Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk
NYUNGWE FOREST CANOPY WALK
Nyungwe Forest in the southwest of Rwanda is one of Africa’s remaining biodiversity hotbeds. It protects a tract of ravine lush montane forest that is home to 13 primate species inclusive of the chimpanzees, 80 mammals, reptiles, trees, and a variety of bird species among others. The forest has 15 hiking trails and each takes visitors to a different spectacle that is housed by the beautiful park. Nyungwe national park has a set of fascinating activities from chimpanzee tracking, birding, nature walks for its visitors but the most fascinating and adventurous of these is the Nyungwe Forest canopy walk.
Since the initiation of the activity in 2010 to diversify the products in Rwanda, 90% of visitors to Rwanda who visits Nyungwe Forest National Park engage in the canopy walk.
The 30 minutes’ walk on the Igishigishigi Trail gets you to the starting point of the canopy walk bridge. The bridge is 160m long 70m high and the view from up here is so stunning. As the bridge swings, the adrenaline will automatically rush through. The canopy walkway leads between huge and ancient trees in the park and the views across Uwinka ridge from the top of the canopy are magnificent. It gives a birds-eye view of the park. While on the walkway, one should keep a keen eye not to miss the primates, birds, and other life that is always in the canopy.
Travelers who would like to engage in the activity must have a valid permit from Rwanda Development Board (African Rock Safaris can also book for you). The activity is 60USD and only people above the age of 6 can engage in the activity solo (those under the age must be accompanied by adults. There are two sessions for the activity and that is at 8.am and 3.pm in the afternoon. After the briefing and cautioning at the information center, the activity to and from can take about 2-3 hours. The afternoons have been reviewed as the best time for the activity due to the fog/mist that covers the forest and the volcanos in the morning.
When to visit
The activity is open all year round.
What to carry
Visitors are required to carry light rain jackets, have hiking shoes. Those who are light travelers can rent boots and rain coats from the park headquarters.
Don’t wait. Prepare to engage in an adventure and get insight into Rwanda’s beauty from the heights of the largest protected montane forest in Africa.
