Canopy Walk Safari in Nyungwe National Park
The Nyungwe canopy walk is hangs over a deep ravine within Nyungwe National Park’s stunning montane rainforest. This suspension bridge is the longest of its kind, offering tourists an exhilarating perspective of ancient tress and diverse wildlife below. As a key feature of Nyungwe National Park, along with its chimpanzee populations, the canopy walk attracts travelers from around the world, seeking Rwanda safaris. Established by the non-governmental organization Green Heart was founded in 2008, construction by the walkway began in 2010. It was officially opened by the Development Board in 2017. Since then, it has become a popular attraction in Rwanda’s tourism scene.
The Nyungwe Canopy suspension bridge stretches 160 meters in length and reaches a height of 170 meters above the forest floor. The canopy walk is guided tour by a park guide and it begins from the Uwinka reception center, takes 2 hours and it’s done by travelers of 6 years and above. Visitors can experience the canopy walk as part of guided tours along the Igishigishigi route, one of the many hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The canopy walk tour therefore involves hiking along the Igishigishigi trail 2.1km long, with the canopy walkway creating a sort of bridge or shortcut along this looping trail.
You can also access the canopy walkway through the Imbaraga and Umuyove hiking trails. The bridge connects towering trees, providing a refreshing atmosphere and spectacular views of the forest canopy, where one can observe a variety of forest wildlife such as primate species, including the famous chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys. You’ll also spot animals like, including duikers, golden cats, Klipspringer, impalas, Bushbucks, Buffaloes, Elephants, Bush pigs, Gant Forest hog, Blotched serval, Carnival genet, Congo clawless, Mongoose, otter, serval, felis, black-fronted duiker as well as colorful butterflies and various bird species.
Cost of canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest
Each traveler partaking in canopy walk must have a valid permit allowing him to be part of this adventurous experience. The canopy walks in Nyungwe Forest costs $60 per person. this includes the park entrance fee, ranger and guide. The walk is available to anyone 6 years of age and above, and is guided. The permits are issued by the Rwanda development board which is in charge of all tourism activities in Rwanda. On the day of your trekking, please present your canopy walk payment receipt at the park headquarters before proceeding to the starting point.
About Hiking the Canopy Walkway in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
The hike to the forest canopy begins at the Uwinka Visitor Centre and typically last around 3 hours. The trek starts at 8 a.m. and concludes at 10 a.m. daily, with additional evening excursions starting at 3 p.m. The Canopy Walk and trek offers an exciting and engaging experience as it takes tourists along the 200-meters Canopy Walk route. This part of the journey is especially thrilling for those who may have a fear of heights.
The paths leading to the Canopy can be challenging and demanding, requiring visitors to be physically fit, patient, and persistent. It is advisable to wear the appropriate hiking boots when undertaking the forest canopy hike.
The Canopy Walkway in Nyungwe Forest National Park features a bridge that spans across towering trees, situated approximately 60 meters above the forest floor. While crossing bridge, visitors can observe several butterfly and bird species, as well as playful and curious primates such as blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
This canopy walk provides an opportunity to explore the natural splendor of the forest. The upper parts of the forest are dominated by hardwood trees, while the lower canopy is rich with vibrant purple orchids and lush green flora
How to book Canopy Walk in Rwanda Nyungwe Forest National Park
to experience the Canopy, walk in Rwanda Nyungwe Forest National Park, you can make your booking through Achieve Global Safaris. Reservations are handled directly by the Rwanda Development Board and it is necessary to book in advance. Feel free to reach out to us to confirm an availability for your preferred dates and to secure your permits for the Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Other activities to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is a popular activity for many travelers visiting Nyungwe National Park, thanks to its lush rainforests that serve as a habitat for 13 primate species, including the rare and endangered chimpanzees. Visitors come throughout the year to observe these fascinating primates, enjoying their playful behavior and other natural characteristics. The trekking adventure in Nyungwe National Park typically starts in the morning at the Uwinka reception center, Gisakura, or Katabi, where participants receive a briefing on the rules and guidelines for the experience. A ranger is then assigned to guide you into the forest to observe the chimpanzees, after which you will exit the forest. The entire chimpanzee trekking experience lasts approximately four to five hours and costs around 90 USD for each permit. In addition to chimpanzees, the forest is home to other primates such as the black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys, all of which can be seen during the trek.
Monkey tracking
Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda stands out as one of the premier destinations for observing small primates in Africa. While many visitors primarily visit the park for chimpanzee tracking, it also provides opportunities to see a variety of other primates in their natural environment. The forest is home to 13 primate species, with monkeys being particularly prominent. Notably, the Rwenzori Colobus monkey, which is endemic to this region, can be seen here. Just like the other primates, it is best to track them in the morning when they are actively in feeding and grooming before they rest. Other monkey species you will see include the Grey-Cheeked Mangabeys, Blue-Monkeys, L’hoest Monkeys, Owl Faced Monkeys and Mona Monkeys. The optimal time for monkey tracking is in the early morning hours when these lively animals are most active, feeding and grooming before settling down to rest.
Birding
Bird watching in Nyungwe National Park. Nyungwe forest is a tropical montane rainforest that is home to 322 bird species, so far 29 are bird species have been found here. While on your birding safari, you can spot bird specie such as Red-collared Babbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Nightjar, Grauer’s Warbler, Regal, Blue-headed and Purple Breasted Sunbirds, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler and Neumann’s Warbler. With additional time and a touch of luck, it becomes possible to observe the Kungwe Apalis, Kivu Ground Thrush, and Willard’s Sooty Boubou. Among the birds of Nyungwe, the rarest may well be the Congo Bay Owl, Albertine Owlet and Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Rockefeller’s Sunbird which have been reported, but are seldom seen.
What is the best time to do the Canopy Walk in Nyungwe National Park?
The Canopy Walk at Nyungwe Forest National Park is accessible throughout the year. However, the optimum time is during the dry season. Also, there is a significant possibility of rain while on the climb. Therefore, bring a raincoat with you on the day you go hiking to the canopy.
How to get to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
To reach Nyungwe Forest National Park, tourists interested in canopy walks can travel by road from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, or rom Kigali International Airport. The journey covers approximately 190 kilometers and typically takes around 6 hours to drive along a well-surfaced route.
For those preferring to fly, charter flights can be arranged with Rwanda, Rwanda’s main airline. Passengers can depart from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe town, which is close to the park. From Kamembe, it’s about a 10-minute drive to Nyungwe National Park. Additionally, private flights operated by Akagera Aviation are available and land directly within Nyungwe, providing another convenient option for visitors.
