The Cyinzobe Trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda is happy to introduce their new walking trail called the Cyinzobe Trail. This is exciting news for travel enthusiasts, Rwanda tourism and conservationists in Rwanda. The multi-day hiking trail is a rewarding experience that takes you through the breathtaking paths of Nyungwe rain forest. Nyungwe forest national park is located in South- West of Rwanda and is considered to be one of the oldest rain forest in Africa. Nyungwe national park is home to over 600 chimpanzees making chimpanzee trekking a prime activity to do while on your visit to the park. Nyungwe forest is the largest forest in Rwanda and is characterized by bamboo covered slopes, dense Afro-montane forests, grasslands and wetlands. Nyungwe’s Eco system makes it the perfect destination for hiking, trekking and nature walks while in Rwanda.

Nyungwe forest national park is also Rwanda’s bird haven as 322 bird species have been recorded at the park with 29 Albertine Rift Endemics. For the expert birder Nyungwe forest is worth making it to your travel bucket list as it offers great birding opportunities. Nyungwe forest is also home to 1,068 recorded plant species, 75 known mammal species and 13 different primate species. The park therefore offers a number of activities from chimpanzee trekking to Hiking trails in the forest to birding excursions and many other activities.

The Cyinzobe Trail

The new Cyinzobe Hiking trail therefore is exciting as it offers travelers to Rwanda an extra way to spend time experiencing the diversity of Nyungwe Forest. The Cyinzobe Trail in Nyungwe forest national park is a three day adventure starting from the Uwinka Visitor centre which is the main headquarters of the park and ends at the Gisakura visitor center. Ending the hike at Gisakura visitor’s center which is located along the park’s western boundary offers visitors the opportunity to explore the magnificent Kamiranzovu swamp and its beautiful waterfalls. While here visitors have an opportunity to capture some amazing shots and photos with the waterfalls a backdrop.

Day 1

On day one of the Cyinzobe Trail you are picked up by your driver guide from your lodge. The driver guide then transfers you to Uwinka visitor centre where you meet your ranger guide, receive briefing from our ranger guide about the various safety precautions afte which you start the hiking experience. The hike on this day follows the western ridge via the Uwinka Trail, the views along this path are stunning as you enjoy extensive views of the landscape in Nyungwe forest national park. You will have stop overs as your ranger guidw spots some bird species, tree species and if it’s a good day some silver or mountain monkeys in the forest. The day will end when you reach the first campsite where you spend the night and the guides will light a fire to keep you warm.

Day 2

The second day of the Cyinzobe trail is as active as day 1, you will have breakfast at the campsite and then start yet another journey hiking in Nyungwe forest, Rwanda. The trail on this day takes you to the Kamiranzovu wetland. The Kamiranzovu wetland consists of unique flora and fauna and is very green, while here you have the opportunity to walk along the edge of the wetland and immerse yourself in the Nyungwe national park ecosystem. After this you continue hiking to the second campsite which is located along the Kamiranzovu River. The night spent at the second campsite is a peaceful one as the night is spent in a serene and quiet environment with the sounds of the forest.

Day 3: The third day of the Cyinzobe trail in Rwanda is very short compared to the first two days. The hike is short and mainly involves transferring from the second campsite to Gisakura visitor center. The final stretch of the trail covers 23 kilometers of walking as you approach the Gisakura center where you end your amazing hiking trail. On arrival at Gisakura visitor’s center you will be welcomed back by your driver guide who then transfers you back to the lodge/hotel.

Accommodation along the Cyinzobe Hiking trail

African Parks which was invited by the Rwanda Development Board in October 2020 to sign a 20 year agreement to manage Nyugwe national park has ensured that comfortable accommodation is available along the Cyinzobe Hiking Trail for visitors in Nyungwe forest Rwanda. There are two exclusive full-board campsites with wooden cabins along the trail which offer a cozy sleeping area for visitors after a long day of hiking and exploration.

Other Activities to do while in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe national park is a rewarding trek that takes you deep in to the rain forest as you look out for the chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The chimpanzee trek starts with a briefing from the ranger guide at the Uwinka park headquarters in Nyungwe national park, after this you are transferred to the starting point for the trek. The park has 2 groups of habituated chimpanzees that are available to visit and spend time with.

Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk

The canopy walk in Nyungwe has become a popular and must do activity while in Nyungwe national park. The canopy walk offers scenic views of Nyungwe forest giving you a true jungle experience. The walk also offers an opportunity to look out for wildlife and birds.

Bird watching in Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe national park offers excellent bird watching with over 300 species of birds to look out for. The main highlight of bird watching in Nyungwe national park is looking out for the 27 Albertine rift endemics in the park. Bird watching is carried out with the guidance of Nyungwe site guides who are familiar with the forest and birds in the park.

Guided Nature Trails

Nyungwe national park offers guided nature trails in Nyungwe forest for an experience with nature. The nature trails can take 1.5 hours to 6 hours depending on the trail taken. The guided nature trails include Umuyove trail, Buhoro trail, Irebere trail, Imbaraga trail, Igishigishigi Trail and Umugote Trail.

Colobus Monkey Trekking

Nyungwe forest offers the colobus monkey trekking experience; the park is home to about 400 individuals. The trek starts with briefing from the ranger guide and then you start the walk in to the forest in search of these active primates. The trek is much easier than the chimp trek and the colobus monkeys are easily sighted since the habituated group is situated just at the edge of the park.

Tours to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe national park offers a numbers of tours right from 2 day tours to three day tours to 5 day tours. Our tours usually start from Kigali city with either pick up from Kigali International Airport or from the hotel in Kigali. The tour can either be short or long depending on the traveler’s preferences and can involve a combination of gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes national park Rwanda and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest.

to Book these tours to Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda

2 Days Chimpanzee Trekking Tour to Nyungwe National Park

3 Days Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy walk Tour