For a waterfall hike in Nyungwe National Park, the two most popular trails are the Isumo Waterfall Trail and the Kamiranzovu Swamp Trail. The Isumo trail leads to the park’s largest waterfall, while the Kamiranzovu trail explores a vast wetland with multiple cascades.
The following offers do NOT include the permits/entrance/park fees!
travel: jeep to Nyungwe National Park
food: fruits, sandviches and lunch
including: binoculars
PRICE: 250 USD
travel: car to Nyungwe National Park
food: fruits, sandviches
including: binoculars
PRICE: 200 USD
travel: car to Nyungwe National Park
food: fruits, biscuits
including: binoculars
PRICE: 150 USD
The prices for the canopy walk activity vary by residency status and do not include the separate park entrance fees:
| Visitor Type | Canopy Walk Fee | Park Entry Fee (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| International | $40 USD | $100 USD |
| Foreign resident (in Rwanda/EAC) | $20 USD | $60 USD |
| Rwandan/EAC Citizen | $5 USD | $10 USD |
Note: For children aged 6 to 12, activity fees are half price, and park entry is free for children under 6.
For any special request/individual itenary/group discount etc., please
Isumo Waterfall Trail
This is the most common waterfall hike in Nyungwe, renowned for its final destination: the spectacular 17-meter-high Isumo Falls.
- Distance: Approximately 6.5 km round-trip, or about 10.6 km for a longer route.
- Duration: 3–5 hours, depending on your pace and the route.
- Difficulty: Moderate, with varying elevations and some steep, potentially slippery sections.
- Highlights:
- Walk through lush, green tea plantations at the beginning of the trail.
- See diverse primates, including L’Hoest’s and colobus monkeys.
- Spot numerous bird species in the forest.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the forest and the powerful Isumo Waterfall.
Kamiranzovu Swamp Trail
This trail focuses on the park’s expansive wetland, with several waterfalls along the path. It is known for its beautiful flora, including wild orchids.
- Distance: Roughly 5.9 km round-trip.
- Duration: About 3–3.5 hours.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Highlights:
- Discover the park’s largest wetland area.
- Walk along wooden boardwalks through parts of the swamp.
- Encounter many species of wild orchids.
- End at the Kamiranzovu Waterfall, where the water has a tea-colored tint from the tannins in the marsh.
Important information for your hike
- Start point: The Isumo trail begins near the Gisakura office, while the Kamiranzovu trail has two trailheads along the Gisakura-Uwinka road.
- Booking: All hikes in Nyungwe require a guided ranger and must be booked in advance through the park’s reception centers or a tour operator.
- Cost: As with other park activities, you must pay both the park entrance fee and a separate fee for the guided hike.
- What to bring: Wear sturdy, comfortable hiking boots and bring a rain jacket, a daypack with snacks and water, and insect repellent. Binoculars are recommended for wildlife viewing.
