Nature Walks in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nature Walks in Nyungwe Forest National Park: Nyungwe Nature Walks are a unique way to explore Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests situated in the south-west of Rwanda. Visitors can enjoy guided walks along green tracks, including the Igishigishigi Trail, which has a canopy walk experience or the Umoyove Trail, which has peaceful waterfalls.

These walks bring you face to face with a variety of wildlife, from monkeys to birds and even rare plants. Nyungwe Forest, usually combined with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda, is the ultimate Visit Rwanda destination for nature and adventure lovers and it’s one of those must-visit places for any Rwanda safari itinerary.

Nyungwe Forest is situated amongst rolling hills and valleys along the Albertine Rift and spans more than 1,000 km2 of lush tropical forest. The park lies at an altitude of 1,600 to 2,950 meters above sea level, offering a cool, misty climate with wonderful conditions for biodiversity. Thick canopies, enormous ferns, orchids, bamboo sectors and mossy trees add together to form a quite magical mood.

Nature walks enable visitors to observe its complexity. Walking in Nyungwe forest is altogether different from safari drives in the open country parks. Each step reveals new patterns in touch, sound and smell, from the calls of winged creatures above to the patter of monkeys scurrying through the treetops. It is often likened to a “living museum”, as it has been preserved for millions of years, harbouring plants and animals that have become extinct in other areas of Africa.

What makes Nyungwe a special destination for nature walks?

The varying landscapes of dense forest and open sky in the Nyungwe Forest make this one of the best places for a relaxing nature walk. The forest astonishes visitors with the overwhelming feeling of natural surroundings above the tall trees, and on every side is lush greenery and colourful plants. The pleasant climate in the area also contributes to enjoyable walks around the trails.

One of the things that makes walking in Nyungwe Forest so attractive is the choice of routes. They include a variety of trails suited to different levels of fitness and interests, for anyone who wants a short, leisurely walk or a longer and more demanding outing. Some of the trails lead to waterfalls, while others go to the heart of the rainforest.

One of the highlights is also the biodiversity of the forest. During walks, visitors may behold tropical birds, insects, and occasionally primates. And it is not uncommon to hear the birds singing or to see a monkey leaping through the branches. The diversity of the plants is just as fascinating, with lots of rare flowers, mosses and ferns growing along the paths.
Then it is this tranquillity, this absence of the city, which propels you along at Nyungwe. Guided or unguided, these walks enable people to experience nature in its purest form, where ecosystems are relatively undisturbed.

Nature Walk Trails in Nyungwe

Nyungwe Forest National Park has a vast array of well-maintained walking paths to choose from to suit your walking style.

1. Igishigishigi Trail (Canopy Walk Trail) It is one of the most popular park walks as it incorporates the iconic canopy walkway, which hangs 50 metres above the forest floor. Though the trail is short, it is very beautiful as it takes travellers through dense foliage and ends at the aerial bridge. Enjoy panoramic views and come face to face with monkeys and birds as you proceed above the treetops.

2. Umuyove Trail A birders’ paradise, this path goes through well-flowering plants where big trees are home to plenty of bird species. The hike boasts panoramic views of forested ridges and distant peaks.

3. Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail This strenuous and long trek leads to the largest wetland in Nyungwe. Unique vegetation surrounds the marsh, home to some rare orchids and endemic species. It’s perfect for those curious about plants and ecosystems.

4. Isumo Waterfall Trail One of the most fulfilling walks in the To Lushanhe area, this hiking path wanders through tea fields along with thick woodlands and breathtaking vistas, and finishes atop a surprise waterfall. Watch out for primates and striking butterflies as you hike.

5. Bigugu Trail This is the park’s highest trail, summiting Bigugu Mount, and it is perfect for intrepid trekkers. Challenging the strenuous hike offers spectacular views of Lake Kivu and the surrounding scenery.

Wildlife Encounters During Nature Walks

With its phenomenal array of biodiversity, Nyungwe Forest allows nature walks that bring wildlife encounters in a natural setting that is both up close and personal. The park contains 13 species of primates, which are:

• Angolan colobus monkeys, which can be found in large groups.
• L’Hoest’s monkeys.
• Blue monkeys.
• Grey-cheeked mangabeys. Although watching chimpanzees requires a special permit, visitors occasionally catch remote calls of chimpanzees, making the tour even more exciting.

Birding here is especially good; Nyungwe has more than 300 species of birds, many of which are Albertine Rift endemics. Bird lovers often collect colourful turacos, sunbirds, and rare forest birds that bring birders from around the world.

There are plenty of other reasons to make walks interesting: chameleons, butterflies, frogs, and, in this moist climate, an endless array of insects. Guides to the flora also often reference the medicinal plants with which they take Rwandan tradition, combining cultural and ecological discovery.

Best Time for Nature Walks

Nature walks are possible all year long, but the dry seasons, June to September and December to February, are usually the best times. The trails are drier, making for easier and safer hiking.

However, there are benefits to travelling in the rainy seasons. The forest is greener, waterfalls are stronger, and there are more birds. Rain showers are usually short, and the misty weather just adds to the rainforest’s mythical splendour.

Walking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is a unique experience: It’s like walking in one of the best rainforests of Africa. The park’s varied wildlife, trails for hiking, waterfalls, and breathtaking views behind the canopy provide nature and adventure lovers with a reason to fall in love.