Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park
canopy walk in the nyungwe forest national park is a thrilling safari experience that takes place in Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park on a suspended bridge 70 meters above the vast Nyungwe forest. The walk is led and lasts for around two hours over a 160-meter stretch of walkway.
Many natural animals can be found in the old Nyungwe forest, including the critically endangered chimpanzees and another 12 species of primates that hikers may see. Along with over 1000 distinct tree species, 300 bird species, several amphibian and reptile species, and other unique and rich forest features, this biodiverse rain forest makes for an unforgettable canopy walk experience when visiting Rwanda for a safari.
The canopy walk is a guided tour done by persons of 6 years and above at a fee of 60 USD per walk per person. Though a 6-year-old can do the walk, it’s advisable that adults always accompany the children. Although the walk may be done year-round, it is easier and nicer in the dry seasons when the walkway is considerably drier. In Rwanda, the dry seasons last from June to September and from December to February.
As you go along the canopy walk, you may see many animals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians that call the vast East African region, Lake Kivu, and the various portions of the Nyungwe forest into view.
Because you approach the suspended bridge from the 2.1 km Igishigishigi path, a hiking trail in Nyungwe National Park, you must hike a little bit to complete the canopy walk. This track leads to the 160-meter suspended bridge that spans the forest. You shouldn’t let this hiking trail deter you from going for a walk; even for inexperienced hikers, it’s quite manageable with a few difficult spots due to the rocky landscape.
The canopy walk is scheduled for 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. The walk starts from the Uwinka Reception Centre; this is also the head office for Nyungwe National Park. Visitors are given information about the walk and paired with a walking guide at the Uwinka Reception Centre. This is also where you can buy essential items for the walk, such as raincoats, walking sticks, and other items, if you don’t already have them. You go with a guide to the Igishigishigi trail after the session at the Uwinka Reception Centre. From there, you cross a 160-meter suspended bridge that sits above massive, sturdy trees on top of the ancient, biodiverse Nyungwe forest.
Wearing hiking boots or shoes, a rain jacket, a bottle of water, a snack (particularly for the kids) and, of course, your camera to record the unique moments are all necessary for your stroll.
It’s also important to be well before beginning the walk; if you’re not feeling well or have a medical condition that could get worse, you can skip the walk and engage in other safari activities offered by Nyungwe National Park.
That being said, the canopy walk is the ideal safari experience for risk-takers, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys an adrenaline rush; don’t be scared, though; anyone who wants to participate in the walk can do so safely.
The boardwalk is sturdy, and park managers make sure that various safety precautions are taken for your protection as you stroll.
Through the Green Heart NGO group, USAID constructed the canopy walkway in 2010. Three portions make up the walkway: a 90-meter section that is 70 metres high, and other sections that are 45 and 25 metres long. Rwanda has the sole canopy walkway in the East African region and the third in Africa overall.
The road infrastructure to Nyungwe National Park is well built and constructed, ensuring a smooth ride to the park. Additionally, the park’s hilly terrain makes the somewhat lengthy journey worthwhile. Nyungwe National Park is located in southwest Rwanda, about five to six hours away from Kigali.
The park is one of the three national parks in Rwanda and it offers its visitors great safari experiences not only on the canopy walk but on other activities that include chimpanzee trekking, birding, hiking, Ishuno waterfalls, nature walks, and community visits. It’s important to note that though, you can spot most animal species on the canopy walk; for you to have full familiar experience with the animals especially the primates is on the ground so you should plan to do the trekking activity.
The park is also in close contact with tea planting communities, which means during your stay at the park you can visit tea plantations to experience the process of producing the rich and unique Rwanda tea, taste the tea and interact with the different tea growing communities to experience their cultures and lifestyles.
So plan to take a canopy walk on your safari to Rwanda, better still visit Nyungwe National park to take part in the park’s numerous activities.