the Irebero trail in Nyungwe Forest takes approximately 3 hours covering a distance of 3.6 kilometers.
What time do hikes along the Irebero Trail in Nyungwe Forest Begin?
Hikes along the Irebero trail in Nyungwe forest commence at 9 am every morning and 1pm every afternoon.
Other Hiking Trails in Nyungwe Forest
Igishigishigi Trail
The Igishigishigi nature trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park is the best and most recommended hiking trail in the park for first-time hikers and beginners. This 2.1-kilometer-long hiking track offers the best views of Nyungwe Forest National Park’s Canopy Walkway. Visitors may climb this trail in about 2 hours and begin at the Uwinka Visitor Centre. The Igishigishigi trail in Nyungwe forest may be combined with longer walks like the Imbaraga and Umuyove trails.
Umugore Trail
The Umugore trail in Nyungwe forest offers tourists amazing views of mountains, jungles, and vibrant flowers. Hikers using the Umugore path may see the Kibira National Park in Burundi on a clear day. This hiking track is also a good area to watch monkeys and birds. It is 3.6 kilometers long and takes around 3 hours to trek; hikes start at 9 a.m. every morning and 1 p.m. every afternoon.
Karamba Trail
Visitors may also trek the Karamba hiking and nature route in Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is a very simple trail. It is built on the foundations of a former gold mine, market, and army barracks. This trekking trail, which is densely forested, is recognized as one of the best places in Nyungwe National Park for birding safaris. The journey to and from the tail is around 2 kilometers round trip and takes approximately 3 hours. Visitors trekking this path should begin at the Gisakura tourist center. Hikes on this hiking trail begin at 8 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. every day.
Umuyove Trail
The Umuyove hiking and nature trail in Nyungwe forest national park takes approximately 4 hours to complete a 5.6-kilometer round. The ‘Mahogany’ hiking route is named for the mahogany trees that flank the trail and provide a good view of the waterfalls. Some hikers enjoy the Umuyove route since it is relatively short and provides that wonderful sense of refreshing breath from the waterfall, as well as extremely beautiful flowers met along the way and surrounding the falls, as well as a variety of bird species, including water birds. This short trek from the Uwinka reception center to Buhoro takes around 3½ hours; with hikes starting every day at 9 am and 1 pm.
Isumo Trail
Visitors to Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park can join a guided hike to the renowned Isumo waterfalls. The falls are 17 meters high and provide visitors spectacular views of tunnels and even the Kamiranzovu wetland. Visitors will be able to see snakes, birds, butterflies, wildflowers, and uncommon tree and plant species along some hiking trails. Hiking pathways begin in car parks 1 and 2, and they may be shorter than other head trails in the national park. Other activities accessible to visitors to Nyungwe Forest National Park include a Congo Nile guided walk, a three-day trekking experience, and forest camping.
Bigugu Trail
The Bigugu hiking trail in Nyungwe forest is a 6-hour hike that takes hikers via a 6.6-kilometer trail to the top of Bigugu mountain peak, which is located at a height of 2,950 meters. This is one of the greatest hiking paths in the park, with amazing views of Lake Kivu and several bird species. Nevertheless, the Bigugu hiking path is quite steep and, in most areas, slippery, necessitating physical endurance in order to reach the peak. Hiking tours on this trail set off at 9 am in the morning from Uwinka reception Centre.
Imbaraga Trail
The Imbaraga route is a 9.8-kilometer trail that takes around 6 hours to hike and its starting point is at the Uwinka reception center. It is a challenging hiking track that requires hikers to be in peak physical condition and yet offers some of the best views in the park. It is best suited for experienced hikers and you can get to see four waterfalls. Hiking tours on this trail begin at 9 am every morning.
Muzimu Trail
Muzimu nature and hiking trail in Nyungwe forest national park is 5.2 kilometers long and can be completed in 3½ hours; with hiking tours starting at 9 am every day and set off from the Gisovu ranger post. Hikers may enjoy a panoramic view of the national park from this hiking track. Hikers on this trek may also glimpse Lake Kivu and the volcanic highlands of the Virunga Massif.
Uwinka Trail
The Uwinka Trail in Nyungwe Forest is one of the park’s most popular hiking paths. The Uwinka walk is approximately 17.8 kilometers long, and hikers can begin at the Uwinka Visitor Centre or one of the nearby trailheads along the Huye-Rusizi Road. The majority of Nyungwe Forest trekking begins at Irebero Trailhead 2, which is 0.8 kilometers from Uwinka Reception and a substantially longer distance through the Imbaraga Trail branch. This substandard Uwinka route in Nyungwe forest is routinely avoided in favor of a half-dozen other trails closer to the Uwinka Visitor Centre.
The travel is long but not particularly tough. The trek provides some of the most stunning views in Nyungwe Forest, particularly from high vantage points overlooking Kamiranzovu Marsh. There are beautiful trees, broad walkways, and a little, delightful, quiet waterfall. Mangabeys and blue monkeys are common sightings, and a large group of colobus monkeys has been seen crossing the bush.
Kamiranzovu Swamp Trail
The Kamiranzovu Swamp hiking and nature trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park contains Kamiranzovu Swamp, the park’s biggest marsh. Hikers on this path can see beautiful waterfalls along the way. It is around 5.9 kilometers long and takes approximately 3½ hours to hike. Hiking excursions along this trail commence at 9 am every day. The last forest elephant is thought to have died in the Kamiranzovu marsh, thus the trail’s name.
Congo Nile Trail
At Nyungwe Forest National Park, the Congo Nile Trail is famous for bicycles and skilled hikers. It is the national park’s longest hiking path, extending around 227 kilometers. This hiking and nature trail takes hikers roughly 4 nights and 5 days to complete. Hiking expeditions along the Congo Nile Trail set off at 8 am in the morning.
This hiking trail is great for travelers who want to meet and connect with native Rwandans and visit the Richard Kandt house. Hikers may also visit a medieval chapel, swim and paddle on Lake Kivu, and visit coffee fields along the way.
Congo Nile Divide Trail
The Congo Nile Divide trail is one of the longest hiking and nature trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park. It covers a distance of roughly 42,2 kilometers and takes approximately 3 nights and 4 days for visitors to complete. It is a challenging hike that is usually recommended for expert hikers and those with a thirst for adventure; with hiking excursions starting at 8 am in the morning.
Ngabwe Trail
For those seeking to camp in Nyungwe Forest National Park, the Ngabwe hiking and nature trail is excellent. This hiking trail also includes great picnic sites with beautiful views of the forest canopy. This route is approximately 4.6 kilometers long and takes around 4 hours to hike to and from. This track is good for birdwatching and visitors begin their hike from the Kitabi reception area, setting off at 9 am every morning.
Rukuzi Trail
A full circle of this 9.1-kilometer Rukuzi hiking route takes about 5 hours and commences at the Uwinka reception center at 9 am every morning. Choosing this hiking trail is such a wonderful experience since it allows hikers to interact with chimpanzees during a chimpanzee trekking tour to Nyungwe forest national park, which is the main attraction in the park, as well as a gorgeous foliage cover that catches the hiker’s eye.
Ndambarare Waterfalls Trail
The Ndambarare waterfall trail in Nyungwe forest national park is a relatively easy hiking trail that covers a 9.6-kilometer distance and takes approximately 3½ hours to complete a round trip. Hiking tours on this trail start from the Gisakura reception center at exactly 9 am every morning and 1 pm in the afternoon. Visitors hiking the Ndambarare waterfall trail in Nyungwe forest national park get to see the spectacular Ndambarare waterfalls as well as different viewpoints of the Gisakura tea factory and plantation.
How to get to Uwinka Trail in Nyungwe Forest?
Kigali International Airport, located on the outskirts of Kigali, will very certainly be your point of entry into Rwanda. Nyungwe Forest National Park is 220 kilometers south of Kigali, 100 kilometers from Huye province, and 55 kilometers from Rusizi province. The travel takes around 5 to 6 hours from Kigali, 2 to 3 hours from Huye, and 1½ hours from Rusizi. Rwanda has a speed restriction of 60 kilometers per hour, so make sure not to exceed the speed limit in order not to get any fines for speeding.
In conclusion, explore the natural areas and see birds resting in canopies. A photographic experience is one of the activities you should not miss out on on this walk, as is birding. Visitors to Nyungwe Forest National Park may arrange a chimp trekking trip and experience the majority of the park’s natural paths.
