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Kamiranzovu Waterfall Trail in Nyungwe Forest
The Kamiranzovu waterfall in Nyungwe Forest National Park is the most remote of the forest’s waterfalls, including Rusumo and Thompson. They are located near the Rwanda-Tanzania border and in central Kenya, respectively.
Kamiranzovu waterfall trail in Rwanda’s Nyungwe forest, which begins in the Kamiranzovu swamp of the Nyungwe Forest National Park in southern Rwanda, has fast become a must-see for all park visitors. Despite Nyungwe Forest National Park is well known for its chimpanzees, Kamiranzovu waterfall has recently gained popularity among tourists visiting the national park. The waterfall is divided into two areas, the lower atop massive rocks and a fantastic location for photography, and the upper in front of the flowing water.
Seeing the Kamiranzovu waterfall necessitates courage, patience, obligation, willpower, and physical fitness. It entails going through Nyungwe National Park’s deep tropical rainforest, filled with dense foliage. It’s only 5.9 kilometers from the start, but the steep terrain makes the ride difficult and time-consuming.
The volume of the waterfall is mostly governed by the amount of rainfall and may be quite severe, especially when it receives approximately 2000 mm of rain, albeit this is a seasonal phenomenon that can occur at any time of year. Kamiranzovu waterfall is a key water catchment area in Rwanda. This waterfall is accessible at any time of year and is around a 4 to 6 hours drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city.
The Kamiranzovu waterfall in Nyungwe Forest National Park is the most remote of the forest’s waterfalls, including Rusumo and Thompson. They are located near the Rwanda-Tanzania border and in central Kenya, respectively. Because the waterfall is the most remote in the national park, travelers must embark on nature hikes to reach it.
The speed of the waterfall fluctuates periodically, although it is normally rather fast. This is due to the amount of water in the forest caused by the heavy rain that occurs nine months of the year. It always rains at Nyungwe Forest National Park, regardless of the season.
This natural marvel attracts a large number of people, particularly those on adventure trips, and if you appreciate nature photography, this is the best place to come. The journey from the Uwinka visitors center takes about an hour and a half, and in most cases, the excursion to this waterfall is considered a nature walk. Most woodland birds, butterflies, primates, and other animal species, as well as medicinal plants, will be seen along the way.
However, tourists are urged to pack raincoats, hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, and undergarments because the weather in the forest cannot be foreseen. Because the forest may be slippery, especially during the rainy season, walking sticks are vital for providing support.
Trekking to the waterfall exposes tourists to a wide range of animal and plant species. The Rwanda Development Board has cataloged over 38 reptiles and 1,068 plant species, all of which add to the overall satisfaction of visitors.
Qualified guides aid in describing each discovered animal and plant species, as well as what separates each type from the others. Plants and fruits that are medicinal are those that are ingested by both animals and humans.
Visitors are taken away by the extraordinarily lush foliage that surrounds them while waiting to see the waterfall. Part of the greenery is indigenous to the area, and others who have never visited have never seen anything like it. It’s a fascinating pre-experience.
Apart from the Kamiranzovu waterfall, Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s best chimpanzee trekking destination. The woodland boasts the highest concentration of chimpanzees in Rwanda, thus no visitor should miss it.
Guided Hikes along the Kamiranzovu Waterfall Trail
Guided treks along the Kamiranzovu waterfall route in Nyungwe forest take you downwards to witness the magnificent tiny stream running as the trail slops into a steep jungle and heavy foliage but from here, you can enjoy the sound of the river dropping below and the cool wet air. This track is particularly ideal for birdwatchers since there are several reptile and snake species to be seen. Hikers will reach numerous nice vantage spots for taking in the entire marsh, including its exit, on the more elevated western side of the Kamiranzovu route in Nyungwe Forest.
Approximately 3 kilometers to the Kamiranzovu waterfall, then on to Lake Kivu, Lake Tanganyika, and the Congo River. The Kamiranzovu trail in Nyungwe Forest national park gets its name from the words ‘Kamira’ which means ‘swallow,’ and ‘Nzovu’ which means ‘elephants’ in the local dialect. In summary, Kamiranzovu alludes to the elephants that used to wander Nyungwe but became imprisoned in the marsh slime. Two Kamiranzovu trailheads are located 0.7 kilometers apart off the main road. Unless you intend to complete the circle, starting at the second trailhead to the east lowers the height increase by around 37 meters.
This route also includes a lengthy, magnificent descent to the marsh with great views. Starting from the first trailhead allows you to get to the marsh fast. If you wish to cut the journey short, start at the first trailhead and merely explore the portion of the trail bordering the Kamiranzovu wetland or watch the numerous types of birds and plant life before returning to the road. The round-trip distance from the initial trailhead to the far end of the Orchid circle and back would be roughly 4 kilometers. Hikers who complete the whole Kamiranzovu path but skip the Orchid Loop save around 0.5 kilometers.
Visitors can arrange for a pick-up at either trailhead or walk back down the road to a parked car at either end of the loop at the completion of the trip. The Grauer’s Swamp Warbler and the Albertine Owlet are two unique Albertine Rift bird species found in the wetland. For the latter, you may plan a nighttime excursion to the marsh with one of the guides who have a recording of the bird’s cry. The owlet may generally be heard rather than seen.
The Uwinka route enters Nyungwe Forest on the left at the extreme northern end of the Kamiranzovu trail walk. This links the Kamiranzovu Trail to the Uwinka Welcome Center property, which is located many kilometers upwards. The Kamiranzovu route in the Nyungwe forest rises through humid thickets before returning to the tropical rainforest. There are various wetland vistas along the route. If you like trekking along the Kamiranzovu path, consider doing the Uwinka trail on your next hike. There are around 19 nature trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park that you may explore at any moment during your visit.
What to pack for a guided hike along the Kamiranzovu Trail in Nyungwe Forest?
To enjoy a guided hike along the Kamiranzovu trail in Nyungwe forest, you have to carry a raincoat or jacket as it may rain at any time. You will also need to pack a camera with extra batteries, binoculars, a good pair of hiking boots, long-sleeved clothes, a hat, sunscreen cream and insect repellent cream, garden gloves, bottled water, energy drinks and snacks, and a walking stick will be provided for you at the park reception area.
Where to Stay when visiting Kamiranzovu Trail in Nyungwe Forest?
There are several accommodation facilities and safari lodges where you can spend a night on your safari in Nyungwe forest national park. These are some of the best lodges where you can stay to make your safari to the park quite memorable; One and Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hotel, Gisakura Visitor Center, and Nziza Eco Lodge among others.
How to reach Nyungwe Forest National Park?
The Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in southern Rwanda, on the border with Burundi, and takes around 6 hours to travel from Kigali. Instead, you may take a RwandAir trip from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe, which departs every morning and takes roughly 40 minutes.
In summary, a guided hike to the Kamiranzovu waterfall trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park can be combined with other activities in the park like chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk, birding, and primate tracking among others. Visitors can also incorporate a visit to other parks like Volcanoes National Park where you can track Mountain gorillas, and golden monkeys, hike to Dian Fossey gravesite, hike Mount Bisoke or Karisimbi, or visit Akagera National Park for a game drive or boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
Contact your trusted tour operator company for guidance on which best options you can include in your itinerary.
