Kamiranzovu Swamp

Kamiranzovu Swamp.

Deep in the heart of Nyungwe Forest National Park lies a lesser-known treasure—Kamiranzovu Swamp. This vast, high-altitude wetland forms a striking contrast to the surrounding montane forest. It is wild, quiet, and rich in biodiversity. For adventurous travelers, Kamiranzovu offers a scenic and rewarding hiking experience.

The swamp is named from local expressions meaning “the place that swallows elephants.” According to local legend, elephants once roamed the area but became trapped in the swamp’s deep bogs. Their memory lives on, and one elephant skull recovered from the swamp is displayed at Uwinka Visitor Centre.

Where is Kamiranzovu Swamp?

Kamiranzovu Swamp lies within the central part of Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in Rwanda’s southwestern highlands. The swamp sits at an altitude of around 1,950 meters above sea level and spans about 1,300 hectares. Its nearly circular basin shape resembles a collapsed caldera, surrounded by ridges of forest-covered hills.

It lies close to the Gisakura–Uwinka road, making it accessible to hikers and birdwatchers.

The Kamiranzovu Swamp Trail

The Kamiranzovu Swamp Trail is one of Nyungwe’s most scenic and botanically rich hiking routes. The trail stretches 5.9 kilometers, including a section known as the Orchid Loop. It typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours to complete, depending on pace and weather.

The hike begins with a descent through dense forest. As you approach the swamp, the vegetation changes. Mosses, ferns, and wild orchids begin to appear in greater numbers. The trail then levels out and crosses wooden boardwalks that offer access across the wetter sections of the swamp.

At the far end of the swamp, hikers can reach Kamiranzovu Waterfall—a picturesque cascade fed by the swamp’s natural drainage. This waterfall eventually feeds the network of rivers that contribute to the Nile Basin.

What Makes Kamiranzovu Special?

Kamiranzovu is one of the highest-elevation wetlands in Africa. Its ecological value is immense. It serves as a water reservoir for the region, feeding important rivers and supporting plant and animal life that depend on wetland habitats.

The swamp supports a rich variety of endemic plants, including:

• Ground orchids
• Wild begonias
• Epiphytic ferns
• Wetland grasses and mosses

The Orchid Loop is especially notable for showcasing these floral treasures, particularly during the rainy season when many species bloom.

Kamiranzovu is also a prime location for birdwatching. Key species include:

• Grauer’s rush warbler, a rare swamp bird found only in the Albertine Rift
• Albertine owlet, often heard but rarely seen
• African marsh harriers, sunbirds, and flycatchers in the nearby forest edges

The swamp and surrounding forest also support primates, frogs, chameleons, and small mammals, though sightings are less common due to the density of vegetation.

Best Time to Visit

The dry seasons—from June to September and December to February—offer the best hiking conditions. Trails are less muddy, and boardwalks remain easier to navigate. However, the swamp also holds its greenest beauty in the wet season, especially for orchid lovers.

How to Get There

Kamiranzovu is accessible via two trailheads along the Gisakura–Uwinka road in Nyungwe. Most visitors base themselves in Gisakura, which lies near the park’s western edge. From there, it takes about 20–30 minutes by car to reach either entry point.

The swamp lies about 6 hours by road from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Visitors can also fly to Kamembe Airport near Cyangugu and reach Nyungwe in just over an hour.

Where to Stay

Several lodges and camps provide easy access to Kamiranzovu Trail, including:

• One&Only Nyungwe House – luxury eco-lodge within Gisakura Tea Estate
• Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel – known for panoramic forest views
• Gisakura Guest House – a popular budget-friendly option for hikers
• Nziza Eco Lodge – community-run lodge near the park entrance

What to Bring

The swamp’s terrain can be wet and slippery. Bring:

• Waterproof hiking boots
• A rain jacket
• Long trousers and sleeves
• Insect repellent
• A walking stick (available at Uwinka or Gisakura)
• Water and snacks
• A camera or binoculars for birds and landscapes

A guided hike is mandatory. Guides can be booked at Uwinka Visitor Centre or through your lodge.

Plan your wetland tour.

Kamiranzovu Swamp offers something few travelers experience—a journey into one of Rwanda’s highest wetlands. Its orchids, birds, and tranquil beauty make it a must-see for nature lovers, photographers, and hikers. It complements Nyungwe’s other highlights like the Canopy Walkway, chimpanzee tracking, and colobus monkey trekking.

If you seek quiet, scenic exploration far from crowds, Kamiranzovu will leave a lasting impression.