Is there is that one magical site you have always wished to explore before you die then it is Kamiranzovu falls. Compared to most safaris in Africa, to take a hike means you must be courageous, patient and energetic to get the best out of it.
If hiking has always been your dream adventure experience then Kamiranzovu waterfall is that one splendid tourist sites you need not to miss to explore while on safari in Africa. This scenic waterfall straddles within Nyungwe Forest National Park, a thick tropical rainforest protected area in southwest of Rwanda. This protected area is also very popular as the furthest source of the mighty River Nile.
This natural wonder is undoubtedly one of the most sought after tourist sites by most visitors on Rwanda safari to Nyungwe Forest National Park. A hike through this natural wonder rewards travel endeavors and besides catching a glimpse at the beautiful chimpanzees and several other primate species in the Nyungwe forest, a walk to Kamiranzovu waterfall equally tourists with exceptionally amazing experiences.
Interestingly, this waterfall comes in two major parts the lower section which lies on huge rocks with spectacular spot for you to take incredible photographs and the other section that lies in front of it. The lower part drops at 50 meters making a permanent mist and the second section makes up a pool of water that reflects the green vegetation.
The speed of the waterfall usually depends on the amount rainfall and can be intense especially when it receives about 2000 mm of rainfall but this is season a fact that this can occur within the 9 months in a year. The park itself where Kamiranzovu is located is a major water catchment area in Rwanda. This waterfall can be explored at anytime of the year and can be reached approximately 4 to 5 hours’ drive from Kigali capital city.
The large population of travelers are attracted to this natural wonder especially those on adventure vacation and if you also love nature photography then, this is the best spot that you need to explore. You will spend about one and half hours while walking from Uwinka visitors center and in most cases, the hike to this waterfall is regarded as a nature walk. Along the way, you will make stopover and sight at most forest birds, butterflies, primates and several other wildlife species plus plants that are of medicinal significance.
Before setting off for the actual hike, visitors are always advised not to pluck off flowers or any plants a fact that most of them are very eye-catching. Depending on your travel period, rainfall is usually not easy to predict and it can be tiresome for one to hike through steep slopes and muddy trails something that requires one to be physically fit. Besides, hikers are advised to be on warm clothing, waterproof gear including hiking boots and don’t forget to pack some energy giving snacks and drinking water. You will also need walking stick which you can get at your respective lodge or at the visitor center.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Africa’s most endowed protected areas and boasts of diverse attractions including over 1068 plant species, 38 reptiles, 13 primate species that include Black and White Colobus Monkeys, chimpanzees, L’Hoest monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, Mona monkeys, blue monkeys and many others.
There are also over 310 bird species for you to sight at this park including the Rwenzori Turaco, blue Turaco, Francolinus nobilis, alehe poliophrys, Archer’s robin chat, Rwenzori apalis, black and white casqued hornbill, stripe breasted tit parus fasciiventer, red-throated Alethe, Grauer’s rush warbler, purple breasted and blue headed, yellow eyed black flycatcher and many more. Other things to do in Nyungwe National Park besides Kamiranzovu waterfall hike include tracking chimpanzees and Colobus monkeys, bird watching, and canopy walk among others.
This park is 225 kilometers’ drive away from Kigali and you will drive for about 5-6 hours. Nyungwe National Park can be accessed by road using a 4×4 safari vehicle, that is comfortable and can navigate through the remote areas to Uwinka visitor center. The other option is for you to take a bus which heads to Ruzizi from Nyabugogo Bus Park in Kigali and you will spend nearly eight hours. Alternatively, you can take a flight to Kamembe airport located on the edges of Nyungwe Forest Lodge, just 32km drive.
In conclusion, while on safari in Rwanda, a hike through Kamiranzovu waterfalls should be a must for you to do and you won’t regret thereafter.