Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the best places in the land of a thousand hills to visit, it is among the few remaining ancient montane forests said to have survived since the ice age era, and the ever-green forest comprises a variety of animal and plant species, there are about 1000 species of plants, 75 mammal types and over 300 species of birds that have been recorded in the conservation area to date some of which are endemics to the Virunga and the great Albertine rift valley region, Nyungwe forest was first recognized as a national park in the 2004 being managed under the Rwanda development board.
The park is a major water catchment area for the surrounding communities, it is a beginning point for many rivers and is believed to be the source of the Nile one of the longest rivers of the world, the topography nature of the hilly landscape in the park features amazing waterfalls which can be seen through the well-distributed trails of the national park, along which are sights of primates, for example, the black and white colobus monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, red colobus monkeys to mention a few. The trails also lead you through the forest to begin activities, for example, chimpanzee tracking from the Umwinka visitor center, and the Isoma waterfall hike.
Hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park include the Isoma Waterfall Trail, also known as the Kamiranzofu trail. It is the most hiked trail in the forest leading through to amazing waterfalls, it stretches about 10 kilometres along which you will be in position to see some of the park animals, for example, the black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, on a lucky day you might spot forest elephants, the presence of birds too is felt from their beautiful melodies. It takes 4-5 hours to hike through the forest to the waterfall point with the lead of an experienced guide.
The Igishigishigi trail is among the most hiked trails of the Nyungwe Forest National Park, it is a much-preferred hike because it can be done by even beginners, it is also the route for the canopy walk, an experience of a lifetime on your Rwanda safari, the canopy walk is done by any category of individuals except for those below the age 5 years old, it takes 4 hours walking through the forest, route along which you will be in a position to see animal species.
Bigugu trail gives one of the most exciting experiences in the national park, it begins with a briefing from the park headquarters, and it can take up to 6 hours to hike to complete, the views from above the hill of the Bigigu are amazing as you will have clear views of the forest.
The Ngambe trail is a shorter hike through the forest taking about 3 hours to hike, it is a much shorter trail and is recommendable for travellers to the conservation area who have less time and would like to do a hike except to see a few primates of the park along the trail and many bird species. The above trails together more others will enable guests to have easy access to the national park. Hikes are guided by experienced guides from the Rwanda Development Board.
In conclusion, hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park will enable you to have smooth access to the conservation area, these trails are used for tracking and guided nature walks.