Mount Bigugu Trail Nyungwe Forest National Park

The Mount Bigugu Trail is situated in Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Rwanda’s national parks, which encompasses Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Nyungwe Forest National Park currently harbors a quarter of Africa’s total primate species, with 13 recorded species, including chimpanzees, which are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Numerous pathways exist in Nyungwe Forest that visitors can traverse for a wilderness experience during a safari in this region of Rwanda. Nyungwe Park currently offers 15 nature paths, each featuring a distinct feature or experience.

The Mount Bigugu trail is one of several trails, including the Ngabwe trail, renowned for birdwatching; the Congo Nile Divide trail, which delineates the separation of the Nile and Congo River waters; the Muzimu trail, offering spectacular views of Lake Kivu, the volcanoes, and Nyungwe Forest Park; the Rukuzi trail; the Igishigishi trail, which leads to the canopy walkway of Nyungwe Forest National Park; the Buhoro trail, a brief path within the park; and the Imbaraga trail, which presents a challenging yet rewarding experience for those seeking physical exertion.

The Nyungwe Forest National Park features several trails: the Irebero Trail, which offers a distant view of Burundi; the Umuyove Trail, which leads to the park’s waterfalls; the Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail, directing visitors to the largest wetland; the Isumo Waterfall Trail, which culminates at the park’s largest waterfall; the Karamba Trail, ideal for birdwatching; and the Uwinka Trail, connecting the Irebero railhead to the beginning of the Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail.

The Mount Bigugu trail

This write-up centers on the Mount Bigugu trek, which has significant physical challenges and thus imposes emotional demands as well. The Mount Bigugu trek is ideal for people seeking a more challenging hike, reaching altitudes of up to 2,950 meters above sea level, with a minimum elevation of 2,367 meters above sea level.

The Mount Bigugu walk is a 6-hour trek covering an approximate distance of 13.2 kilometers, leading to excellent birdwatching locations within the forest. The prevalent avian species on this trail is the collared mountain babbler, which is very uncommon compared to the 275 other bird species documented in this forest. This trail ascends to the highest elevation within the park, specifically at the summit of Mount Bigugu in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Explore the exquisite flora and diminutive woodland fauna of Nyungwe forest ; this trek is optimally traversed during the dry season. Traverse the fiery blossom blossoms that ascend to the summit, merging with the Disa robusta and other flora. Another notable plant encountered on this trek is the little Lobelia petiolata, located at elevations ranging from 2,400 to 3,000 meters.

The ascent of Mount Bigugu commences at an elevation of 150 meters above sea level, featuring a nearly one-kilometer length of severe inclines, traversing the roadbed established along the mountain’s elongated shoulder.

This hike features a level section that extends for 3 kilometers, providing an enjoyable experience with no exertion. Upon reaching the summit of this mountain, travelers can enjoy a panoramic view of Nyungwe Forest National Park. On a clear day, one may observe Lake Kivu from a distance, as well as the highlands of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and potentially even the Kibira National Park in Burundi.

A visit to Nyungwe Forest National Park can be enhanced by a hike to Mount Bigugu, allowing for enjoyment of both primate and mountaineering safaris. This experience may closely resemble that of Volcanoes National Park, where guests partake in mountain gorilla trekking and conclude with a hike on Mount Bisoke.

Guided Hike along Mount Bigugu Trail in Nyungwe Forest

The Bulera Swamp, inhabited by many species, serves as the initial stop on the walk. Be vigilant for hippos in the mud and water lilies in the lake! Nearby, there are picnic tables available for you to relax and consume a snack. Proceed to Lake Burera, another exquisite site within the park. The crystalline waters reflect the adjacent trees, and fauna flourishes along the banks. This location features picnic tables, making it ideal for enjoying a picnic lunch while relaxing by the lake’s edge. The path parallels the water until it arrives at Lake Rwanyakoma, the largest and most exquisite of the three lakes.

The path proceeds alongside the water until it arrives at Lake Rwanyakoma, the largest and most picturesque of the three lakes. As you proceed down the path, you will encounter tea and coffee plantations, where you can observe the farmers cultivating the crops. After around three hours of trekking, you arrive at the base of the falls. Prior to resuming your journey, you may take a brief diversion to view the base of the waterfall. Absorb the environment as you up the incline, stopping to see the breathtaking scenery en route. Ultimately, you will arrive at the summit of the falls, where you can leisurely appreciate this tranquil area. The Nyarusiza Cave is in close proximity.

Hiking excursions to the summit of Mount Bigugu in Nyungwe Forest offer visitors the most breathtaking panoramic vistas within Nyungwe Forest National Park. On a bright day, Lake Kivu glimmers in the distance, among the mountains and islands of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the expanse of Nyungwe’s forest in Burundi’s Kabira National Park. With luck, you might catch a distant view of the towering peaks of Volcanoes National Park.

What is the duration required to traverse the Mount Bigugu Trail in Nyungwe Forest?

A guided hike on the Mount Bigugu trail in Nyungwe Forest lasts approximately 6 hours and spans a distance of about 6.6 kilometers. Hiking expeditions along the trail commence everyday at 9 am.

What is the cost to trek the Mount Bigugu Trail in Nyungwe Forest?

A guided hike on the Mount Bigugu Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park is priced at 15 USD per person, which includes a park guide but does not cover the park entry fee of 100 USD per person per day.

Rukuzi Trail

The 9.1-kilometer Rukuzi hiking trail requires around 5 hours to traverse and commences daily at 9 a.m. from the Uwinka welcome center. This hiking trail offers an exquisite experience, enabling hikers to interact with chimpanzees on a trekking safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park, the park’s principal attraction, complemented by an appealing canopy that captivates the hiker’s attention.

Kamiranzovu Swamp Trail

The Kamiranzovu Swamp route in Nyungwe Forest features the park’s largest wetland, Kamiranzovu Swamp. Stunning waterfalls can be observed along the path for hikers on this trek. The walk measures approximately 5.9 kilometers in length and requires roughly 3.5 hours to complete. Hiking trips along this path commence daily at 9 a.m. The trail is named in honor of the last forest elephant that perished in the Kamiranzovu wetland.

Isumo Trail

The Isumo trail is a renowned hiking route in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The 10.6-kilometer circuit requires approximately 4 hours for completion. Hiking excursions on this trail commence at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., departing from the Gisakura tourist center. This journey leads to the renowned Isumo waterfalls, traversing huge tea plantations and the Nyungwe forest. Visitors navigating this trail on a pleasant day may observe several species of monkeys and birds.

Kamiranzovu Swamp Trail

Isumo Trail

Igishigishigi Trail

The Igishigishigi trail in Nyungwe Forest is the premier and most endorsed hiking route in the park for novice hikers and beginners. This 2.1-kilometer hiking trail provides the most exceptional vistas of the Canopy Walkway in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Visitors can ascend this trek in approximately 2 hours, commencing at the Uwinka Visitor Centre. The Igishigishigi path can be integrated with further hikes such as the Imbaraga and Umuyove trails.

Umuyove Trail

The 5.6-kilometer Umuyove route in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest requires around 4 hours for completion. The ‘Mahogany’ hiking trail derives its name from the mahogany trees that border it, providing an excellent view of the waterfalls. Some hikers opt for the Umuyove path because to its brevity and the invigorating mist from the waterfall, alongside the stunning flora and a variety of avian species, including aquatic birds, encountered en route and around the falls. The brief journey from the Uwinka receiving center to Buhoro lasts approximately 312 hours, with departures at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily.

Imbaraga Trail

The Imbaraga track in Nyungwe Forest National Park is a 9.8-kilometer hike that requires around 6 hours to finish, commencing at the Uwinka Welcome Facility. The trail is challenging and requires hikers to be in peak physical condition, although it offers some of the most spectacular views in the park. This is well designed for seasoned hikers, featuring four waterfalls to observe. Hiking excursions on this trail commence every morning at 9 a.m.

Karamba Trail

Visitors can also traverse the Karamba hiking and nature trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is an uncomplicated path. It is constructed upon the remnants of a previous gold mine, marketplace, and military barracks. This densely forested walking track is acknowledged as one of the premier locations for birding safaris in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The round trek to the tail is around 2 kilometers and requires about 3 hours. Visitors traversing this route should commence at the Gisakura tourism center. Hikes on this trail commence at 8 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m. daily.

Ngabwe Trail

The Ngabwe route in Nyungwe Forest is optimal for individuals seeking camping opportunities. This hiking trail features excellent picnic areas with picturesque views of the forest canopy. This hike measures approximately 4.6 kilometers and requires roughly 4 hours to do. This track is excellent for avian observation, with visitors commencing their journey from the Kitabi reception area at 9 a.m. daily.

Ndambarare Trail

The Ndambarare route in Nyungwe Forest National Park culminates with the magnificent Ndambarare Waterfalls. This is a moderately easy hiking trail that spans 9.6 kilometers and requires approximately 3.5 hours to complete a circular trip. Hiking excursions on this trail commence at the Gisakura reception promptly at 9 am each morning and at 1 pm in the afternoon. Hikers on the Ndambarare trail in Nyungwe Forest are afforded panoramic views of the Gisakura tea farm and processing facility.