Canopy walks in Nyungwe National Park

Introduction

A canopy walk is a thrilling activity done in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park situated in the southwestern region in the Albertine rift south of Lake Kivu. Nyungwe Forest National Park is a haven for a variety of wildlife species. These include over 13 primate species, several reptile and amphibian species, more than 300 bird species, and many more. These spice up your walking experience along this suspended bridge in tree canopies. The canopy walk is a guided walk along a 70-meter-high suspended bridge and 160-meter-long walkway that lasts for about 2 hours. This walk offers breathtaking views across East Africa’s oldest and largest afro-montane forest, Lake Kivu, animals, and bird life that call this dense forest home. The canopy walkway can be accessed from the 2.1-kilometer-long Igishigishigi trail which is one of the hiking trails in the Park.

Canopy walk experience

The canopy walk starts with a briefing at the Uwinka Visitor’s Center which is also the park headquarters of Nyungwe Forest National Park. At the Uwinka Visitor’s Center, a briefing is conducted about this activity, and an experienced walking guide to help you identify different wildlife species and also make your walk a thrilling one. This is where one gets a walking stick for support during hiking and several other items you may need for a remarkable experience. A guide then leads you to a 2.1-kilometer long trail where you later join the 160-meter-long suspended bridge up in the forest canopies.

At this point, one can capture breathtaking views of the lush forest, wildlife spotted from a bird’s eye, Lake Kivu seen dotted with several islands, rolling hills, colored birds roaming the tree tops, and many more. This activity lasts for about 1½ to 2 hours before you return to the visitor’s center to mark the end of your walk amidst treetops. The canopy walk is scheduled between 8 am, 10 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Children below the age of 6 years are prohibited from taking part in this activity whereas those above 6 years must be accompanied by adults. This is therefore a perfect adventure activity for nature enthusiasts, adrenaline activity lovers, and risk takers though very safe for anyone to take part in.

Cost of the Rwanda canopy walk tour

The canopy walks cost USD 40 for foreign non-residents, USD 20 for foreign and African citizens, and USD 5 for Rwandan citizens and East Africans. The above costs are not inclusive of the park entry fees which are USD 100 for foreign non-residents, USD 60 for foreign residents and African citizens, and USD 10 for Rwandan citizens and East African citizens.

What to carry for the canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park

If you are to engage in a canopy walk, you are advised to carry the following items to avoid any inconveniences.

• A camera, to capture every moment while on the walk to memorize those moments.
• Hiking boots, for your comfort during the walk since the trails are slippery. You can either carry your own or hire the boots at the starting point of hiking.
• Raincoat, since the forest is ever cold and wet with unpredicted weather, so you need to carry your raincoat to avoid unforeseen circumstances.
• Hiking sticks, are also very paramount since you expect to reach great heights, there is a need for the sticks to give you enough support while you trail.
• Water for drinking, during the canopy walk, you are advised to take water for hydration.
• Insect repellent, this is also very much needed since you will be in the thick forests and encounter a lot of insects.

Best time for a canopy walk in Nyungwe  

The best time to visit Nyungwe National Park for a canopy walk is during the dry season. This is from June to September and December to February. During these months there is little or no rainfall hence dry and navigable walking trails, unlike the wet season.