Kamiranzovu Swamp Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Kamiranzovu Swamp Trail in Nyungwe forest National Park: The Kamiranzovu swamp trail in Rwanda’s Nyungwe forest, which begins in the Nyungwe Forest National Park’s Kamiranzovu swamp in southern Rwanda, has quickly become a must-see for all park visitors. Despite the fact that Nyungwe Forest National Park is most renowned for its chimpanzees, the Kamiranzovu waterfall has recently garnered popularity among visitors to the area. The waterfall is separated into two sections: the lower, which sits atop enormous rocks and is ideal for photography, and the higher, which is in front of the rushing water.
Viewing the Kamiranzovu waterfall requires bravery, patience, duty, resolve, and physical condition. It requires trekking through the lush tropical rainforest of Nyungwe Forest National Park. The journey is only 5.9 kilometers long, but the steep terrain makes it challenging and time-consuming.
The volume of the waterfall is largely determined by rainfall and may be fairly severe, especially when it gets around 2000 mm of rain, albeit this is a seasonal phenomenon that can occur at any time of year. Rwanda’s Kamiranzovu National Park is an important water catchment region. This waterfall is accessible year-round and is about a 4- to 6-hour drive from Kigali.
The most isolated of the forest’s waterfalls, including Rusumo and Thompson, is Nyungwe Forest National Park’s Kamiranzovu waterfall. They are in central Kenya and on the Rwanda-Tanzania border, respectively. Because the waterfall is the most distance in the park, visitors must embark on nature walks to get there.
The waterfall’s pace varies on a regular basis; however, it is usually rather rapid. This is owing to the amount of water in the forest as a result of the significant rain that falls nine months out of the year. Regardless of the season, it always rains in the park.
This natural wonder draws a great number of visitors, particularly those on adventure vacations, and if you enjoy nature photography, here is the place to be. The trip from the Uwinka visitors center takes approximately an hour and a half, and most people consider the trip to this waterfall to be a nature walk. During the trip, you’ll observe most forest birds, butterflies, primates, and other animal species, as well as medicinal plants.
Tourists are advised, however, to bring raincoats, hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, and undergarments because the weather in the forest cannot be predicted. Walking sticks are essential for giving support since the forest may be slippery, especially during the wet season.
The trek to the waterfall exposes visitors to a diverse array of animal and plant species. The Rwanda Development Board has cataloged over 38 reptiles and 1,068 plant species, all of which contribute to tourist happiness.
Trained guides assist in explaining each new animal and plant species identified, as well as what distinguishes each variety from the others. Medicinal plants and fruits are those that are consumed by both animals and humans.
The exceptionally thick greenery that surrounds visitors while they wait to view the waterfall takes their breath away. Some of the vegetation is native to the region, while others who have never visited have never seen anything like it. It’s an enthralling pre-experience.
Apart from the Kamiranzovu Swamp trail, Nyungwe Forest National Park is the top chimpanzee trekking site in Rwanda. Because the woods have the largest concentration of chimpanzees in Rwanda, no visitor should miss it.
Guided Hikes along the Kamiranzovu Waterfall Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Guided hikes through the Kamiranzovu waterfall trail in Nyungwe forest national park take you below to see the spectacular little stream rushing as the trail slops into a steep jungle and heavy vegetation, yet from here you can enjoy the sound of the river descending below and the cold damp air. This trail is especially good for birdwatchers since it has various reptile and snake species.
Hikers on the higher western side of the Kamiranzovu trail in Nyungwe Forest will reach multiple great vantage points for taking in the entire marsh, including its exit. It’s about 3 kilometers from the Kamiranzovu waterfall, and then it’s on to Lake Kivu, Lake Tanganyika, and the Congo River.
The Kamiranzovu route in Nyungwe Forest National Park receives its name from the Swahili words ‘Kamira’ (swallow) and ‘Nzovu’ (elephants). In conclusion, Kamiranzovu refers to the elephants that used to roam Nyungwe but were trapped in swamp mud.
Two trailheads for Kamiranzovu are located 0.7 kilometers apart off the main road. Unless you wish to complete the circuit, beginning at the second trailhead to the east reduces the elevation gain by around 37 meters.
This trail also features a long, beautiful descent to the marsh with spectacular vistas. Beginning from the first trailhead allows you to quickly reach the marsh. Start at the first trailhead and simply explore the stretch of the route bordering the Kamiranzovu wetland or see the many varieties of birds and plant life before returning to the road. The round-trip distance from the beginning of the route to the far end of the Orchid Circle and back is approximately 4 kilometers. Hikers that walk the whole Kamiranzovu Swamp trail but avoid the Orchid Loop save around 0.5 kilometers.
At the end of the excursion, visitors can arrange for a pick-up at either trailhead or walk back down the road to a parked car at either end of the circle. The Albertine Rift wetland is home to two distinct Albertine Rift bird species: Grauer’s Swamp Warbler and Albertine Owlet. You may schedule a nocturnal expedition to the marsh with one of the guides who has a recording of the bird’s scream for the latter. The owlet is usually heard rather than seen.
At the far northern end of the Kamiranzovu trail walk, the Uwinka path enters Nyungwe Forest on the left. This connects the Kamiranzovu Trail to the Uwinka Welcome Center property, which is several kilometers further up.
In the Nyungwe forest, the Kamiranzovu trail ascends through damp thickets before descending to the tropical rainforest. On the way, there are several panoramas of wetlands. If you enjoy hiking along the Kamiranzovu route, try adding the Uwinka trail to your itinerary. Nyungwe Forest National Park has roughly 19 nature paths that you may explore at any time during your visit.
What to pack for a guided hike along the Kamiranzovu Trail in Nyungwe Forest?
A raincoat or jacket is required for a guided trip along the Kamiranzovu route in Nyungwe forest, as it may rain at any time. You should also bring a camera with additional batteries, binoculars, a decent 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 supplied at the park reception area.
Where to Stay when visiting Kamiranzovu Trail 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. One and Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hotel, Gisakura Visitor Center, and Nziza Eco Lodge, among others, are some of the top lodges where you may stay to make your safari to the park unforgettable.
How to reach Nyungwe Forest National Park?
The Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda is located in the southern part of the country, on the border with Burundi, and it takes around 6 hours to get there from Kigali. Instead, you may take a RwandAir flight from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe, which departs every morning and takes around 40 minutes.
Call a reputable tour operator for advice on the best alternatives to include in your schedule.
