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Waterfall Trail in Nyungwe Forest
The Nyungwe Forest waterfall trail in Rwanda takes you on an off-the-beaten-path to visit some of the spectacular features in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Hiking along the waterfall route will allow you to experience the sound of a river running through the forest floor, green flora, streams, and a variety of monkey and bird species. The Isumo trail in Nyungwe forest is also referred to as the waterfall trail. The hike is around 10.6 kilometers long and takes only 4-5 hours to finish. The waterfall route rewards visitors with spectacular vistas, fauna, and bird species, as well as passing through tea plantations and witnessing the breathtaking Isumo waterfalls.
The journey to Isumo waterfalls starts early in the morning through open-air tea farms, with butterflies surveying sun-loving wildflowers and views of Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A day journey to the spectacular Isumo waterfall in Nyungwe Forest National Park’s Isumo route. Aside from chimp trekking and canopy walks, the excursion to the Isumo waterfall route costs $15 per person and is one of the top things to do in Nyungwe. Hike to the Isumo waterfalls, which begin on the park’s Gisakura side and take three to five hours to complete depending on your fitness level.
After 2.3 kilometers, the path descends into one of Nyungwe’s most densely forested and steeply sloping rainforest ravines. Cold, moist air rises from below, combining with bird, tree frog, and insect noises. Ferns, mosses, lichens, and flowers abound in the high humidity. Surprisingly, three successive chairs are completely surrounded by a stunning display of wildflowers, each from a different species. The first bench is surrounded by deep pink jewelweed and provides a magnificent view of the ravine, while the second is encircled by deliciously fragrant white begonias and the third by white flowers with heart-shaped leaves.
The beautiful Isumo waterfalls, a massive 25-meter-high cascade, end the Isumo trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park. You may take photos and visit several tourist sites such as primates such as colobus monkeys, black and white and blue monkeys, birds, and caverns in the overhanging cliffs to enhance your experience of hiking along the waterfall path. Hiking via the Nyungwe forest national park waterfall path begins with a briefing from Nyungwe forest lodge or Gisakura Guesthouse, generally in the morning or afternoon, and from here you can observe Gisakura tea plantations, a lot of butterflies, and other wildlife.
Hiking along the waterfall route in Nyungwe forest via the tea plantations is one of the nicest and simplest walks because you will experience the gorgeous tea fields and may observe primates such as colobus monkeys at the forest’s margins. You may stroll the downward route and observe the lovely 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 tumbling below and the cold wet air. Also ideal for birdwatchers, reptiles, and a variety of snake species.
Hiking uphill to a greater altitude is a fantastic experience, but there are no tourist attractions other than wildflowers to be found. This is because the high elevation discourages plant growth. The walk concludes with a view of the beautiful Isumo, a large 25-meter-high waterfall. You can take photographs and view various tourist attractions such as primates such as colobus monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and blue monkeys, birds, and tree species, and caves in the overhanging cliffs are seen along the way to enhance the experience of hiking along the waterfall trail. The waterfall trek is quite strenuous, so you must be physically fit to do it.
How long does it take to Hike the Isumo Trail in Nyungwe Forest?
The Isumo waterfall trail in Nyungwe forest is a hard trek that takes around 4 hours to complete and hence requires hikers to be physically fit to some level.
What time do hikes start on the waterfall trails in Nyungwe Forest?
Hiking tours along the waterfall trails in Nyungwe Forest national park commence at 9 am every morning and 1 pm every evening. Most waterfall trails in Nyungwe forest such as the Isumo trail crosses large tea plantations giving hikers a chance to embark on a tea tour if they wish.
When to visit the waterfall trail in Nyungwe Forest?
Waterfall trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park may be done all year, but the ideal months to go are January, February, June, August, September, and December when the hiking paths are less treacherous and muddy. Keep in mind that Nyungwe Forest is a tropical rainforest, and rain might fall at any time, so bring a rain jacket, hiking boots, and other items to minimize inconveniences.
What to pack for the waterfall trail in Nyungwe forest national park?
To enjoy these amazing waterfall trails in Nyungwe forest national park, you have to carry a rain jacket as it may rain anytime, a camera with extra batteries, binoculars, hiking boots, long-sleeved clothes, a hat, garden gloves, water and energy drinks and a walking stick is provided at free of charge from the reception center
Where to stay during the waterfall trail hike in Nyungwe forest?
There are numerous hotel options and safari lodges in Nyungwe Forest National Park where you may spend the night on your safari. The park is considered as Rwanda’s second finest attraction, and its biodiversity cannot be found anyplace else in Africa. Some of the greatest resorts to stay at to complete your safari include Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Nyungwe Top View Hotel, Gisakura Guesthouse, the one and only Nyungwe House, and wilderness campground.
How to reach Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe forest national park is located in southwestern Rwanda, near the border with Burundi, and takes about 5 hours to drive from Kigali. Alternatively, you can take a flight from Kigali international airport to Kamembe by Rwanda air every morning at 8:30 a.m., arriving at 9:00 a.m., which takes only 40 minutes. After visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park, you may go on to other parks in Rwanda, such as Volcanoes National Park, where you can learn more about mountain gorillas and golden monkey tracking. Akagera National Park is also the greatest option for a big five safari as well as a boat excursion on Lake Ihema.
Other Hiking Trails in Nyungwe Forest
Rukuzi Trail
This thrilling trip along the Rukuzi trail in Nyungwe forest national park is distinguished by uninterrupted open vistas on one side of the trail and the chance to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Early on, Lake Kivu and the islands of the Democratic Republic of the Congo may be seen, and as you descend the summit, keep an ear out for the sounds of children playing as their voices waft up the hillside from the surrounding Banda town.
Uwinka Trail
The Uwinka trail in Nyungwe forest national park is considered a difficult trek, but it is also one of the most scenic. The views across Kamiranzovu Marsh are breathtaking, and the walk includes towering trees, brilliant yellow flowered begonia, and a little distant waterfall. Mangabeys, blue monkeys, and colobus are frequently spotted here, as are the red flashes of passing Turaco birds, who may also be heard singing in the morning.
Kamiranzovu Trail
The Kamiranzovu trail in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest leads to Kamiranzovu Swamp, the biggest wetland in Nyungwe Forest National Park. This wetland is a spectacular geological phenomenon with a circular rim of lush, forested mountains that resembles a gigantic caldera. You’ll see waterfalls, bright begonias, and species that flourish in the damp swamp, such as ferns and lichens, as well as Grauer’s Swamp Warblers and frogs, throughout the walk.
Imbaraga Trail
The Imbaraga trail in Nyungwe forest is a tough trail geared toward more experienced hikers that rewards hikers with not one, but four gorgeous waterfalls and amazing views across the Bururi valley. Hikers can hear a variety of bird cries, as well as tree frogs, crickets, cicadas, and even monkeys, during the 9.8 kilometers of rise and descent. A fully packed backpack, with binoculars to assist you conquer the path, will be given.
Bigugu Trail
The Mount Bigugu route, which surrounds the park’s highest summit, is recognized for its spectacular diversity of colorful vegetation and breathtaking views of Lake Kivu as well as the hills of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Birders will have the opportunity to witness the Red-Collared Mountain Babbler, among other appealing species, on a 6.6-kilometer rise and descent. The trek to the peak of Mount Bigugu takes 6 hours and covers 6.6 kilometers. During the dry season, three flame flowers may be found to light your way up: huge, conical orange owers of the orchid, Disa Robusta, red-orange owers of Red-hot Poker, and scarlet owers of the rare Nyungwe jewelweed bird.
The Mount Bigugu route in Nyungwe Forest also provides visitors with a fascinating trek through the forest’s vegetation. In the dry season, you may be rewarded with three flame flowers to light your path to the top: enormous, conical orange owers of the orchid, Disa Robusta, Red-orange owers of Red-hot Poker, and scarlet owers of the rare Nyungwe jewelweed. The latter two may appear familiar since they have made their way into gardens throughout Europe and North America. The beautiful little Lobelia petiolate, which only grows between elevations of 2,400 and 3,000 meters, is also unique to the Bigugu Mountain Area.
Ngabwe Trail
For those interested in camping, the Ngabwe trail in Nyungwe forest is suitable. This hiking trail also has wonderful picnic areas with views of the forest canopy. This trek is around 4.6 kilometers long and takes approximately 4 hours to complete. This track is ideal for birding, and guests begin their journey from the Kitabi reception area every morning at 9 a.m.
Ndambarare Trail
The Ndambarare nature trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park leads to the breathtaking Ndambarare waterfalls. This is a relatively easy hiking trek that covers 9.6 kilometers and takes around 312 hours to complete round trip. Hiking expeditions on this trail begin at 9 a.m. every morning and 1 p.m. every afternoon from the Gisakura reception. Hiking the Ndambarare route in Nyungwe forest provides visitors with sweeping views of the Gisakura tea estate and processing facilities.
Umuyove Trail
It takes around 4 hours to traverse the 5.6-kilometer Umuyove route in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest. The route is named after the mahogany trees that flank it and provide a good view of the waterfalls. The Umuyove walk is popular among hikers since it is very short and provides a magnificent experience of refreshing breath from the waterfall, as well as particularly beautiful flowers observed along the way and surrounding the falls, and a diversity of bird species, including water birds. This short journey from Uwinka to Buhoro takes around 312 hours, with treks commencing at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily.
Igishigishigi Trail
For first-time hikers and beginners, the Igishigishigi nature trail in Nyungwe Forest national park is the greatest and most recommended hiking trail in the park. This 2.1-kilometer-long hiking trail provides the greatest views of the Canopy Walkway in Nyungwe Forest National Park. This path takes around 2 hours to complete and begins at the Uwinka Visitor Centre. Longer hikes, such as the Imbaraga and Umuyove trails, can be connected with the Igishigishigi itinerary.
Karamba Trail
The Karamba hiking and nature path in Nyungwe Forest National Park is also accessible to visitors. It is constructed atop the ruins of a previous gold mine, market, and army barracks. This heavily forested walking track is regarded as one of the greatest spots in Nyungwe Forest National Park for birding safaris. The round-trip trek to and from the tail is around 2 kilometers long and takes about 3 hours. Tourists should start their journey at the Gisakura tourist center. Every day, hikes on this trail begin at 8 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m.
About Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nyungwe is Eastern Africa’s largest unbroken tract of montane rainforest, covering 1,015 km2 across Rwanda’s rugged southwest, forming a contiguous forest block with Burundi’s 400 square kilometer Kibira National Park. The park is Rwanda’s most important catchment area, supplying 70% of the country with water, and its central ridge separates Africa’s two largest drainage systems, the Nile and the Congo – in fact, a spring on the slopes of the 2,950m Mount Bigugu is now considered the world’s most remote source of the world’s longest river.
Nyungwe, like other forests along the Albertine Rift (the stretch of the Rift Valley that goes through Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and northwest Tanzania), is a biodiversity hotspot. More than 1,050 plant species have been documented, including 200 orchids and 250 Albertine Rift Endemics (AREs), as well as at least 120 butterfly species. There are 85 mammal species, 322 bird species, 32 amphibian species, and 38 reptile species in the vertebrate fauna.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a wonderful location to explore during your Rwanda safari. It emanates a liberatingly primeval atmosphere even before you reach the jungle. The road travels through a typical rural Rwandan countryside, with rolling tea plantations and artificially terraced hills one minute and a dense tangle of trees rising imperiously from the bordering farmland the next. For 50 kilometers, the path clings to high wooded slopes, affording amazing panoramas over thickly forested hills that tumble like vast green waves into the distant Burundi border. The rainforest is commonly seen as an intimate and confining environment, and Nyungwe’s wet interior certainly matches that definition. Nyungwe, however, is a beautifully expansive vista from the main road.
The primates are the main attraction for most visitors. All 13 primates species are represented, including a chimp population believed to be around 500, which can usually be tracked swiftly, but many other monkeys, such as the acrobatic Ruwenzori colobus, and the solitary L’Hoest’s monkey, are easily recognized. With its 130km network of walking paths and the region’s only suspended canopy walk, Nyungwe also appeals to birders, botanists, and ardent walkers.
Getting to Nyungwe Forest from Kigali
It takes around 6 hours to drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, to Nyungwe Forest National Park, with a break for a cultural tour of the King’s Palace in Nyanza and the national museum in Butare. The most renowned and simplest route from Kigali city via Huye town through the Nyamagabe area, passing by several historical and cultural landmarks.
