Canopy walks are one of the unmissable tourist activities in Rwanda, especially within Nyungwe Forest National Park. This adventurous activity involves walking through a bridge suspended above the ridges and tree canopies within the largest and oldest surviving verdant montane rainforest in Africa. This walk rewards visitors with a thrilling perspective along one of the oldest treetops and many wildlife species. The canopy walk was first launched in 2010 and is in three parts-the 23meter long, 45 meters and the 90 meters section that is over 70 meters high.
Nyungwe Forest is popular for being one of the few forests in Africa that survived through the last Ice age hence making it a biodiversity hot spot. The lush forest is still raw and boasts of some of the rarest species. Interestingly, there are 80 mammal species sheltered within the 1000-square-kilometer Protected Area and these include 12 primate species. Of these primate species, chimpanzees are the most sought-after although you are likely to find the Angolan colobus monkeys, L’Hoests monkeys, Olive baboons, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and many others. Here, also 320 bird species are found and these include 23 Albertine Rift endemics. The canopy walk provides views of treetops and opportunities to sight some of these animals and birds during the 2-hour walk.
Send Enquiry For This Experience
The Nyungwe canopy walkway is part of the Igishigishigi trail (one of the 15 forest trails within the Park) and is 160 meters long, and about 70 meters high. While it is part of the Igishigishigi trail, the canopy walk can also be accessed via the Umuyove or Imbaraga hiking trails. While primates are normally sighted during this walk, it is not guaranteed and for this reason, travelers interested in seeing primates can sign-up for the chimpanzee and monkey tracking adventures, or better still forest walks where lots of them are sighted.
How much does the canopy walk in Nyungwe cost?
Travelers interested in undertaking the canopy walk in Nyungwe forest are required to first acquire permits and these cost only $60 per person per walk. However, the fee includes a Ranger but doesn’t include Park entry fees and tips. What makes it even exciting is the fact that even children aged 6 years can undertake the once in a lifetime adventure.
How Nyungwe canopy walks are done
The Canopy walks in Nyungwe Forest are done in four sessions; starting at 8am, 10am, 1pm and 3pm and each of these sessions begins from Uwinka Reception Center. Here participants are briefed on what to expect from the activity and thereafter assigned an experienced Ranger guide. After the two-hour adventure, visitors move back to their Lodges will excitement and amazing views.
Send Enquiry For This Experience
When to undertake the Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest?
The Canopy walks in Nyungwe Forest are available throughout the year but it is always advisable to undertake it during the dry season (January, February, June, July, August, September and December) because this canopy walk is part of the Igishigishigi trail that first involves walking through the forest floor. For this reason, there are lower chances of walking through muddy and slippery places. The wet season is always avoided during this canopy walk because the forest floor becomes muddy and slippery due to heavy downpours. However, this is the best time for photography because vegetation becomes greener and the sky brighter as it is cleared of dust.
What to bring for the Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest?
The Canopy walk is part of the 2.1 kilometer long Igishigishigi trail hence involves some bit of hiking and walking through dense forest and for this reason, don’t forget your rain jacket, hiking boots, energy-giving snacks, re-usable water bottle, insect repellant, hat, sunglasses, cotton socks, waterproof backpack, warm sweater, walking stick, and many others.
Interestingly, Canopy walks are not the only activity you can enjoy in/or around Nyungwe Forest National Park but also have opportunities of undertaking chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, tea plantation tours, forest hiking (through 15 trails), monkey tracking as well as cultural tours around the Park.
