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Uwinka Trail in Nyungwe Forest
The walk offers some of the most beautiful views in Nyungwe Forest, the best of which is from high viewing points overlooking Kamiranzovu Marsh. There are wonderful trees, extensive expanses of pathways, and a little, charming, secluded waterfall.
The Uwinka Trail in Nyungwe Forest is one of the most popular hiking trails in the park. The Uwinka path is roughly 17.8 kilometers long, and hikers can start from the Uwinka Visitor Centre or one of the adjacent trailheads along the Huye-Rusizi Road. The majority of trekking in Nyungwe Forest begins at the Irebero trailhead 2, which is 0.8 kilometers from Uwinka Reception and a significantly longer distance through the Imbaraga Trail offshoot.
This Uwinka trail in Nyungwe forest is rated mediocre and is frequently bypassed in favor of a half-dozen other trails closer to the Uwinka Visitor Centre. The journey is long but not too difficult. The walk offers some of the most beautiful views in Nyungwe Forest, the best of which is from high viewing points overlooking Kamiranzovu Marsh. There are wonderful trees, extensive expanses of pathways, and a little, charming, secluded waterfall. Mangabeys and blue monkeys are frequently spotted here, and a big group of colobus monkeys has been observed crossing the jungle. The Uwinka nature trail in Nyungwe forest provides a clear view across the park to Burundi at one point. After crossing the hill and reaching the intersection with the Umogore trail, hikers turn left onto the Imbaraga trail, returning to the Uwinka path after one kilometer. A seat overlooking the jungle and a little piece of the road where the trek began may be found here.
A seat with a view of Cyurugeyo Ridge can be found not far down the route. The name comes from a sheep that was believed to have gazed there at one point. The ‘Inka’ in the name Uwinka refers to the cattle that used to come here to find salt. The route soon connects Uwinka Ridge and Cyurugeyo. For the first time hikers will be on the Kamiranzovu side of the mountain.
The forest is left closed with little views over the following kilometers, but this is when you will truly feel like you are in the jungle. The route follows the outlines of numerous smaller ridges, occasionally passing between tiny prominences but usually remaining in the forest. There are several spectacular instances of gigantic trees leaning out perilously over the hillsides in the forests at Uwinka. It’s incredible that they have the root system to sustain such weight testing.
As you continue down the Uwinka route in Nyungwe forest, you will sense the grandeur of the rainforest, with the first glances of Kamiranzovu Marsh on the left and tantalizing glimpses of it now and then before the better vistas come. The rest of the path is beautiful all the way down to the road, and hikers should definitely congratulate themselves on making a good choice in choosing the Uwinka trail
A dead Carapa grandiflora tree on the right, not far beyond this last bench, appears to have been clawed or bitten at its root. It is used as medication by Angolan black and white Colobus monkeys and blue monkeys. According to research, this tree may have therapeutic properties. This track reveals the splendor of Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forests National Park, a virgin woodland noted for chimp trek experiences.
When is the best time to hike the Uwinka Trail in Nyungwe Forest?
For those planning to go on a hiking tour along the Uwinka 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 Uwinka 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 Uwinka Trail in Nyungwe Forest?
Guided hikes along the Uwinka trail in Nyungwe Forest takes approximately 8 hours covering a distance of 17.8 kilometers.
What time do hikes along the Uwinka Trail in Nyungwe Forest Begin?
Hikes along the Uwinka 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 Umugote 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.
Irebero Trail
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.
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.
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.
