Hike Irebero Trail
Hike Irebero Trail : The Irebero Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda is hidden behind an old forest canopy. The fact that Nyungwe Forest is located in the southern part of Rwanda adds to the sense of adventure. The Irebero route surrounds two of the highest peaks in Nyungwe Forest. Hikers on this path may be able to catch a sight of Lake Kivu. It is a 3½ kilometer round hike that takes about 3 hours to complete. Hiking expeditions on this path begin at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., respectively.
The word ‘Irebero’ means ‘a place to observe from,’ and the views are without a doubt the highlight of this trek. By circling around one of the park’s highest peaks, 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. This beautiful trip is enhanced by wildflowers, big trees, and an abundance of birds.
The Irebero trail in Nyungwe forest national park provides beautiful views, and the breathtaking overlooks along this route attract romanticists every day. Visit the most pristine and hidden environment, with fresh green vegetation, butterflies, bird species, and various primates that have lured so many visitors from all tribes, cultures, and nationalities to spend the bulk of their exhilarating hours walking the Irebero path.
The Irebero trail is a wonderful choice for a walk while in the Nyungwe forest; safaris are thrilling for reasons other than the big events. A walking safari will allow you to see a wide range of wildlife in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
You not only learn how to follow and distinguish different prints up close, but you also get to witness mother nature at its best. There will be lizards, scaled reptiles, and the little five, which include the rhino beetle, weaver birds, leopard tortoise, and elephant shrew.
A variety of birds may be seen here, as well as a beautiful green scenery and a pleasant view of Lake Kivu. This is one of those places where tourists yearning for unspoiled environment will come highly recommended.
On a trip, you may see the many tree varieties that give company as you try to figure out how they are sheltered from these ideal weather conditions, and it is not unusual to see roses growing in such a position. This lush setting will attract you; flowers thrive in all colors of the rainbow, making it stunning.
When is the best time to hike the Irebero Trail in Nyungwe Forest?
Hiking tours along the Irebero trail in Nyungwe Forest can be taken at any time of year; however, the ideal time to visit the area is from late May to early September and from December to February.
What is the cost of hiking the Irebero Trail in Nyungwe Forest?
Hikes in Nyungwe Forest National Park cost $15 per person for half a day and $25 per person for full days. These hiking expenses include park guide fees but do not include the 100 USD per person per day park admission charge.
How long does it take to hike the Irebero Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park?
Guided hikes along the Irebero trail in Nyungwe Forest national park 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 national park commence at 9 am every morning and 1pm every afternoon.
Other Hiking Trails in Nyungwe Forest.
Igishigishigi Trail
For first-time hikers and beginners, the Igishigishigi nature route in Nyungwe Forest National Park is the greatest and most recommended hiking track 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. In Nyungwe forest, the Igishigishigi route may be connected with longer excursions such as the Imbaraga and Umuyove trails.
Umugote Trail
The Umugote route in Nyungwe forest provides visitors with spectacular views of mountains, forests, and brilliant flowers. On a clear day, hikers utilising the Umugote trail may be able to glimpse the Kibira National Park in Burundi. This hiking trail is also a great place to see monkeys and birds. The trip is 3.6 km long and takes around 3 hours to complete; treks begin at 9 a.m. every morning and 1 p.m. every afternoon.
Karamba Trail
The Karamba trail 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 wooded 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 km long and takes about 3 hours. Visitors should start their journey at the Gisakura tourist center. Every day, hikes on this hiking path begin at 8 a.m. and stop at 1 p.m.
Umuyove Trail
The 5.6-kilometer Umuyove hiking and nature trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park takes around 4 hours to complete. The ‘Mahogany’ hiking trail is called for the mahogany trees that line it and give a good view of the waterfalls. Some hikers choose the Umuyove path since it is relatively short and delivers a fantastic sensation of refreshing breath from the waterfall, as well as exceptionally beautiful flowers seen along the way and surrounding the falls, and a diversity of bird species, including water birds. This short trip from the Uwinka receiving center to Buhoro takes about 312 hours, with treks beginning at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. every day.
Isumo Trail
Visitors to Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park can participate in a guided walk to the famous Isumo waterfalls. The 17-meter-high falls provide tourists with breathtaking views of tunnels and even the Kamiranzovu wetland. Along certain hiking paths, visitors will be able to witness snakes, birds, butterflies, wildflowers, and rare tree and plant species.
Hiking paths begin at car parks 1 and 2, and they may be shorter than other national park head routes. A Congo Nile guided walk, a three-day hiking trip, and forest camping are all available to tourists visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Bigugu Trail
The Bigugu hiking trek in Nyungwe forest is a 6-hour climb that leads hikers through a 6.6-kilometer trail to the summit of Bigugu mountain peak, which is 2,950 metres high. This is one of the best hiking trails in the park, providing stunning vistas of Lake Kivu and a variety of bird species. Nonetheless, the Bigugu hiking trail is exceedingly steep and, in most places, slippery, needing physical stamina to reach the summit. Hiking trips on this path begin at 9 a.m. from the Uwinka reception center.
Imbaraga Trail
The Imbaraga trail is a 9.8-kilometer walk that takes around 6 hours to complete and begins at the Uwinka welcome center. It is a difficult hiking trail that demands hikers to be in top physical condition while still providing some of the greatest vistas in the park. It is best suited for experienced hikers, and there are four waterfalls to witness. Every morning at 9 a.m., hiking trips on this path begin.
Muzimu Trail
The Muzimu nature and hiking path in Nyungwe forest national park is 5.2 km long and can be completed in 312 hours; hiking trips begin at 9 a.m. daily and depart from the Gisovu ranger post. This hiking trail provides hikers with a panoramic perspective of the national park. Hikers on this trail may also see Lake Kivu and the Virunga Massif’s volcanic highlands.
Uwinka Trail
The Uwinka Trail in Nyungwe Forest is one of the most popular hiking trails in the park. Hikers can start their journey at the Uwinka Visitor Centre or one of the local trailheads along the Huye-Rusizi Road.
The majority of Nyungwe Forest trekking begins at Irebero Trailhead 2, 0.8 km from Uwinka Reception and a somewhat longer distance through the Imbaraga Trail branch. This subpar Uwinka path in Nyungwe forest is frequently bypassed in favor of a half-dozen other routes closer to the Uwinka Visitor Centre.
The journey is long but not exceptionally difficult. The trip offers some of the most breathtaking views in Nyungwe Forest, especially from high viewing points overlooking Kamiranzovu Marsh. There are lovely trees, wide walks, and a small, pleasant, and peaceful waterfall. Mangabeys and blue monkeys are frequently sighted, and a huge group of colobus monkeys has been spotted crossing the woods.
Kamiranzovu Swamp Trail
The Kamiranzovu Swamp hiking trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park includes the park’s largest swamp, Kamiranzovu Swamp. Beautiful waterfalls may be seen along the route for hikers on this walk. It is around 5.9 km long and takes about 3½ hours to walk. Every day at 9 a.m., hiking tours along this path begin. The route is named after the last forest elephant that perished in the Kamiranzovu swamp.
Congo Nile Trail
The Congo Nile Trail is well-known among cyclists and experienced hikers in Nyungwe Forest National Park. It is the national park’s longest hiking trail, stretching around 227 km. Hikers will need 4 nights and 5 days to finish this hiking and nature trek. Hiking tours along the Congo Nile Trail depart at 8 a.m.
This hiking path is ideal for those who wish to meet and engage with Rwandans as well as see the Richard Kandt residence. Hikers may also stop by a mediaeval chapel, swim and paddle on Lake Kivu, and see coffee plantations along the way.
Congo Nile Divide Trail
The Congo Nile Divide trail is one of Nyungwe Forest National Park’s longest hiking and nature trails. It is 42,2 km long and takes typically 3 nights and 4 days to complete for guests. It is a difficult walk that is normally advised for experienced hikers and those seeking excitement, with hiking tours beginning at 8 a.m.
Ngabwe Trail
The Ngabwe trail is ideal for people looking to camp in Nyungwe Forest National Park. This hiking trail also has wonderful picnic areas with views of the forest canopy. This walk is around 4.6 km long and takes about 4 hours to complete. This trail is great for birding, and guests start their walk from the Kitabi reception area at 9 a.m. every morning.
Rukuzi Trail
This 9.1-kilometer Rukuzi hiking trail takes around 5 hours to complete and begins every morning at 9 a.m. at the Uwinka welcome center. This hiking track is such a beautiful experience since it allows hikers to engage with chimps on a chimp trekking tour to Nyungwe forest national park, which is the park’s primary feature, as well as a lovely leaf cover that draws the hiker’s eye.
Ndambarare Waterfalls Trail
The Ndambarare waterfall path in Nyungwe Forest National Park is a very simple hiking trek that spans 9.6 km and takes around 3½ hours to complete round trip. Hiking trips on this path begin at 9 a.m. every morning and 1 p.m. every afternoon from the Gisakura receiving Centre. Hiking the Ndambarare waterfall route in Nyungwe Forest National Park provides visitors with views of the beautiful Ndambarare waterfalls as well as many overlooks of the Gisakura tea industry and plantation.
How to get to Uwinka Trail in Nyungwe Forest?
Kigali International Airport, in Kigali’s outskirts, will mostly probably be your point of entry into Rwanda. The park is located 220 kilometers south of Kigali, 100 kilometres from Huye province, and 55 kilometres from Rusizi province. Travel time from Kigali is around 5 to 6 hours, 2 to 3 hours from Huye, and 1½ hours from Rusizi. Rwanda has a speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour, so make sure not to exceed it in order to avoid fines for speeding.
Finally, explore the natural regions and look for birds resting in canopies. A photography experience, as well as birdwatching, are two activities you should not miss out on during this stroll. Visitors to Nyungwe Forest National Park can book chimp trekking trips to explore the park’s natural trails.
