Tag: Kamiranzovu Waterfall Nyungwe National park

Kamiranzovu Waterfall

Kamiranzovu Waterfall is a scenic cascade located deep within Nyungwe Forest National Park in south-western Rwanda. It is one of the park’s most popular natural attractions, renowned for its lush rainforest setting, biodiversity, and accessibility via well-maintained hiking trails.

Key facts
• Location: Nyungwe Forest National Park, Western Rwanda
• Height: Approximately 10 metres
• Trail length: ~5.9 kilometres (round trip)
• Access: Guided hike from Uwinka Visitor Centre
• Ecosystem: Montane rainforest and wetland basin

Setting and geography

The waterfall lies within the Kamiranzovu Swamp basin, the largest wetland in Nyungwe Forest. The area forms part of the Albertine Rift montane ecosystem, characterised by dense tropical vegetation, moss-covered rocks, and abundant birdlife. The falls’ flow is fed by high annual rainfall and numerous small forest streams that converge in the basin.

Hiking and access

Visitors typically reach Kamiranzovu Waterfall through a guided hike beginning at the Uwinka Visitor Centre. The trail loops through dense forest and takes around three hours to complete. Along the route, hikers may encounter a variety of endemic plants, primates such as L’Hoest’s monkeys, and numerous bird species, reflecting Nyungwe’s exceptional biodiversity.

Ecological importance

The waterfall and surrounding basin play a key role in regulating local hydrology and supporting wetland habitats. Kamiranzovu Swamp acts as a natural water reservoir, contributing to the headwaters of the Congo River basin. Conservation of this site helps protect water quality and sustain rare montane rainforest species.

Visitor experience

The site is valued for its tranquillity, photography opportunities, and the chance to experience Rwanda’s oldest rainforest ecosystem. Guided tours highlight both natural and cultural heritage, with interpretation focused on forest ecology, conservation, and the role of Nyungwe as one of Central Africa’s most significant biodiversity refuges.