Canopy Walk Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe canopy walk is suspended above a ravine in the lush montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park. The canopy walkway is the best suspension that provides an exhilarating perspective on the ancient treetops and wildlife in the forest. With the canopy walk and chimpanzees, Nyungwe National Park is a one-stop destination for Rwanda tours for tourists from the world over. The idea to set up in 2008 and construction works started in 2010 under the non-governmental organization Green Heart. The canopy walkway became operational in 2017 and has since been a top Rwanda tourism activity. The walkway is 160 meters long and 170 meters high on a suspension bridge. The canopy walk is accessible as part of a guided tour along the Igishigishigi trail or the Imbaraga and Umuyove hiking trails. The bridge is adjourned between the huge trees with a feel of fresh air and a wonderful aerial view of the trees, primates, and several bird species.

Nyungwe forest is a great spot for biodiversity as it survived the last ice age. This is the largest protected mountain forest in Africa that covers between 1600 and 2000 square kilometers with a very scenic 5-hour drive from Rwanda’s capital Kigali. Before getting on the canopy walk, tourists walk for one hour from the Uwinka Reception Centre. In the Nyungwe forest, there are thirteen species of primates and these may be spotted on a primate tracking tour. The minimum age limit for individuals to go on a canopy walk is six (6) years and children should be accompanied by adults. When planning to go on a canopy walk wear suitable footwear and take a lightweight raincoat. You can also rent boots and a raincoat from the park headquarters where they can also provide a walking stick which is handy on the steep paths. Canopy walk tours are available all year round with more chances of rain in the afternoon. Canopy walks are carried out all year round in different sessions in the morning at 8:00 am or 10:00 am, in the afternoon at 3:00 pm, and in the night at 7:00 pm. For adventurous travelers, the canopy walk is a unique and memorable experience whereas, for those with fear of heights, this can be termed as an endless walk to hell. In the whole of East Africa, Nyungwe Forest is the only place with such a memorable canopy walk worth undertaking. Other activities in the park include chimpanzee trekking, birding, hiking, and many others.

Health Advice for the canopy walk

To undertake a canopy walk experience in Nyungwe it is advised for tourists to be free from any health complications which can affect the person during the hike. People with health complications like heart problems, lung problems that can cause shortness of breath are advised not to participate in the activity. Persons who are afraid of heights or those with acrophobia are advised not to undertake a canopy walk. However, for those who undertake the activity, it is important to follow the guidelines as advised by the tour guides.

How to get to Nyungwe National Park

For tourists who want to participate in canopy walks, the park can be accessed by road from Kigali Rwanda’s capital, or from Kigali International Airport. By road, it is approximately 190 km on a drive of about 5 hours along a well-surfaced road. By air, tourists interested can book charter flights with Rwandair which is the country’s national carrier from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe town which is very close to Nyungwe National Park. From Kamembe town, you connect to the park by road for a drive of about 10 minutes. Nyungwe Canopy walk is one of the activities in Rwanda and can’t be missed on a tour. Other activities in the country include Rwanda gorilla tours, golden monkey trekking, birding, chimpanzee trekking, and hiking. Other than tours in Rwanda, we also organize wildlife tours to Uganda, Tanzania safaris, and Kenya safari tours.

Canopy Walk Nyungwe National Park

Health Advice for the canopy walk

How to get to Nyungwe National Park

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