Exploring Rwanda's longest trail in Nyungwe National Park #rwanda #RwOT

Rwanda is home to four major national parks that attract a significant number of tourists: Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Gishwati-Mukura National Park, and Nyungwe National Park.

Among these, Nyungwe National Park, recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to the longest trail in any of Rwanda's national parks. This trail is known as the Nshili-Uwasenkoko-Gisovu trail.

The trail stretches from the Nshili Sector in Nyaruguru District to the Twumba Sector in Karongi District, offering a unique opportunity to explore one of Africa's oldest rainforests.

The Nshili-Uwasenkoko-Gisovu trail stands out for several reasons. Not only is it the longest trail in Rwanda's national parks, but it also ends at the source of the Nile, the longest river in the world. This makes it a particularly special and sought-after hiking route.

Protais Niyigaba, the CEO of Nyungwe Management Company told IGIHE that the trail spans a remarkable 110 kilometers.

"The trail is now open and fully operational. Our goal is to promote it so that everyone knows about it. The trail is divided into a southern and a northern section, but we treat it as one continuous journey," he explained.

The route follows the chain of mountains that separates the watersheds of the Nile and Congo Rivers, offering hikers both stunning views and a chance to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the region.

Niyigaba added, "At 110 kilometers, this is the longest trail we have in any park in Rwanda. What makes it even more unique is that it passes through Nyungwe's extraordinary forest. It starts in Nyaruguru District and ends in Karongi District."

This trail is designed for experienced trekkers, as it typically takes about five days to complete. However, those with more experience or greater stamina may finish in less time.

Niyigaba explained that these five days represent the average duration for tourists to trek through the Nyungwe forest, which is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including 300 species of birds, 13 species of primates, and over 1,000 species of plants.

'It's an excellent way to relax and stretch your muscles, while also being a great workout,' he said. 'This trail will be a valuable asset for international tourists who enjoy long treks.'

Nyungwe National Park offers a variety of attractions for visitors, including Munazi Lodge, a hotel nestled deep within the forest, the iconic Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a rope course for physical challenges, and the Zipline, a thrilling cable ride connecting two mountains.

In 2024, Nyungwe attracted over 26,000 visitors, up from 24,726 in 2023.