Hiking in Rwanda: Discover Epic Trails and Scenic Landscapes
Rwanda, though landlocked, boasts an incredible variety of natural beauty that makes it a top destination for hiking adventures in Africa. From mist-covered volcanic crater lakes to dense rainforests, Rwanda offers diverse landscapes to explore on foot. Notably, Volcanoes National Park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, offering a unique trekking experience in the wild.
Having risen from a challenging history, Rwanda has become one of Africa’s must-visit destinations, and hiking is one of the best ways to experience its natural wonders. Whether you’re hiking through lush forests or scaling the scenic hills, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views and the chance to mingle with friendly locals.
With its mountainous terrain, Rwanda features a range of hiking trails catering to all levels of experience, from easy walks to more challenging treks. As you trek across Rwanda’s iconic landscapes, get ready to enjoy panoramic views and explore the country’s rich biodiversity. Put on your hiking boots and discover Rwanda’s top hiking trails, each offering unique vistas and unforgettable experiences.
Below are the places for hiking adventures in Rwanda:
Hike Mount Karisimbi
Karisimbi mountain lies between the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mt. Karisimbi is Rwanda’s tallest volcano. At over 4,500 metres, Karisimbi takes two days to hike. Trekkers can stay in rustic cabins midway up the mountain, while enjoying unbelievable views of both Rwanda and Congo.
Hike Mount Bisoke
Bisoke mountain; an extinct volcano in northwest Rwanda, features a stupendous crater lake at the summit. This is one of Rwanda’s most celebrated hikes, and takes a full morning. The volcano borders the Democratic Republic of Congo, rendering the lake as international waters. No swimming allowed, but the view is reason enough to undertake this day long trek.
Hike Mount Sabyinyo
As one of the eight Virunga volcanoes, Sabyinyo is possibly the range’s most fascinating hike. Its summit is shared between Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the hike is beyond strenuous. Narrow trails, deep drop offs, and jagged cliff faces define this mountain’s appearance, as the vegetation continues to change depending on the elevation. From bamboo groves to thick rainforests, this volcano never ceases to delight.
Hike Mount Muhabura
Muhabura mountain, one of Rwanda’s most impressive volcanoes, marks the border between Rwanda and Uganda. Views from the top produce gorgeous sights of the other volcanoes in the country, as well as the sparkling twin lakes. Although the hike is one of Rwanda’s toughest, it takes only a day. No advanced booking is required, and porters are available for hire at the hike’s base.
Hike Mount Kabuye
Standing at approximately 2,700 metres, Mount Kabuye is the tallest mountain in Rwanda (if we’re not counting the volcanoes of the Virunga range). It’s also one of the few summits in the country that doesn’t require a permit to ascend, so it’s totally free to hike and also easily accessible by car or bus. Traversing Rwanda’s hilly farmland, you’ll meet friendly villagers and groups of barefoot children who’ll often join you as you hike further up into woods of Eucalyptus trees, effortlessly running ahead of you and giggling despite the altitude.
Hike Mount Kigali
For residents and visitors of Rwanda’s capital city, Mt. Kigali is the area’s best day hike. Situated far up the road in the bustling Nyamirambo neighbourhood, it varies in difficulty depending on the starting point, and is rarely undertaken alone. Expect several panoramic views of the city below, accompanied by hordes of schoolchildren.
Buhanga Sacred Forest Walk
Buhanga Sacred Forest is an immensely culturally-significant place for Rwandans; it is where the kingdom was founded (Buhanga means creation) and where all its kings were crowned. You can even visit the cave where these coronation ceremonies were held. Paths have been crafted using lava stones, and run between tall, ancient ficus trees with creepers clinging to their trunks. Visit the forest on a day trip and you’ll have plenty of time to soak up its spiritual, natural beauty and spot rare orchids, butterflies and other exotic species. Check into Davinci Gorilla Lodge for mountain views and proximity to Buhanga Sacred Forest.
The Congo Nile Trail
One of the best ways to see Rwanda is traversing the Congo Nile Trail, a tangled network of dirt roads winding through jungle, over terraced hills and along the shores of Lake Kivu. It takes around 10 days to complete the 227km journey on foot but you can always pick up certain sections of the route, or choose to cycle instead. Hikers will get a glimpse of Rwandan rural life passing through fishing villages around Lake Kivu and watching local women draped in bright patterned fabric carry bundles of firewood or bananas into town. The route runs between the Nile and Congo rivers, where you’ll witness some of finest scenery of this small, mountainous African country; views of the Rift Valley escarpment, waterfalls and the glistening, islet-covered Lake Kivu. The trail starts in the town of Gisenyi, where you’ll find INZU Lodge, a gorgeous accommodation on the shore of Lake Kivu.
Nyungwe Forest canopy walk
Located in the depths of Nyungwe National Forest, the country’s only canopy walk hangs fifty metres off the jungle floor. Though the hike there is fairly short, the intensive uphill trek is enough to make anyone wheeze. However, the multitude of bird sightings, primate encounters, and misty mountaintop sights are spectacular.
Rwanda Mountain Hiking Tours
Rwanda Mountain Hiking Tours are the most rewarding activities for the tourists who are looking for adventure activities in Rwanda. The entire mountains for hiking are located in the northern part of Rwanda in the known volcanoes chain ( Muhabura, Kalisimbi, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Bisoke) that forms the Volcanoes National Park with its rain forest and bamboo vegetation. The famous mountains for hiking in the Volcanoes National Park are Bisoke, Karisimbi , Muhabura.
Below are the Hiking tours to book for:
1 Day Ruhondo Lake Adventure
The Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo are located in the northern part of Rwanda, on the outskirts of the town of Musanze. The twin lakes are beautiful waters that are surrounded by steep hills and tall waterfall with the outlines of the nearby Virunga Volcanoes providing a spectacular backdrop. A canoe boat or boat trip can be taken along the waters of these twin lakes for sightseeing and bird watching activity. Book this Tour.
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2 Days Ruhondo Lake & Golden Monkey Trekking Adventure
The 2 day Ruhondo Lake and Golden Monkeys Adventure will take you on an adventure through the Kalisimbi crater lake and descend down the mountain through tropical forest to see golden monkeys. Starting at 7am, you will begin your scenic drive towards Lake Bulera ending at where the tour begins. You will then hike up the volcanic rim and enjoy a scenic view of the lake and surrounding mountains before descending down into the crater. Book This Tour.
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5 Days Nyungwe Safari and Lake Kivu Adventure
This 5 Days Nyungwe Forest National Park Safari will give you a great opportunity to visit one of the highly visited national park in Rwanda, as you visit and explore the beautiful attractions of Nyungwe Forest National Park, and its surrounding attractions such as tea plantations and Lake Kivu. This will be a wonderful moment as you tour around the country side, meeting the local people as well, not forgetting a visit to the southern museum in the province. the look to volcanoes national park with it’ great views is a party of this tour. Book this Tour.
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