Kamiranzovu Waterfalls
Compared to most usual Africa safaris hiking adventures in Rwanda like most tourist sites require one to be courageous, patient and energetic. If hiking is what you enjoy then Kamiranzovu waterfall is the best place for you.
This beautiful waterfall lies within the Nyungwe Forest National Park, southwest of Rwanda. This conservancy area is very famous as the furthest source of the mighty River Nile. For most tourists on safari to Nyungwe Forest, this is one of the most sought after tourist sites.
Besides primate adventures at this forested protected area, a hike to this waterfall equally rewards travel endeavours with thrilling experiences. What is interesting about this waterfall is that it comes with two (2) major parts the lower section which lies on huge rocks with a spectacular spot for you to take incredible photographs and the other section that lies in front of it.
Its 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 this waterfall in most cases is dependent on how much rainfall is received and usually can be intense when it receives 2000 mm but this is the 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. Kamiranzovu can be explored at any time of the year and can be reached approximately 4 to 5 hours’ drive from Kigali capital city.
A large population of travellers 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, which is Nyungwe Forest National Park’s visitor centre, 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 you embark on your actual hike to this splendid waterfall, you are advised not to pluck off flowers or any plants a fact that most of them are very eye-catching. Depending on when you intend to visit this tourist site, 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 a walking stick which you can get at your respective lodge or at the visitor centre.
Nyungwe National Park inhabits more than 1068 plant species, 38 reptiles, 13 primate species including chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoests, grey-cheeked mangabeys, Rwenzori monkeys, blue monkeys and many others.
There is also over 310 avifauna that includes among others the Rwenzori Turaco, blue Turaco, Francolinus Nobilis, Archer’s robin chat, alehe poliophrys, , 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.
Apart from hiking to Kamiranzovu waterfall, you can also engage in a number of amazing tourist activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park most of which include chimpanzees and other primates tracking, birding, canopy walk and others.
This park can be reached by road using a 4wheel safari vehicle that is comfortable and can navigate through the remote areas to Uwinka visitor centre. 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 which is 32 kilometres away from Nyungwe Forest Lodge.
Conclusively, for adventure enthusiasts on Rwanda safari Kamiranzovu waterfall is that one amazing spot you need not miss to explore for thrilling and unforgettable experiences of a lifetime.
