Month: June 2020

Enjoy Rwanda’s discounted gorilla permits to Volcanoes National Park with African Apes Tours & travel. Rwanda gorilla tours and permits have been discounted to $200 to give all travelers chance to be part of the magical mountain gorilla trekking experience at the lowest price ever. YES, you can trek Rwanda gorillas in Volcanoes National Park for as less as $200 per traveler. The new initiative was introduced following the reopening of Rwanda national park to tourism after 3 months of no tourism in the land of a thousand hills. The $200 applies to Rwanda locals, east African citizens and foreign residents. On the other hand, foreign non-residents in Rwanda will pay $500 a huge discount from the previous $1500. The discounted permits in Rwanda will be valid till December 2020. The reopening of gorilla tours in Rwanda was announced by the Rwanda Development to relief travelers and tour operators a relief from the stresses of the corona virus that hindered travels all over the world. All tourism, research and other related tourism activities in Rwanda had been suspended for three months to prevent the spread of the deadly Covi19 to wild animals especially the endangered primates. Apparently, all national parks in Rwanda including Nyungwe Forest National Park, Gishwati Mukura and Akagera National Park are open for tourism. A 1-Day Rwanda gorilla trek starting and ending in Kigali give short time travelers a chance to visit gorilla in the shortest time possible.

How to trek Rwanda gorillas amidst Covid19 Pandemic?

Keep distance from the gorillas

Travelers who are already in Rwanda are at a big advantage of trekking Rwanda gorillas in Volcanoes National park at a discount. More so, travelers with chattered flights flying direct to Rwanda are allowed to trek Rwanda gorillas. The reason for emphasizing chartered flights direct to Rwanda is to avoid stopovers, which can lead to the spread of the virus. African Apes Holidays, helps you book and reserve discounted Rwanda gorilla permits as well as tailor making a suitable Rwanda travel itinerary to meet, satisfy and exceed your travel expectations. Alternatively, you can book directly through Rwanda Development Board, the government body responsible for mountain gorilla conservation and tourism in Rwanda.

Positive trend in Rwanda Tourism a week after the re opening of national parks
A week after the reopening of national parks, Rwanda Development Board has so far seen a great positive trend in the number of tourist arrivals. The country has so far received groups of travelers visiting mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest and big five game in Akagera National Park.

Guide to visiting Rwanda amidst Corona Virus
In order to ensure safety of travelers and wild animals, Rwanda Development Board ha put directives to be followed by all travelers to Rwanda. On the actual day of visiting gorillas or any other wild animals in all National Parks, all travelers gather at respective park head quarters for briefing. The guide for visiting Rwanda amidst corona virus include:
1. Compulsory temperature testing for all travelers
2. Sanitize with an alcohol based hand rub and wash hands with soap for at least 20 minutes
3. Mask up your face
4. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
5. When visiting gorillas or chimpanzees, keep a distance of 10 meters away from the primates
6. Sneeze and cough in your bent elbow
7. Avoid hand shaking
8. Keep a distance from each other
9. If you feel any fever, cough and difficult in breathing, seek the medical attention
10. Follow the guide of your park rangers

Top tourist activities in Rwanda

Game Viewing in Akagera National Park

Whereas Rwanda has numerous natural attractions and activities, some activities are exceptional. Check the top things to see and do in Rwanda with African Apes Tours, your trusted safari company in Rwanda and the whole of east Africa. The must do activities in Rwanda include:

• Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, which bring in the highest number of travelers to Rwanda. The country is home to over 400mountain gorillas habituated into 10 gorilla families. Rwanda is a luxury gorilla safari destination in the world.

• Big five game in Akagera National park is a not miss on your Rwanda safari. The park is home to numerous wild animals, which include lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos, hippos, giraffes, waterbucks, Impalas, warthogs, Topis, zebras, black tailed mangose, serval cats and black masked civet among others. Day and night game drives are done to give travelers chance too see various wild animals grazing, feeding and hunting.

• Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is yet another must do tourist activity in Rwanda. a permit to trek chimpanzees in Rwanda costs $100 which is fairer even for budget travelers. Chimpanzee trekking can be done either in the main forest or in Cyamudongo forest. Hover, all experiences are exceptional.

• Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park is worth doing at $100 only

• Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest complements chimpanzee trekking making a full package.

• Mount Karisimbi hiking offers you gives you chance to stand at the summit of the highest volcano in the Virunga conservation area. A 2 Days Mt Karisimbi hiking tour is a suitable package for you

Best time to visit Rwanda
Whereas Rwanda can be visited all year round, Dry season in the month of June, July, August, September, and December to February is the best time for most tourist activities in Rwanda. Gorilla treks, chimpanzee tours and mountaineering experiences are best done in the dry season. On the other hand, the wet season in the months of March, April, May, October and November comes with discounted offers in lodge and mots service providers.

What to Pack for Rwanda safaris
Wondering on what to pack on your Rwanda safari? No worries,, African Apes Holidays brings you the packing list to Rwanda. The must carry things to Rwanda include:
1. Hiking boots/shoes when going for a trek
2. Lon sleeved shirts /blouses to protect your arms
3. Long pants to cover your legs
4. Insect repellents
5. Warm sweaters and jumpers. Rwanda is very cold at night
6. Sun glasses and hat
7. Energy giving snacks
8. Camera with extra batteries
9. Gardening gloves for your hands
10. Rain jackets for the unpredictable weather
Grab the chance and trek Rwanda gorillas at a discount. Contact African Apes Tours today, book your Rwanda trip and enjoy Rwanda’s lifetime experiences at discounted prices.

Rwanda has finally reopened for tourism after three months of no tourism in the country. The good news for the reopening of Rwanda’s national parks was announced on June 17th 2020 by the Rwanda development board. More interestingly, the reopening came with great promotion for those visiting to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Effective from 18th June to 31st December 2020, Rwanda Development Board is offering discounted gorilla permits at $200 discounted gorilla permits at $200 for Rwanda nationals and East African community citizens living in Rwanda while foreign non residents will pay $ 500 per permit. The discounted permits in Rwanda for the next 6 months is a great relief for primate lovers while dream is to visit gorillas in Rwanda.

Remember to Sanitise

Rwanda Development Board is also offering special Rwanda safari packages for families, big groups and corporations visiting Volcanoes National Park home for the endangered gorillas and Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking. However, travelers are reminded that the price for Rwanda gorilla permits will go back to the initial $1500. In May 2017, Rwanda Development Board double increased its gorilla permit costs from $700 to $1500, which transferred Rwanda into Africa’s luxury gorilla destination.

More so, Rwanda is allowing the resumption of international travel for charter flights for foreign travelers. Rwanda Development board will exempt all international travelers from the exiting anti coronavirus measures, which stop travelers from entering Rwanda. In the meantime, all commercial flights in Rwanda are still on suspension till further notice.

Directives for Visiting Rwanda Now

Wear a mask

While Rwanda is allowing travels amidst corona Virus, the government, Rwanda ministry of Health and Rwanda Development Board have put directive for all those visiting national park. Firstly, all domestic tourists to Volcanoes and Nyungwe Forest National Parks MUST test negative for corona Virus 48 hours before the visiting date.
Secondly, foreign travelers traveling with charter flights MUST have tested negative for Corona Virus within 72 hours before arrival. They will be tested again before visiting any primates. The recommended COVID19 test centers in Rwanda are Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali city on appointment only while another private test Centre is at Petit Stade. More test centers will se established according to demand.

Discounted gorilla permits in Rwanda
Grab the chance to and trek Rwanda gorillas at discounted prices. The major reason for discounted Rwanda gorilla permits is to encourage more travels to Rwanda. Its undeniable that in the past 2 years, most budget travelers were cut off from trekking gorillas in Rwanda due to very high prices @$1500. For that reason, mots of the would have been Rwanda tourists ended up crossing to the neighboring Uganda to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks where gorilla tours were quite cheaper. The Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking safaris have been s common in the past 2 years before the outbreak of the deadly corona virus since March 2020.

When was tourism in Rwanda suspended?
All tourism and research activities in Rwanda National Parks were suspended since March 2020. Primate parks of Volcanoes for mountain gorillas, Nyungwe Forest and Gishwati Mukura National parks were closed first to prevent the spread of the deadly corona virus to the endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Shortly after, Akagera National Park home to the big five game and all other tourist destinations in Rwanda were closed. Kigali International airport was also closed and no domestic or international flights were allowed except for emergency. More so, border points to the neighboring countries especially Uganda and Congo were closed to avoid the spread of the virus across borders.

Impacts of Covid19 on Rwanda Tourism

Baby gorilla with mum in VNP

Corona Virus has negatively affected Rwanda tourism during the lockdown. The ban on travels into Rwanda led to the cancellation of many trips some of which were due. Some travelers postponed trips till unknown further date while others cancelled totally and asked for refund. The government of Rwanda has lost over 70% of its revenue or this financial year. over 50% of Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product has been through the sell of mountain gorilla which is not the case now. Also, service providers such as lodges, hotels and transportation companies have lost a lot of revenue. Many jobs have been lost in the process, which had increased the unemployment rate in the small land locked Rwanda. However, with the reopening of tourism in Rwanda, we hope for the best in the shortest time possible.

How to Book a Rwanda safari amidst Corona Virus?
Do you want to book and Enjoy Rwanda’s discounted offers amidst corona Virus? African Apes Tours is at your service to book and reserve for you a discounted gorilla permit in Rwanda. We offer tailor made Rwanda safari packages for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest, Kigali city tour and game safaris in Akagera National Park at affordable rates.

The reopening of Rwanda tourism is great news for travelers and tour operators. Book today, follow the guidelines, stay safe and enjoy Rwanda’s promotional offers on gorilla trekking and other Rwanda safaris across the country with African Apes Tours & Travel

Uganda Wildlife authority is mourning the loss of Rafiki, the dominant silverback of Nkuringo gorilla family in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Four local people suspected to have killed Rafiki were arrested after finding wild meat in their homes. The bad news for the loss of the beloved Rafiki was shared on 12th June 2020 by the Uganda wildlife Authority. On the fateful morning of 12th June, park rangers found the remains of the dead Rafiki, which had gone missing for 2 days.
In their statement, UWA reported to the public “We have arrested four people over the death of Rafiki, the silverback of Nkuringo Gorilla group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. They will be prosecuted in the courts of law.

The four suspects were arrested after the one Bayamukama Felix admitted for killing he silverback. However, in his statements, Byamukama confessed to have killed the silverback in self-defense when the silverback charged at him. Byamukama further confessed to have shred the meat with Amos Kazongo 52 and Beinomugisha Fidel. Rafiki silverback was aged 25 years believed to be one of the oldest mountain gorillas in Nkuringo gorilla family. Safari and Rafiki were left as adult silverbacks after the death of the then Nkuringo silverback who died in April 2008.

Threats to gorilla tourism in Uganda
Poaching is one of the key threats to the survival of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and all other gorilla destinations all over the world. Other threats to gorillas include loss of habitats, civil conflicts b rebel groups in parks, diseases and at time natural death.

About Nkuringo gorilla family
Trekked in Rushaga sector, south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Nkuringo gorilla family is one of the hard to trek gorilla families best for adventure travelers to Bwindi. Nkuringo family was the first gorilla family to be habitauted in southern Bwindi in 1997 which make it worth visiting. The gorilla family is named after Nkuringo hill where it lives. Nkuringo hill gives travelers clear views of the Virunga Volcanoes, Mafuha forest, Lake Bunyonyi and the neighboring Congo attractions. A 3 Days Bwindi gorilla tour gives you chance to trek Nkuringo gorilla family. Moreso, travelers doing a 1 day Uganda gorilla trek starting from Kigali Rwanda can easily trek Nkuringo gorilla family due to the close connectivity from Cyanika border to Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Forest National Park. Another gorilla family in Nkuringo sector is Christmas one of the newly habituated gorilla families in Nkuringo

Guide to Trekking Nkuringo gorilla family

Nkuringo gorilla family

The fact that it is located in upper part of Bwindi Forest, Nkuringo gorilla family is one of the tough to trek gorilla families. Travelers visiting Nkuringo gorilla family should therefore be physically fit and mentally ready to conquer the strenuous hike. Trekking time ranges between 2 to 8 hours but you are 99% sure of meeting the endangered gorillas at the end of the day. Trekking Nkuringo gorilla family starts at 7:00am with a pre gorilla trekking briefing about the dos and don’ts of trekking. The guidelines to trekking Nkuringo gorilla family include:
1. Keep a distance of seven meters away from the gorillas
2. Ensure physical fitness
3. Do not use flashlight cameras
4. Do not look direct into the eyes of the gorillas
5. Keep your voices low
6. Keep within your group, follow the guidelines of park rangers
7. Do not litter in the park, leave only the footsteps
8. Carry enough drinking water
9. Carry enough energy giving snacks
10. Keep clam when a gorilla charges

What to wear for trekking Nkuringo gorilla family
In order to ensure peaceful and less stressing gorilla trekking experience, African Apes Tours & Travel gives you a list of what to wear when trekking Nkuringo gorilla family. The right attire for trekking Nkuringo gorilla group include:
• Hiking boots/shoes for easy movement through the jungle forest
• Gardening gloves to protect your hands
• Long pants tucked into the boots
• Long sleeved shirts and blouse for protecting your arms
• Hat for protecting your head
• Sunglasses for your eyes
• Rain jackets for the unpredictable forest weather

Best time to trek Nkuringo gorilla family
Dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, and February are the best time to trek Nkuringo sector. The less or no rains in this season make it easy to trek through this jungle forest. However on the other hand, Nkuringo gorilla family can be trekked all year round. The wet season in March, April, May, October and November. Trekking gorillas in the wet season comes with les crowds in the park and discounted offers from service providers especially the lodges.

Other gorilla families in southern Bwindi

Members of Bweza gorilla family

Besides Nkuringo gorilla family in Nkuringo sector, southern Bwindi is home to many more gorilla families in Rushaga sector. The gorilla groups in Rushaga include Nshongi family, Busingye family, Mishaya group, Kahungye family and Bweze group. Each gorilla group is visited by a group of eight people per day for an interaction of one hour.

Kigali to Bwindi Gorilla trekking
Travelers flying into Kigali Rwanda can easily do Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking tours in the shortest time possible. Bwindi Forest is roughly 5 hours drive from Kigali Bwindi compared to a full day (over 10 hors) of driving from Entebbe international airport. Travelers with limited time find Kigali to Bwindi gorilla tours most appropriate. A 2-Day Uganda gorilla tour from Kigali to Bwindi gives entails a pick up from Kigali airport, overnight in Bwindi, gorilla trekking and departure on the second day. If you are doing a 1 Day Bwindi Gorilla trek, pick up is at 3:30 am, 5 hours drive via Cyanika border to attend a pre gorilla trekking briefing at the respective park head quarters. After seeing gorillas, travelers are transferred back to Kigali for their connecting flights. Rushaga sector is suitable for travelers a 1 Day Uganda gorilla trek starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda. African Apes Tours help you organizes a short Uganda gorilla trek starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda.

Conclusively, the killing of Rafiki silverback gorilla is a setback and hindrance to the flourishing of gorilla safaris in Uganda. Uganda Wildlife Authority is urged to extensively sensitive local people on how peaceful they can live with the gorillas to prevent poaching and promote sustainable Uganda gorilla tours.

Travel Insurance is key for anybody travelling. Traveling has presently become a norm for most people across the world. Whereas travelling is mostly for fun, the industry entails a lot of risks ranging from accidents, sicknesses, loss of baggage, injuries and death at times. For that case, every traveler is advised to have to have a valid travel insurance to help him/her cover up in case of any risks.
Travel comes in different forms and activities, which include primate safaris (gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, golden monkeys), game viewing in open savannahs, bird watching, forest/nature walks, mountaineering, boat safaris, camping, bungee jumping, white water rafting, walking safaris and cultural visits among others depending on the traveler’s interests. Are you going for a mountain climbing adventure or trekking through jungle forests to trek gorillas? The activity is adventurous with high risks of injuries, insurance is highly recommended. While making gorilla tour bookings and other safari activities, we normally encourage and assure travelers of their safety, however in case of any miscellaneous, a travel insurance helps to cover up the required expenses.

What Does Insurance Cover?
Among the expenses that a travel insurance policy covers for include:
1. Loss of travel bags
2. Stolen travel bag
3. Accident on the trip
4. Death on the trip
5. Emergency medical expenses
6. Cost of canceling a trip
7. Personal liability for example when a traveler is charged for causing any damage or loss while on a safari.

What is not covered in the travel insurance policy?
Some things that are not covered by the travel insurance policy include:
• When a traveler is having a pre existing medical condition such as
1. Any condition waiting for an operation
2. Any check up whose test results are not ye out
3. Any minor condition when you visited a doctor some time back
4. Hereditary sicknesses such as sick cells
5. Any other serious sickness including cancer, Heart problem and other respiratory diseases

Other keynotes
• Travelers seeking a travel insurance are normally asked whether they are taking any kind of medication
• Also, travelers are usually asked whether there is any hereditary sickness in his/her families or whether any of the close relatives have any medical condition that calls for attention
• A travel who cancels his/her trip due to the medical conditions of a family, relative of friends will not receive any insurance coverage for his canceled trip
• Make sure you disclose all pre existing medical conditions to your insurance company when buying any travel insurance
Travelers wit any health issue when traveling are reminded to check whether all medical equipment for the medicine being taken are covered
Also, make sure you have full time help for any emergency calls

KEY REASONS TO HAVE TRAVEL INSURANCE
There are many benefits of having a travel insurance card, however, these five are the major reasons why every traveler MUST have a travel insurance card. These are:
1. Do not lose a vacation investment. This happen s when a miscellaneous for example loss of a loved one of sickness occurs few days to the travel date. In most cases, there is no refund from the travel agent but insurance can refund the money you had paid for the cancelled trip
2. Medical emergencies overseas in case you get an accident, broken legs or any other injuries on your trip in a foreign country. Travel insurance helps you cover up these expenses
3. Travel insurance is a must in the Untied states Department of State
4. It covers up minor mishaps which can easily ruin your trip such as loss a loss of a travel bag or missed flight

Other Important Travel Documents
Check the list of travel documents you require on any Africa safari with African Apes Tour & Travel. These include:
• Visa card
• Yellow Fever vaccination
• Health insurance card
• Passport
• Invitation letter from the hosting company
• A gorilla permit when visiting gorillas
• Chimpanzee permit when visiting chimpanzees
• Passport photos
Conclusively, a travel insurance is a requirement for anyone planning a safari to Africa and a cross the world. Get it today, book your favorite trip and enjoy nature to the fullness.

Uganda Wildlife Authority has reopened savannah parks for tourism after close to three months of temporary suspension. Effective from March 2020, the Uganda Wildlife Authority suspended all travels to all national parks to prevent the spread of the deadly virus to wildlife. Travelers and animal lovers can now visit and do game drives in the open savannah parks across the country.  The national parks open for tourism are Murchison Falls National park, Queen Elizabeth National park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Lake Mburo National park. These are the top game parks in Uganda sheltering a high concentration of wild animals. After close to three months of no tourism in all Uganda National Parks and protected areas, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has re-opened savannah parks for tourism. However, primates National Park which including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Kibale Forest National Park are still closed to protect the endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees from catching the deadly coronavirus.  Part activities such as destination wedding, giveaway, birthdays, and all related activities will not be allowed in the parks. However, all travelers to open parks Must follow the new rules and regulations as out by the Uganda Wildlife Authority as directed by the Ministry of Health and the president

Guidelines for Visiting Savannah Parks in Uganda amidst Corona Virus

1. Mandatory washing of hands using soap and sanitize for not less than 20 seconds. Hands must be continually washed after every few hours to keep clean
2. Mandatory temperature screening using non-contact infra-red thermometers at every entry point to the National Park. If a client moves out of the park, he/she will be screened again on the return
3. All vehicles into the national park must carry half the carrying capacity. This is to ensure the social distance between the clients to avoid close contact
4. Salon cars will not be allowed to do game drives in the park
5. Boats for those doing launch cruise in Murchison Falls, Kazinga channel and Lake Mburo will only carry half the carrying capacity
6. All travelers must wear face masks every time they are in the open. Remove face masks only when in the room
7. Keep a distance of at least 4 meters from each other
8. Travelers are also advised to carry personal sanitizers
9. Large travel groups for more than 25 people are not allowed in the parks
10. Destination parties such as weddings are not allowed till further notice

In the same way, the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) gave directives for all hotels, lodges and restaurants which must be followed.

In general, the atrial opening of Uganda National Parks to tourism gives hope for tourism in the Pearl of Africa in the near future. Travelers planning to visit mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest/Mgahinga National parks plus Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National parks are urged to keep prepared, plan ahead and be ready to ensure this lifetime experience soon after the defeat of corona Virus in Uganda.

Hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National park are one of the must do travel activities on your Rwanda safaris. YES, a guided hike/walk on foot is the best way to discover and explore the hidden gem in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Nyungwe Forest has the highest number of hiking trails, which lead to different attractions, the waterfalls, rivers, caves and former hunting grounds among others making the whole experience more enjoyable. Nyungwe Forest is home to 13 primates which include chimpanzees, Colubus monkeys, vervet monkeys, silver monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, red tailed monkeys, baboons plus several mammals, birds ad butterflies among others. Hiking trails also called nature/forest walks complement other tourist activities including the common chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk, bird watching and monkey trekking among others. Hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park are categorized into shorty, medium and long depending on the location and the hiking time required. The common hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park include:

1. Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail
Originating from Kamiranzovu swamp, the waterfalls the most hiked waterfall in Nyungwe forest national Park. Hiking to Kamiranzovu water fall lasts for between 3 to 4 hours depending through marshes and the swamp. The waterfalls stretches for 6 kilometers divided into the lower part composed of huge rocks and the other part of the falling waters. A hike to Kamiranzovu waterfall starts from Gisakura reception Centre following a brief guide by the park ranges. Travelers are escorted by two armed rangers o ensure safety. The many beautiful orchid flowers at the banks of the waterfall make photography more beautiful. Also, the swamps around the waterfall shelter numerous bird species hence the best spot for bird watching. The volume and speed of Kamiranzovu waterfall is high during the rainy season.

2. Imbaraga Trail
The 10 kilometers long Imbaraga trail is yet another interesting trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The hike to Imbaraga trail starts at Uwinka Information center lasting for roughly 6 hours to reach the end point. The trail is mots followed by travelers going for canopy walk giving them, an added experience. Also, travelers hiking to Imbaraga trail have high chances of meeting the famous chimpanzees in the forest. Imbaraga trail is a strenuous hike but the magical feeling that comes with it is worth the energy.

3. Ngabwa Trail
Ngabwa trail hiking starts at Kitabi information center lasting for about 3 hours hike via different vegetation zones. The 5 kilometers Ngabwa trail is a best spot for bird watching being home to numerous birds such as Regal sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Congo ground Thrush, Rwenzori Turaco, Red faced woodland Warbler, Red collared mountain Babbler, Crowned Hornbill and Chinspot Batis among others. The trail is also famous for chimpanzees, L’Hoest monkesy, colubs monkeys and Mangabeys among others.

4. Igishigishi Trail
Also known as the canopy walk trail, the Igishigishi trail is the most hiked trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The trail stretches for about 2.5 kilometers lasting for roughly 2 hours walk to complete it. Igishigishi trail offers you exceptional aerial views of the forest, Virunga volcanoes and other attractions in the neighborhood. The trail starts at Uwinka Information center preceded by a short briefing about the safety guidelines.

5. Bigugu Trail
Bigugu trail is the most challenging trail to the Bigugu paek standing at 2,950 meters above the sea level. The 7 kilometers Bigugu trail lasts for about 6 hours hike offering you clear views of Lake Kivu. The trail is the best spot for bird watching sheltering various bird species such as African Paradise Flycatcher, Regal sunbird, Handsome francolin, Buff throated Apalis, Arcer’s robin chat, Ruwenzori Batis, Strange Weaver, Red collared babbler and Stripe breasted tit among others. Physical fitness is key to easily hike via this trail which gets muddy and slippery especially in the rainy season.

6. Isumo Waterfall Trail
Isumo waterfall is yet another interesting trail not to miss on your Rwanda safari to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The trek lasts for about4 hours via tea plantations. The beautiful views of Isumo falls with colored flowers on its banks offers you picnic views. Travelers have high chances of seeing many primates and birds along the trail. Isumo waterfalls end point of this trail.

7. Irebero Trail
Locally translated as viewpoint, Irebero trail offers travelers stunning views of lake Kivu, Nyungwe Forest, Tea plantations and the Virunga Volcanoes. The trail is moderate with less difficulty in hiking. Irebero trail stretches for 3.6 kilometers twisting around the two highest summits on the Uwinka ridge.

8. Muzimu Trail
Trekking through the shrubs and open health vegetation, Muzimu trail is a remote and less visited trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The less visits o Muzimu trail offers the off beaten kind of experience to all travelers. Walk through Muzimu trail starts from the forested buffer zone and later into an open with clear views of Nyungwe Forest and Virunga Volcanoes.

9. Umugota Trail
Named after the common Syzygium tree specie commonly seen in tis trail, Umugota trail is worth visiting. The trail stretches taking roughly 3 hours walk. The trail take you through dense forest cover with high chances of meeting primates like chimpanzees, colubus monkeys , birds and mammals. Umugote trail offers you best views of the southern Nyungwe Forest and volcanic mountains in Burundi.

10. Uwinka Trail
Uwinka trail starts from Irebero trailhead ending at Kamianzovu marsh trailhead and is one of the difficult hikig trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Uwinka trail stretches for 17.8 kilometers which require over 8 hours to hike to the end.

11. Karamba Birding trail
The trail is formerly the gold mining area in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Karamba birding trail is known to have the highest bird species in Nyungwe Forest. The birds seen along Karamba trail include Ruwenzori Apalis, Ruwenzori Batis, Handsome Francolin, Dusky Crimsonwing, Archer’s Robi Chat, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Red faced woodland, Buff throated Apalis and Stripe breasted tit among others. Karamaba birding trail stretches for 4 kilometers and is one of the easy to hike trails.

Other hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest include:
12. Rukuzi trail
13. Umuyove Trail
14. Congo Nile divide trail
15. Buhoro trail

What to wear for hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest
Check for what to wear for hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park with African Apes Tours your number one Rwanda safari company
• Wear hiking boots/shoes to easily walk through muddy grounds
• Long pants
• long sleeved shirts/buses
• Hats and sunglasses
• Gardening gloves for your hands
• Carry a rain jacket, it may rain any day any time in the forest

More tips for hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Don’t forget a walking stick
• Carry enough drinking water
• Carry energy giving snacks
• Keep within your group
• Binoculars help you zoom birds and other attractions format a distance

Other things to see and do in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Besides hiking trails/ nature walking, travelers to Nyungwe Forest National Park have an endless list of attractions and activities to see and do. The top tourist activities in Nyungwe Forest include:
1. Chimpanzee trekking as the number one tourist activity in the forest
2. Canopy walk for greater aerial views of the forest
3. Bird watching
4. Colubus trekking

Conclusively, hiking trails/nature walks in Nyungwe Forest National Park are a not miss on your Rwanda safari. Contact African Apes Tours, book your Rwanda safari and enjoy the beauty of Nyungwe Forest on your hiking trail experience.