Hike the Rukuzi Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Hike the Rukuzi Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park: Rukuzi Trail is located in Nyungwe forest national park. It measures 9.1 kilometers in length. It takes around 5 hours to complete a full circuit. The Rukuzi path is one of the longest hiking trails in Nyungwe forest, but it is such a rewarding experience, allowing visitors to observe beautiful flora as well as some of the forest’s permanent residents, including chimps, colobus monkeys, a variety of bird species, and butterflies.

This is one of the best hiking trails in Nyungwe forest since it leads tourists to the most thrilling trekking experience in the forest: chimpanzees, who are frequently seen along the Rukuzi trail, as well as other primates like colobus monkeys. Aside from primates, this trip travels through some magnificent landscapes that draw the trekker’s attention.

When is the best time to hike Rukuzi Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park?

The Rukuzi path in Nyungwe Forest National Park is difficult to hike during the wet season due to the high slopes, but it is definitely worth it. This season begins in March, April, May, October, and November, when most of the Nyungwe and Cyamudongo forests in Nyungwe forest national park receive more than 100mm of rain, making the path muddy and treacherous, though hikers who trek this trail during the rainy season have a better chance of spotting chimps than hikers who trek during the dry season. While it is more challenging during the rainy season.

Why you should hike the Rukuzi Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park?

The Rukuzi trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park is also a good choice for birdwatchers, as it allows you to observe many resident birds as well as a large number of Palearctic migrants and other species when they are most colorful and apparent. The Rukuzi trail is particularly well-known in the Nyungwe forest for its animal variety. Trekking the Rukuzi trail in Nyungwe Forest allows visitors to observe chimpanzees, enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Kivu, and explore the canopy walk and tea plantations.

Other Trails that visitors can hike in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Bigugu Trail

The Mount Bigugu nature trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park offers guests an exciting stroll through the forest’s vegetation as well. 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. Nyabishwati is the beginning point for treks on this trail.

Kamiranzovu Swamp Trail.

The Kamiranzovu wetland route in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest has the park’s largest wetland, Kamiranzovu Swamp. Hikers on this trail may come across several stunning waterfalls along the route. It is around 5.9 kilometers long and takes about 3½ hours to travel. Hiking expeditions along this path begin at 9 a.m. every day. The path is named after the Kamiranzovu wetland, the final resting place of the woodland elephant.

Ngabwe Trail

The Ngabwe trail in the Nyungwe forest national park is ideal for individuals who want to camp in the middle of nature. There are also beautiful picnic places with views of the forest canopy on this hiking trail. This walk is roughly 4.6 kilometers long and takes 3-4 hours to complete. This trail is perfect for birdwatching, and tourists begin their adventure every morning at 9 a.m. from the Kitabi reception area.

Umuyove Trail

Visitors to this nature trail, also known as the Mahogany route, may relax by a waterfall, walk beneath some of the park’s tallest trees, and smell the aromatic leaves. The 5.5-kilometer-long Umuyove Trail provides access to different side pathways used for chimpanzee Trekking. This trail’s hiking journey takes around 3½ hours to complete.

Congo Nile Trail

The Congo-Nile Hiking Trail, which runs alongside Lake Kivu and passes through rainforests, bracken fields, and bamboo woods, is popular with both bikers and walkers.

The trekking path takes 10 days to complete on foot, with several brief boat journeys in between. It is feasible to trek in segments. The route, which mostly follows local people’s footpaths, is a fantastic opportunity to take up daily life in traditional communities while staying close to nature and seeing Rwanda up close.

The Congo-Nile hiking trail offers some of the best hiking in east and central Africa, with interesting community-based tourism activities, coffee-washing stations, tea plantations, big towns, dozens of villages, and innumerable beaches, coves, waterfalls, valleys, and vistas.

This hiker’s fantasy winds its way along the lake’s rim via the summits of Rwanda’s lush highlands, and it’s as difficult as it is wonderful. It’s also a rigorous exercise, with a peak elevation of 2,630m. For those seeking a little more comfort, there are campgrounds along the road and guesthouses in the towns. There are little stores along the route that sell refreshments. Active travelers may explore the coastline waters on kayaking trips and boat rides, as well as see Lake Kivu’s many islands. The route is accessible from both north and south. Hikers are usually recommended to arrange their accommodations ahead of time.

Isumo Trail.

The Isumo trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is a 10.6-kilometer track that leads hikers past beautiful tea farms, steep rainforest ravines, and the park’s largest waterfall. A four-hour trip along this path begins at the Gisakura office and ends at the Gisakura office.

Muzimu Trail

Hiking trips along the Muzimu Trail in Nyungwe Forest are reasonably moderate climbs in Rwanda’s remote northeastern region, taking hikers through pine and eucalyptus trees for 5.2 kilometers. On a clear day, one may see the Lake Kivu and Virunga Volcanoes from this walk, as well as various bird species. This trek begins at the Gisovu Ranger Station and takes 3½ hours to complete.

Irebero Trail.

The Irebero nature trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park is a 3.4-kilometer loop that circles two of the park’s highest peaks and offers views of Lake Kivu in Rwanda. Hiking trips on this path last roughly 3 hours.

What to pack for your hike along the Rukuzi Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park?

A raincoat or jacket is essential for a guided excursion into the Nyungwe forest along the Kamiranzovu trail, as it may rain at any time. You should also bring binoculars, a good pair of hiking boots, long-sleeved clothing, a helmet, sunscreen cream and insect repellent cream, garden gloves, bottled water, energy drinks, and snacks, and a walking stick, which will be provided at the park reception area.

While planning a guided hike to the Rukuzi trail or a chimpanzee trekking safari to Nyungwe Forest National Park, you may want to include Volcanoes National Park in your itinerary for one of the most unforgettable experiences such as mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, visiting the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, and visiting Dian Fossey’s gravesite.

Where to stay in Nyungwe Forest National Park?

For accommodation in Nyungwe forest national park, visitors can always stay in any of the following lodges including; Gisakura Visitor Centre, Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel, Gisakura Guesthouse, and One and Only Nyungwe House.

How to get to Nyungwe Forest National Park?

From Kigali, drive south across Lake Kivu to Nyungwe National Park. The distance between Kigali and Nyungwe National Park is approximately 225 kilometers, and the journey will take around 6 hours.

Traveling to Nyungwe Forest National Park via flight is an option for people who want to avoid the long driving hours. RwandAir offers flights from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe International Airport. After landing in Kamembe, you will travel 32 kilometers to the park.