One of Rwanda’s most thrilling trekking routes is the Mount Bigugu Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park. the trail derives its name from the highest peak of Nyungwe forest park which rises to approximately 2950 meters. Hiking along the Bigugu trail offers a strenuous but worthwhile trip through verdant, biodiverse surroundings. Nyungwe Forest National Park is situated in the southwestern part of Rwanda and is well-known for its old montane rainforest, which is home to a wide range of plant and animal species as well as breathtaking natural beauty. The tallest peak in Nyungwe Forest, Mount Bigugu provides hikers with breathtaking sweeping views of the surrounding area. Hikers, wildlife enthusiast and those looking for a real adventure in one of Africa’s most pristine forests will love this walk. Along the Bigugu hiking trail, visitors enjoy the forest greenery filled with flame flowers including the conical orange owers of the orchid, Disa Robusta; the red orange owers of Red-hot Poker; and the scarlet owers of the uncommon Nyungwe jewelweed—may be granted upon you during the dry season to may light-up your trek. The 7-kilometer walk takes you through the forest, clear water streams, terraced tea farms, winding mountain roads and thundering waterfalls. As you trek you will luckily spot chimps swing in the forest trees as there are lots of stops along the way.
Nyungwe forest park is the largest virgin area of highland comprising a rainforest in eastern Africa. It covers 1,015 km2 in the hilly southwest of Rwanda and connects to Kibira National Park in Burundi. Seventy percent of Rwanda gets its water from this park it acts as a central ridge that separates Africa’s two biggest drainage systems, the Nile and Congo. In fact, a spring on the slopes of Mount Bigugu is thought to be the farthest away source of the world’s longest river. The park is endowed with rich biodiversity including more than 1050 plant species, 0ver 250 Albertine rift endemics 85 mammals, 32 amphibians, 38 reptiles and 322 bird species.
Most visitors to Nyungwe Forest National Park are drawn by the by the large population of primate species that call this park home. The most sought-after species in this area are the chimpanzees which are approximately 500. Other primate species in the park include the black and white colobus monkey, L’Hoest monkeys, golden monkeys, olive baboons, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, owl-faced monkeys and many others. The park is also an ideal birding destination and the only place with the region’s suspended walking trail known as the canopy walk.
A guided hike along the Bigugu trail.
Embarking on a nature walk along the Bigugu trail promises an unforgettable adventure combining physical challenge with rewards of Rwanda’s rich biodiversity and stunning land scapes. A guided nature walk along the trail starts at Uwinka Reception center with at least 2-8 hikers in a group and takes approximately 6 hours on a round trip of 13.2 kilometres at an elevation between 2367m – 2950m at the summit. Hiking always starts at 9:00 am daily.
As you hike, your first stop will be in the Bulera swamp where you will spot hippos in the mud and beautiful water lilies on the lake. Continue to Lake Bulera another amazing site along the trail in the park, enjoy the clear waters, the surrounding vegetation and other wildlife. At the like shores are picnic tables where you can rest and enjoy some snacks or a picnic lunch. Follow the trail until you reach the Lake Rwanyakoma another beautiful lake along the trail.
The trail takes you through coffee and tea plantations where you will meet farmers attending to their crops. After walking for 3 hours, you will reach the base of the falls, enjoy the nature of the area around the falls and then proceed with the hike until you finally reach the top of the falls where you will love the serene beauty of the region and the distant Nyarusiza Cave and breathtaking views of the whole Nyungwe National Forest Park. On a clear day, you will see Lake Kivu and its shimmering…. islands, the democratic republic of Congo, Burundi’s Kibira National Park and the Volcanoes National Park summits towering in a distance.
Cost of hiking along Bigugu nature trail
A guided hike along the Bigugu trail in Nyungwe forest national park is $115 per person for a half-day hike and $125 per person for a full-day hike. The fee includes park entrance charges for non- residents.
Other hiking trails in Nyungwe forest national park
Kamiranzovu trail:
This is a nature trail that includes the largest swamp in the park, the Kamiranzovu swamp, and amazing waterfalls which are a great attraction for all hikers along the trail. This trail was named after the last forest elephant that died in this marsh. The trail covers around trip of 5.9 kilometres, and it takes only 3.5 hours to complete the trek. Hikes along this path are conducted daily starting at Uwinka visitor centre at 9:00am.
Igishigishigi trail:
This is the shortest and easiest trail in the park and best recommended for first-time hikers and learners. This trail is 2.2 kilometres long and can be covered in only two hours. Hiking along this trail begins at Uwinka visitor center and provides the best views of Nyungwe Forest National Park and the canopy walkway. Since this trail is a bit short, experienced hikers can combine their walks to other trails like Imbaraga and Umuyove trails for further exploration of the park and the natural wilderness.
Isumo trail:
This is one of the popular hiking trails in Nyungwe forest park. The trail covers 10.9 kilometres, and a round-trip hike takes 4 hours. Taking you through extensive tea plantations, past the famous Isumo waterfalls through the lush Nyungwe forest. Hiking trips along this trail begin and Gisakura visitor center at 9am and 1 pm. On a lucky day, hiker can spot several monkey and bird species.
Rukuzi trail:
This is one of the longest hiking trails in Nyungwe National Park covering 9.1 kilometres taking a round trip of 5 hours. This trail provides the most thrilling chimpanzee trekking experience as many chimpanzees as well as other primates are spotted along the trail. The path takes you through magnificent land scapes, beautiful flora, and beautiful forest’s permanent residents that draw the attention of most trekkers.
Ngabwe trail:
This is a 4.6-kilometre trail that provides a 3-4 hour round hiking trip. Along this trail is camping site that allows nature lovers to spend a night in the middle of nature. Hiking along this trail starts at Kitabi welcome facility at 9 am and is perfect for birding watching.
Muzimu trail:
This is a moderate trail in the northeastern region of the park covering 5.2 kilometres taking 3.5 hours to complete a round trip. When you hike along this trail on a clear day, you have the best views of Lake Kivu and the Virunga volcanos. Hiking along this trail starts at Gisovu ranger station.
Imbaraga trail:
this is one of most adventurous but relatively difficult hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park. It covers 10 kilometres and takes6 hours to complete. The Imbaraga trail is described as difficult path with a highest point at 2470 meters above sea level but so scenic as it takes you through four breathtaking waterfalls, verdant valleys and several unique tree species as well as chimps.
Other riveting hiking trails in Nyungwe forest national park include the Congo-Nile Divide trail, Irebero trail, Buhoro trail, Umuyove trail, Karamba trail, Umugote trail and Uwinka trail among others.
Best time for hiking along Bigugu trail
The most convenient time for such hike is the dry season in the months of December to February and June to September. This is because the trail is relatively dry and less slippery, and the vegetation cover is not too thick which grants quick sights of different wildlife species like the primates and the distant nature features like lakes, forests and islands and highlands.
However, for visitors interested in bird watching as they hike along the trail, the best time should be the wet season in March to May and October to November. This is so because, this time favours the best spots of resident and migratory birds.
Travelling in the dry season is not guarantee that there is totally no rainfall in the hiking area because the park lies in an equatorial rain forest where rain is expected at any time of the day. Travelers are there fore advised to carry the appropriate hiking pack including waterproof clothing, warm jackets and sweaters, good hiking boots, garden gloves, insect repellents and a first aid kits among others.
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