Rwanda Canopy Walk Experience, Through the elevated highlands of southern Rwanda. Above the thick and tall tropical central African forests of Nyungwe. There is an incredible canopy forest walking experience. The Nyungwe forest canopy walk is a world-class walk over tropical heights. It’s nowhere else but in the central and eastern regions of Africa.
The canopy walking experience is another amazing moment on your adventure in Rwanda. Finding yourself walking on the swinging suspension over the tree canopy is not for faint-hearted but rather adventurous seekers. The canopy walk is an adventurous and thrilling activity done at Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is highly recognized for hosting the highest number of primates. And offering an incredible chimpanzee tracking experience. Again, canopy walks have contributed to the rich biodiversity of Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in southwestern Rwanda. Where Rwanda shares borders with Burundi in the south, Lake Kivu, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This park covers a total surface area of 1020 sq km. And is at a height of between 1600 and 2950 meters above sea level.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is part of the renowned Nyungwe Forest. Which is the largest tropical rain forest in East and Central Africa. The forest has been in existence for thousands of years. In 1903, Nyungwe was declared a forest reserve by the German colonial government. Between 1958 and 1973, the total land coverage of this tropical African rainforest was greatly reduced due to fire outbreaks in the forest, large-scale deforestation, and animal poaching. In 1974, the last buffaloes. That inhabited Nyungwe Forest were killed by poachers.
In 2004, Nyungwe Forest National Park was first established as a national park following the ranking of Rwanda as one of the top 10 tourist destinations on Lonely Planet. However, in 2005, Nyungwe Forest National Park was declared a protected area, and it was during this time that tourist visits to the national park increased.
This interesting forest is home to over 300 bird species and 75 mammal species, including 13 primate species. This makes the national park a place to be for any curious and adventurous visitor.
The Nyungwe Canopy Walk
It’s the only of its kind available in the East African region, and among the three that exist on the African continent of its kind. This kind of isolation is significant as far as adventures are concerned. This canopy walk started in 2010, and today, it’s among the most popular tourist activities one can consider when visiting Rwanda.
The nature of the Nyungwe Canopy walk was 90 meters long and 50 meters above the ground. Guests have a chance to walk on a pedal suspension over unique, rare, and terrifying scenery. It’s a breathtaking view from its ground floor, with lots of attractions to see within the forest like birds, monkeys, butterflies, and many more.
There are two climbing sessions for the walk, of which the first session starts at 8 a.m. and goes for about two hours, ending at 10 a.m., then the second afternoon session kicks off at 2 p.m. every day. The hike starts at the Uwinka Visitor Center and is a 2-hour hike.
The Canopy Walk and Hike is an adrenaline-filled and fun-filled walk that takes one through the 200-meter Canopy Walk. This is the highlight of the whole hiking experience, especially for those who are not afraid of heights.
While hiking to the Canopy, the trails slippery and tedious; hence, it calls for one to be physically fit, patient, and persistent as well. Make it a point to wear the right hiking shoes when going for the forest canopy walk.
The canopy walkway comprises a bridge adjourned between huge trees in the forest and stands 60 meters above the forest floor. While on the bridge, get to see different butterfly and bird species as well as spot mischievous and curious monkeys such as the blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest monkeys.
The canopy walk and hike in Nyungwe Forest National Park offers tourists the chance to explore the forest’s natural beauty, with the upper section of the forest having hard wood trees and the lower section of the forest canopy having a large collection of purple orchids with lush, green flora.
Rates for the Rwanda Canopy Walk Experience
The canopy walk and hike in Nyungwe Forest National Park will cost you USD 60 per person, and those interested in the activity can make payments at the park’s reception desk.
Best Time for Canopy Walk at Nyungwe
The canopy walk and hike in Nyungwe Forest National Park done throughout the year. However, the best and most favorable time to experience suspensions and hikes is the dry season. You must know that chances are high for rainfall while you are on the hike in the central African tropics.
What to carry for a Rwanda Canopy Walk Experience
On the day you are going for the canopy walk and hike in Nyungwe Forest National Park, please carry with you the following:
- A walking stick can be provided for you at the national park.
- Waterproof hiking boots.
- A rain coat
- A camera and batteries
- A small, light backpack bag
- Mineral water/water bottle
Where to stay while visiting Nyugwe Forest National Park for the Rwanda Canopy Walk Experience
There are a variety of accommodation facilities available while on tour in Nyugwe Forest National Park. The accommodation options comprise hotels, lodges, guesthouses, motels, and camp sites. Some of these places that you can choose to stay in include:
The one and only Nyugwe House/Nyungwe Forest Lodge is a luxury lodge with 20 luxury rooms and 2 VIP/Presidential rooms, with each of these VIP rooms having a Jacuzzi and private balcony with views overlooking Nyungwe Forest.
Gisakura Guest House: Situated along the road to Rusizi and is close to the Gisakura tea estate. This guesthouse offers low-budget and mid-range accommodation, with rooms ranging from USD 43 to USD 85.
Nyungwe Top View Hotel: The Nyungwe Top View Hotel constructed in 2011 and is a five-minute drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The hotel is also a 4- to 5-hour drive from Kigali City.