Hiking Umuyove Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Hiking Umuyove Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park: Nyungwe Forest National Park’s Umuyove trail is around 3 kilometers long and offers a beautiful experience as you walk through waterfalls and see various bird species and primates. It is one of the 19 nature trails that you can explore during a hiking excursion in the park.

Because of its steep terrain and extensive network of hiking trails, Nyungwe Forest National Park is perfect for hikers. The length, simplicity of trekking, and peculiarities of the mahogany path vary; luckily, you’ll be able to observe many different types of monkeys along the way; alternatively, you may not see any or only see a single family. Keep your eyes peeled, listen for branches cracking in the distance, and bring binoculars or a camera with a 50x magnification to capture individuals who are far away.

What to expect when hiking along Umuyove Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park?

In general, the Umuyove track in Nyungwe Forest is a very easy hike, but during the rainy season, the trail may get muddy and there are frequent rains. Having said that, many tourists like yourself go on nature walks and hiking tours to Nyungwe Forest national park during this season and have an enjoyable time.

Birdwatchers should go on nature walks in Nyungwe forest national park during the months of July and August, partly because a large number of Palearctic migrants stimulate local birds, but also because it is the primary nesting season, and many species are at their most colorful and apparent.

Best Time to hike Umuyove Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Trekking the Umuyove Trail in Nyungwe national park is possible all year; however, the months of January, February, June, July, August, September, and December are preferred since the trekking paths are less muddy and treacherous. Rains cause hikes to be delayed and roads to become muddy and rough, lessening the experience; nonetheless, this time of year is ideal for birding in the Nyungwe forest.

Other Hiking and Nature Trails to explore 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.

Congo Nile Divide Trail.

The Congo Nile Divide Trail runs for 227 kilometers through Lake Kivu. The Congo Nile path begins on the northern shore of Lake Kivu in Gisenyi and runs all the way down to the Rusizi area, which is located between the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kahuzi Biega national park and Rwanda’s Nyungwe forest national park.

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/carry on a hike along the Buhoro Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park?

It is necessary to bring a raincoat or jacket for a guided expedition into the Nyungwe forest along the Buhoro trail, as it may rain at any time. Binoculars, a decent pair of hiking boots, long-sleeved clothes, a helmet, sunscreen lotion and insect repellent cream, garden gloves, bottled water, energy drinks, and snacks, and a walking stick are also recommended.

While planning a guided walk to the Buhoro trail or a chimpanzee trekking safari to Nyungwe Forest National Park, including Volcanoes National Park in your itinerary for one of the most unforgettable experiences, including mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, visiting the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, and visiting Dian Fossey’s gravesite.

Accommodation in and around Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Visitors to Nyungwe Forest National Park can stay at any of the following lodges: Gisakura Visitor Centre, Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel, Gisakura Guesthouse, and One and Only Nyungwe House.

How to get to Nyungwe Forest National Park?

Drive south from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park through Lake Kivu. The drive from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park is roughly 225 km long and will take around 6 hours.

For those who wish to bypass the long traveling hours, flying to Nyungwe Forest National Park is a possibility. RwandAir connects Kigali International Airport with Kamembe International Airport. You will travel 32 kilometers to the park after arriving in Kamembe.