Nyungwe trails at a glance
The Nyungwe trails run through mountain rainforest, past waterfalls and up to the summit of Bigugu at 2,950 m. Walks are guided, and hiking alone or leaving the trails is not allowed. Feeding animals, littering and damaging vegetation are also forbidden, and fines of $150 apply.
The Igishigishigi trail is the shortest and easiest, and it is the way to the canopy walkway. The waterfall trails and Bigugu are longer and harder. Ordinary nature walks, including the waterfall trails, are covered by park entry. Multi-day trails are not.
Our picks: guided walks
A waterfall day trip, a rainforest and tea walk and a canopy-and-falls day.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Nyungwe day trip: canopy, zipline and waterfall
- City or airport pick-up
- Private 4x4 and guide
- Lunch and drinks
Canopy, zipline and Ndambarare waterfall fees depend on the option you pick. Park entry is extra.
Check availability →
Tea plantation and Isumo waterfall walk
- Tea tasting
- Guided rainforest walk
- Isumo waterfall
A day from Kigali that pairs a tea plantation with a guided walk through the rainforest. Nyungwe park and activity fees are extra.
Check availability →Canopy walk and waterfall day trip from Kigali
- Guided waterfall walk
- Canopy walk
- Walking stick
A guided nature walk that takes in a waterfall and the canopy walkway, with lunch and water. Park and activity fees are extra.
Check availability →Nyungwe hiking and forest tours
Guided forest hikes, the canopy walk and primate treks, with live prices and availability.
Nyungwe hiking trails and their distances
Mapped lengths. Walking times vary with weather and pace.
| Trail | Length | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Igishigishigi | 2.1 km | Shortest trail, rated easy, leads to the canopy walkway |
| Buhoro | 1.8 km | Rated easy |
| Umuyove | 5.5 km | Rated moderate, can be combined with the canopy walk |
| Imbaraga | 9.8 km | Rated difficult, with waterfalls |
| Irebero | 3.6 km | – |
| Umugote | 3.6 km | – |
| Rukuzi | 9.1 km | – |
| Uwinka | 18 km | – |
| Kamiranzovu (swamp) | 3.92 km | A swamp trail, not the waterfall trail |
| Kamiranzovu Waterfall | 6.5 km | Shortest waterfall variant |
| Ndambarare | 7.5 km | – |
| Bigugu | 13.2 km | Rated difficult, summit at 2,950 m |
| Cyinzobe | 23 km | Multi-day guided walk, about 25 km on some variants |
For most visitors the Igishigishigi trail with the canopy walk is the natural start. A full day on a waterfall trail suits you if you want to see the forest beyond the bridge, and Bigugu is for experienced walkers. Plan about 2 hours for Igishigishigi and allow more after rain.
Isumo waterfall and the waterfall trails
Check which waterfall trails you can walk.
The Isumo trail is described as a walk through tea plantations and forest gorges to a waterfall. The waterfall routes on the park map are the Kamiranzovu Waterfall trail and Ndambarare. Ask at the visitor centre which waterfall trails you can walk on your dates. Do not plan on swimming in the waterfalls, and ask your guide what is allowed.
Imbaraga is the other trail with waterfalls. It is 9.8 km and rated difficult. Kamiranzovu is also the name of a swamp trail of 3.92 km, which is a different walk.
Costs and rules for guided walks
What you pay and what is expected.
Park entry covers nature walks
Ordinary nature trails, waterfalls included, are covered by park entry. Multi-day trails are not. International adults pay $100 for one night of entry.
Park fees →Community guides and porters
Freelance community guides are charged separately at $15 for a half day and $25 for a full day. Porters cost $5 or $10.
Long walks
The Cyinzobe walk takes 3 days with meals and hut nights. The mapped distance is 23 km, and on some variants it adds up to about 25 km. A longer Congo-Nile crossing of 109 km and a shorter 50 km version over 3 to 4 days also exist, so ask which route is on offer. It is not the Congo Nile Trail along Lake Kivu.
Congo Nile Trail →Safety advice
German travel advice asks you to hike only with state-registered guides. Walk with the park's guides and stay on the marked trail.
Travel advice →Where the trails start
Two main bases for walkers.
Uwinka is the base for the Igishigishigi trail, the canopy walkway and the longer trails around the visitor centre. Gisakura on the western side is the base for waterfall walks, community experiences and Cyamudongo, and its park camping has 6 wooden platforms. Day visitor centres on the main road are open from 07:00 to 17:00. If you want a quiet day, start early, and check the weather page for the rainy months, because afternoons are wetter and trails turn muddy.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where to go next.
Nyungwe hiking: frequently asked questions
Can I hike in Nyungwe without a guide?
No. Unaccompanied walks and leaving the trails are not allowed. Fines of $150 apply for breaking the rules.
Which is the easiest Nyungwe trail?
Igishigishigi at 2.1 km and Buhoro at 1.8 km are rated easy. Igishigishigi also leads to the canopy walkway.
How long is the Igishigishigi trail?
It is 2.1 km. Plan about 2 hours for the walk and allow more after rain.
Is the Isumo waterfall open?
The waterfall routes on the park map are the Kamiranzovu Waterfall trail at 6.5 km and Ndambarare at 7.5 km. Ask at the visitor centre which ones you can walk.
Are hikes included in the park entry?
Ordinary nature walks, including the waterfall trails, are covered by entry. Multi-day trails are not, and community guides and porters are charged separately.
Is Bigugu a hard climb?
Yes. The trail is 13.2 km long and ends at the 2,950 m summit. The park rates it as difficult.