Canopy Walk in Nyungwe : Hang high above the oldest Afro Montane forest in East Africa, the Nyungwe forest canopy walkway is the best place to check your adrenaline. It is such a thrilling adventure to explore the forest and beyond by getting the aerial views of the surrounding. The national park borrows its name from Nyungwe forest located in the south western part of Rwanda. It covers a total land area of about 1020sq.km and sits from 1600-2950m above the sea level. It occupies the hilly terrains of the East African rift valley which makes it a perfect destination for hikers.

From Kigali to Nyungwe forest national park, it is 225km far by road. This is a short distance meaning that self drive tours are quick and easy. Just hire a car and head out for the 5 hours’ drive on the smooth roads of Rwanda that take travelers through the undulating hills across the country offering scenic views along the trip. If you are visiting other wildlife destinations like Akagera national park, it is advisable to use 4X4 vehicles but saloon cars can be effective if traveling only to the forest.

Following the declaration of Nyungwe forest  as a protected area in 2005, its wildlife populations have continued to grow and it is one of the natural forests with more wildlife than any other in the region. It has about 300 bird species, 38 reptiles, 32 species of amphibians and more than 70 species of mammals including the 13 species of primates.

The experience of the canopy walk in Nyungwe forest national park

This canopy walk in Nyungwe forest was opened for tourism in 2010 and has for all this long been one of the most exciting things not to miss out on Rwanda safaris. It takes tourists about 50m above the ground along the 160m long bridge, offering the breathtaking views of the thick canopy and sightings of some of the forest inhabitants such as birds, butterflies, monkeys such as Red-tailed monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys among others. Over 400 chimps call this forest home so there’s a chance to encounter them although chimp trekking as an activity on its own would be a better option to look out for these apes.

The canopy walk starts from Uwinka Visitor Centre with a hike which can be abit tedious. Remember to pack your strong hiking shoes for this experience since it takes us through some mounatnoes parts of the places in the forest which are also slippery. Walking sticks are provided at the visitors centre. The entire activity lasts for about 2 hours with daily departure schedules at 8am, 10am, 1pm and 3pm.

Price of canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park

The minimum age for canopy walk in Nyungwe forest is 6 years while children below 16 years are only allowed to go for this activity if they are with adults.

The cost of a permit for canopy walk is USD 60 per person.

Best time for canopy walk in Nyungwe forest

The park is open for this exhilarating activity throughout the year. Most travelers interested in canopy walk prefer doing it during the dry season because the trails are dry and easier to get through compared to the wet season. However, this is a rain forest and rain is expected any day even in the dry season.

Where to stay when visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park

Whether you want a luxurious stay or have tight budget for your safari to Nyungwe, be sure of a good retreat at your preferred lodge. Accommodations around the park include lodges, hotels, guesthouses and campsites. You can choose to stay at Nyungwe Forest lodge, Gisakura Guest house or Nyungwe Top View Hotel among others.

What to carry for the canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park

• Waterproof hiking boots
• A rain coat
• Drinking water
• Light backpack
• Camera

To book a primate tour in Nyungwe forest simply contact us about our Nyungwe forest safaris via info@gorillaugandasafaribookings.com or call us directly on +256-775630809 or +256-701343598  to speak directly to our reservations team.and get a chance to enjoy our packages that include canopy walk and other exciting activities like primate tracking.