It started with the thrill of a canopy walk, and it ended with a waterfall echoing through the trees.
We set out to explore two of Nyungwe National Park’s scenic trails in one day: the Igishigishigi Trail, home to the famous canopy walk, and the Ndambarare Trail, which leads to a breathtaking waterfall.
Our day kicked off around 10:30 a.m. with a short briefing from the guides.They gave us an overview of the trails, safety rules (like no littering or picking up anything from the forest), and told us about some of the wildlife we might see, including snakes, and birds.
Hike 1: Canopy Walk – Igishigishigi Trail
The first trail was the Igishigishigi Trail, named after a prehistoric tree fern that grows in Nyungwe. The guide said you’ll usually find it near water streams. The trail took about 1 hour and 30 minutes and was a bit wet and slippery since it was the rainy season.
On clear days, you can see all the way to Burundi and the DRC, but when we went, the forest was covered in mist.
There are other trails in this area too, like the Imbaraga Trail (6 hours) and the Uwinka Trail (8 hours one way), which goes to a swamp with orchid flowers.
It took about 30 minutes to reach the canopy bridge. Only five people could cross at a time for safety. The guides told us not to shake it, even though it’s safe. The first time crossing was terrifying (at least for me - petrified of heights) as we were walking 70 metres above the forest floor. But coming back was easier once we got used to it.
Hike 2: Ndambarare Trail – Waterfall Hike
The second trail was Ndambarare, a 3-hour round trip. It’s in Gisakura, Bushekeri Sector, Nyamasheke District. “Ndambarare” means flat—and the trail is pretty flat until the last part, which gets steep just before you reach the waterfall.
The hike starts in breathtaking tea farms before you enter the forest.
The guides split us into three groups based on pace—fast, medium, and slow. Along the way, they showed us rare plants and fruits, including a salty edible flower called Impatiens, and some bright yellow mushrooms.
The waterfall itself was beautiful. The water flows into the Bugarama Valley and eventually into the Congo River system. Peaceful but powerful.
Conclusion
Nyungwe was totally worth the visit. All the day's activities ended around 5 pm. The full trip, including the drive, took about 12 hours, but the roads were smooth. The rain didn’t get in the way—if anything, it made everything better with the mist and the sounds.
The mix of the canopy walk and the waterfall hike was perfect—one gave us a rush of adrenaline, the other offered scenic beauty. It’s a great way to spend the day if you enjoy nature or hiking. Always remember hiking shoes and a rain jacket.
Stay tuned for more adventures .