Canopy walk experience in Nyungwe  Forest National Park Rwanda.

Canopy walk experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda., the canopy walk experience is a breathtaking adventure that nature lovers and thrill seekers should not miss out on a visit to  Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park,  be it the famous chimpanzee tracking,  colobus monkey tracking, birding,  or any other nature activities offered in the park. The canopy walk has become a notable activity that is not missed on itineraries to Nyungwe  National Park. The canopy is a suspended bridge 70m above the forest covering a length of 160m and it takes 2 hours for walkers to complete their expedition along this walkway.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to  13 primate species, some of which can be spotted along the walk.  The forest park also houses 300 bird species, over 1000  plant species, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, butterflies, and many other wild creatures that greatly contribute to the pleasant ecological system of the park. Enjoying the diverse wildlife as you walk along the canopy contributes to the success of your Rwanda safari.

The canopy walk was established in 2010 and provides one of the best canopy walk experiences in Africa. Though the canopy walk is 160meters long, it is divided into three segments, the first and shortest one covers 25meters, the second covers 45 metres and the third covers 90 meters, all of which begin from Uwinka the park headquarters.  There fore,  tourists interested in  participating in the  canopy walk are  given chance to choose the  most comfortable path  depending on fitness level.

Visitors who want to enjoy the canopy but  are fearful of greater heights, they should opt for short and easy walk.

The canopy walk activity starts at Uwinka, the park’s headquarters and makes a round trip of 2 hours. After registering and briefing at the Visitor’s Center, visitors take on the Igishigishigi trail that connects you to the canopy. The minimum age for walking along the canopy is 6 years but children should be accompanied by parents.

 The walk offers breathtaking views across East Africa’s largest and oldest Afro-montane Forest and offers a chance to see at eye-level wildlife that lives in the forest canopies but cannot easily be seen from the ground such as monkeys and birds.

On a lucky day as you walk along the canopy, you will spot the most common primates residing in this park including,  chimpanzees,  black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, and many other primates. In addition to the primates, are birds including,  the Rwenzori night jar, Dwarf Honeyguide, apalis, crimson wings,  red-throated athletes, the Ruwenzori blue turaco, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, rock fellers sunbird, and many others.

There are varying starting times for the canopy walks, that is at 8 am, 10 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm with all treks starting at Uwinka Park Center.

What you need to carry for the canopy walk

As you prepare for the canopy walk, the following should not miss your pack.

• At the park center, you will be provided with a walking stick to  be used on the first part as you hike before joining the canopy.
• Wear the best hiking boots as the first part of the canopy involves hiking.
• Have a rain /waterproof jacket as Nyungwe is an equatorial forest where rain is expected at any time of the day.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect you from plant pinches and itchings.
• Come along with insect repellents to prevent insect stings and bites.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses will help to protect you from direct sun rays.
• Bring a bottle of water to keep you hydrated.
• Though the walkway is firm the park operators will also ensure your safety, so, as you walk try to follow orders from your guide.

 How to reach Nyungwe National Park for the canopy walk experience.

Driving from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park takes 5 to 6 hours west of the country. The roads are well built to enable safe travel and the rolling hills at the countryside are so spectacular and attractive to make the drive more of an adventure.

Cost of the canopy walk in Nyungwe.

The canopy walk tour costs $40 for international visitors, foreign residents in Rwanda pay $20 and Rwandans/East African citizens pay $5. However, this fee doesn’t include park entrance.

 The park entrance fees for international visitors is $100, for foreign residents, its $60 and for East Africans, its $10.

To avoid a double expense of park entrance to the park, the canopy walk experience should be combined with another activity on one day in the park.

Other activities in Nyungwe other than the canopy walk

Nyungwe Forest National Park has more activities to offer besides the canopy walk including primate  tracking (chimpanzees and colobus monkeys), birding, hiking, guided nature walks, community visits etc… All activities are conducted with the guidance of park guides and rangers and  must start from one of the park centres, that is Uwinka, Gisakura and Kitabi.

For an intimate   safari in Rwanda, your canopy walk tour should be combined with other activities within  Nyungwe National Park or any other park in Rwanda like Volcanoes National Park or Akagera National Park,