Imbaraga Trail in Nyungwe Forests is the most popular but somehow tough experience to complete the hike. It is among the first trails that were developed in Nyungwe forest national park, covering 10 kilometers long and takes about 6 hours to hike.

Imbaraga is a local Kinyarwanda word that means “strength”. This is why it has been described as a difficult trail in Nyungwe forest, and it is about 2470 meters above sea level but it has an amazing experience because it takes tourists through four magnificent verdant valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and allows a tourist to view outstanding tree species and if you’re lucky, you can also see unique Chimpanzees that cannot be found in other trails of the forest.

Hiking Imbaraga trail in Nyungwe forest is an amazing experience but somehow difficult which requires hikers to be physically fit to complete this tough experience.  Imbaraga trail takes you through Bururi Valley, where you see different habitats which include the verdant riverine forests approximately 500 meters below and undercover thickets on top of the Uwinka ridge. Beautiful attractions that are usually seen while hiking the Imbaraga Trail are the giant trees jaw-dropping and Bururi Valley,

After viewing Uwinka ridge then move through the trail to the Buhoro-Imbaraga junction, and turn on your right up to the Igishigishigi trail. Continue with the Igishigishigi trail that branches from the main trail and from here you can enjoy a Canopy walks experience.

Other exciting hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park include Ngabwe, Muzimu, Bigugu, Umoyove, Kamiranzovu, Igishigishigi, Irebero, Buhoro, Rukuzi, Isumo, Karamba and Congo Nile Divide Trails among others.

When to hiking Imbaraga trail in Nyungwe forest national park

Imbaraga trail can be hiked throughout the year but it is best in the dry months of January, February, June, July, August, September and December when the trails are less muddy and slippery and this makes hiking excellent. However, you have to be prepared with a rainwater jacket, hiking boots and many more at all times since Nyungwe forest is a tropical rainforest so we expect rain any time.

Packing List for the Imbaraga hiking Trail

These are items you need to pack when you’re planning to hike the Imbaraga trail include a rain jacket, hiking boots, long-sleeved clothes, hat, camera with extra batteries, binoculars, water and energy drinks, packed lunch, insect repellent, and accept a walking stick which will be provided for you at the reception center.

How to reach Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in the south-western parts of Rwanda which are about 225 kilometers and take a 4-5 hours’ drive from Kigali City. Nyungwe forest national park can be accessed on either road or air. You can use flights from Kigali international airport to Kamembe airport which is organized by Rwanda air.

Where to stay during the Imbaraga trail hike in Nyungwe forest.

There are several accommodation facilities and safari lodges where you can spend a night on your safari in Nyungwe forest national park. The park is a top destination with hotspot biodiversity in Rwanda.  These are some of the best lodges where you can stay to make your safari complete include Nyungwe forest lodge, Gisakura guesthouse, Nyungwe top view hotel, one and only Nyungwe house