Canopy Walk Experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
The canopy walk experience is one of the most exceptional adventures in Nyungwe Forest National Park, offering visitors breathtaking views of the magnificent Nyungwe Forest and its surroundings from above the trees. Nyungwe National Park is one of Africa’s oldest and largest tropical montane rainforests, located in the southwestern region of Rwanda. The park is home to a rich biodiversity, including various wildlife species, birds, butterflies, and primates. Notable residents include playful chimpanzees, our closest relatives, as well as L’Hoest monkeys, colobus monkeys, and the endemic Mona monkeys, all of which contribute to the beautiful sights and sounds of the forest, creating unforgettable safari memories.
The canopy walk is conducted on a suspended metallic bridge that stretches across a deep, narrow gorge in the heart of the tropical rainforest. Elevated 70 meters above the forest floor and spanning 160 meters, this experience offers an amazing perspective of Nyungwe.
Attracting tourists from around the globe, the canopy walk takes approximately 2 to 3 hours and begins at the Uwinka reception center, where you will be assigned a guide. Your guide will lead you through the experience and provide insights about the wildlife you may encounter during your hike. The canopy walk can be accessed via the Igishigishigi trail, which is about 2.2 km long. This trail guides you through the forest floor to the base of the walkway, allowing you to ascend to the 160-meter suspended bridge positioned 70 meters above the forest floor, providing a unique view of the rainforest canopy.
The canopy walk experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park is available daily at various times, starting at 8 AM, 10 AM, 1 PM, and the last slot at 3 PM. Each option offers an exceptional experience of a true African safari. This activity provides a magnificent vantage point to observe the park’s diverse wildlife and lush forest from above.
During the canopy walk, you may spot chimpanzees playing in the trees, along with olive baboons, Mona monkeys, vervet monkeys, and more. Butterfly enthusiasts will be delighted by the numerous butterfly species that enhance the forest’s beauty. Birdwatchers will find the park a paradise, home to species such as the Red-collared Babbler, Crimsonwing, Albertine Owlet, Great Blue Turaco, Regal Sunbird, and other Rift Valley endemics, all offering a unique perspective from the forest canopy.
In addition to the canopy walk, visitors to Nyungwe Forest National Park can enjoy other activities such as chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, colobus monkey trekking, bird watching, and hiking. Each of these experiences contributes to an amazing adventure. If you are a nature lover seeking a unique African experience, Nyungwe National Park is a must-visit safari destination in Rwanda.
How to book a Canopy Walk Safari in Nyungwe Forest.
You can book a canopy walk safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park through a licensed tour company like Caracal Explorers. To make a reservation, send an email that includes your name, the number of participants, and the date you would like to do the activity. The company will assist you with all the necessary arrangements. Alternatively, you can book directly at the Uwinka reception while you are in Rwanda; however, it’s important to make reservations in advance since there are limited slots available.
Best Time to Visit Nyungwe National Park.
The canopy walk in Nyungwe can be enjoyed year-round; however, the best time to experience it is during the dry season, commonly referred to as peak season. This period runs from June to September and again from December to February. During these months, there is minimal to no rainfall, which makes the hiking trails dry and more accessible, providing an extraordinary experience in the forest.
