Canopy Walk Experience in Rwanda.
The canopy walk experience in Rwanda is one of the most sought-after tourist activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park. This park, located in the southwestern part of the country, spans over 1,019 square kilometers and offers an exhilarating way to explore Africa’s ancient rainforests from above.
Nyungwe Forest is home to a rich biodiversity, featuring over 13 primate species, 310 bird species, 1,010 plant species, 100 orchid species, and 100 butterfly species, all contributing to the forest’s stunning beauty. The canopy walkway, which opened in 2010, is a unique attraction in East Africa. This suspended bridge stretches 160 meters over a ravine and hangs about 70 meters in the air, providing adventurers with a bird’s-eye view of the lush canopy, misty hills, and incredible wildlife that inhabit Nyungwe.
As a result, the canopy walk has become a must-do activity for bird watchers, nature enthusiasts, and thrill-seekers who wish to experience Rwanda’s natural beauty from an entirely new perspective.
Canopy Walk Experience in Rwanda.
The canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest is an incredible activity that offers visitors breathtaking views of the tropical rainforest from above. The experience begins with a briefing at the Uwinka reception center, where visitors learn about the rules and regulations of the walk and meet their assigned guide. This knowledgeable guide provides insightful information about the park’s inhabitants, including the various animals, plants, and bird species that you may encounter. To access the canopy walk, visitors hike along the Igishigishigi trail, which is 2.1 kilometers long. This trail leads to a magnificent suspended bridge that stretches 160 meters in length and is 70 meters above the ground, providing a unique perspective of the park.
It’s important to note that the activity involves heights. If you have a fear of heights, you may want to consider other activities during your safari in Nyungwe. The minimum age for participating in the canopy walk is 6 years. The canopy walk experience in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park offers four sessions per day, each providing exceptional opportunities to observe the tropical rainforest from above. During your walk, you’ll have the chance to see various wildlife species that call the park home. Bird watchers will find Nyungwe a paradise, enjoying the melodic songs of birds and spotting species that live in the treetops, such as the Regal sunbird, Crimsonwing, Albertine Owlet, Great Blue Turaco, and Red-collared Babbler. Additionally, you might see olive baboons, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, mona monkeys, colobus monkeys and even chimpanzees playing in the trees on lucky days.
With beautiful views of the lush landscape and Lake Kivu, the canopy walk promises a memorable experience. If you are a nature lover planning your African safari in Rwanda, adding a canopy walk to your bucket list is a must.
Cost of Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest.
To participate in the canopy walk experience at Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park, you must obtain a permit that verifies your full payment for the activity. The cost for the canopy walk is as follows: $60 for foreign non-residents, $50 for foreign residents, and $10 for East African Community (EAC) citizens. Please note that these fees do not include the entrance fee for Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park.
The canopy walk experience in Rwanda 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.
