Tourists are advised against making erroneous, incomplete, or false applications. Such cases may include, among others, applying for the wrong product, uploading a false ID or visa, and uploading an expired ID or visa. Please be advised that verification of tourist documents is done at park entry gates. Tourists who submitted incorrect, incomplete, or false applications WILL BE REFUSED ENTRY TO THE PARK, regardless of whether they paid for and received a system-generated permit. Click here to view mountain gorilla trekking safaris.

 

 In case of any doubt about your application and supporting documents, please send your inquiry to Devine African Safaris Reservation Office at info@gorillasafariscompany.com. Click here to see our recommended mountain gorilla trekking tour.

 

 Rwanda Development Board accepts no liability for erroneous, incomplete or fraudulent applications

 

 Guidelines for Guided nature trails 

Requirements.

For guided nature trails, check in at visitor information and registration centers at 8 a.m.

To qualify for Rwandan or East African Foreign Resident status, foreign residents in Rwanda and East African countries must have a minimum of four consecutive months of residency status or work permit in their passport or diplomatic card.

A diplomat who has a residence visa can be allowed to use the applicable resident rates for his spouse and legally accepted children even if the spouse and legally accepted children do not have resident visas (reside outside of Rwanda).

 

 Reporting East African residents need to provide EAC ID cards or passports.

A tourist with one Rwandan parent and a tourist with a Rwandan spouse will be considered Rwandan as long as the Immigration and Emigration Director General confirms it.

 

 Restrictions

The minimum age for guided nature trails in Nyungwe National Park is 10 years.

 

 Processing Time

A tourist permit will be automatically issued by this system upon completion of the application process.

 

 Application Process

The application process is as simple as picking an available slot in the product of your choice, filling out mandatory forms, uploading the requisite support documents, and paying the applicable fees.

 Applications are made with full details of the client (names, passport number, email, and phone number) at the time of payment.

 

Bookings and reservations are done on a "first come, first served" basis.

Rwandan nationals are expected to pay the full amount at the time of booking.

Over 130 kilometers of hiking routes have been created in Nyungwe Forest National Park, allowing visitors to explore its interior and its fascinating habitats. Walking in Nyungwe is excellent, with trails lasting from one to eight hours. The beautifully named Igishigishigi Trail is one of the shortest hikes yet includes East Africa’s highest canopy walk with spectacular views across Nyungwe Forest, while the 6-hour Bigugu Trail leads you to the highest mountain in the Park at 2950m.

 

 Nyungwe’s steep landscape makes it as an ideal destination for hikers - whether they're novices or experienced - as the park boasts an extensive network of hiking trails. The trails are blessed with an amazingly diverse landscape and represent the most scenic way of exploring the forest. The ones listed below are a must for travelers seeking a challenging, yet enjoyable experience.

 

 Congo-Nile Divide Trail

As the name suggests, you'll get acquainted with two of the world's most iconic rivers as this multi-day, 42 km trek curves alongside the Congo and the Nile. Geared towards experienced hikers, you'll navigate through varied landscapes such as rainforests, bracken fields and bamboo forests during this trek.

 

 For those going on a multi-day trek, you don't have to reserve a camp site (areas along the trail have been set aside for camping) but you do have to bring your own camping equipment and food. You can also contact the park management to hire a porter for you. There are water sources along the trail but water needs to be purified.

 

 Igishigishigi Trail

A comfortable trek for novices, this 2.1 km hike will amaze you with its majestic views of the Canopy Trail and dazzling wildflowers. The Igishigishigi Trail can also be combined with the longer Imbaraga or Umoyove Trails.

 

 Karamba Trai

Another relatively easy hike, the Karamba Trail - located on the former site of a gold mine, market and army camp - is considered one of the best spots for birding in Nyungwe as it is flanked by numerous fern trees.

 

 Umugote Trail

This hike provides marvellous views of numerous ridges, rainforests, stunningly beautiful flowers and on a clear day, the Kibira National Park in Burundi. The trail is also a prime location for primate viewing and birding.

 

 Umoyove Trail

Also known as the Mahogany Trail, you'll relax by a waterfall, take a stroll under some of the park's tallest trees and savour the scent of aromatic leaves during this trek. In addition, the Umuvoye Trail provides access to several side trails used for chimpanzee viewing.

 

 Uwinka Trail

Although considered a difficult hike, this trail that takes you through rather lovely ravines is the perfect place to listen to early morning bird calls. With 10km long from Uwinka Overlook Center, the trail takes you to the 13km2 Kamiranzovu swamp back to the main road.

 

 Irebero Trail

This trail loops around two of the highest peaks in the park and provides views of Lake Kivu in Rwanda.

 

 Imbaraga Trail

Geared toward experienced hikers, the trail rewards hikers with the sight of four scenic waterfalls - any of them will be refreshing after trekking a little less than 10 km.

 

 Bigugu Trail

The highest peak in the park, this trail offers incredible flora and - on a clear day - views of Lake Kivu as well as hills and islands belonging to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. You can opt to camp at the top with your own tent and enjoy the night views.

 

 Isumo Trail

This trail takes you through verdant tea fields, a steep rainforest ravine and to top it off, the biggest waterfall in the Nyungwe National Park. The hike starts from western gate at Gisakura Information Centre.

 

 Kamiranzovu Trail

Water enthusiasts will love this trail it features the park's largest wetland, an ancient swamp and brilliant waterfalls.

 

 Muzimu Trail

A relatively easy hike in the remote north-eastern part of Rwanda takes you through pine and eucalyptus forests.

 

 Ngabwe Trail

Two paths lead hikers to the summit, which is a lovely picnic and camping site.

 

 Rukuzi Trail

This exhilarating hike provides outstanding chimpanzee spotting locations as well as views of Banda Village, from where you can hear children's voices carrying up the mountainside.