Canopy walk in Nyungwe forest National park
Canopy walk in Nyungwe forest national park : The canopy walks in Nyungwe forest is a mind blowing and thrilling activity for the adrenaline junkies who have no fear of heights. The Nyungwe forest national park, one of Rwanda’s primate national parks offers this experience for all its guests. The major activity done in the Nyungwe forest is the chimpanzee trekking activity yet there is so much more to explore in this park. Activities like waterfall hikes, nature walks, birding, tea plantation visits can also be enjoyed while in the Nyungwe forest national park. The Nyungwe forest national park is located south of Rwanda in the western part and is the only place you will be able to experience this canopy walk in Rwanda.
Nyungwe forest national park is a home to up to 13 different primates like the colobus monkeys, black and white monkey which you may also trek as an individual activity, about 300 different bird species both endemic and migratory birds and up to 80 mammals. Butterfly watching is also possible while in the park and the canopy walk is a great spotting point. Nyungwe forest is one of the oldest and biggest rain forests in Africa with a vast plant life.
The Canopy walk in Nyungwe forest was set up in 2010 and is considered one of the best canopy walks in Africa as a continent and was ranked the 3rd best in the whole of Africa. This canopy walk is a 160 meter long walk divided into three segments with the first one and shortest one being 25 meters, the second one being 45 meters and the last one which is also the longest stretching up to 90 meters. All these segments start from the Uwinka reception which is the starting point and visitors are given the chance to choose which trail they are most comfortable and interested in taking on.
You will attend a briefing before you set out into the forest so this is when you get to choose, those guests who would like to enjoy the canopy but have a fear for heights can opt for the first canopy which is short and easier to complete while the adrenaline junkies tend to opt for the longest trail so as to see as much as this Nyungwe forest has to offer from above. This canopy walk gives you a great view of the rain forest from the bird’s view as it is raised 50 meters above from the ground.
A few of the primates to look out for while on your canopy walk in Nyungwe forest are the chimpanzees on a lucky day, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, bush babies, silver monkey, l’hoests monkeys, mangabeys, owl faced monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, grey cheeked, red tailed monkeys and many other primates. This canopy walk is also a great chance to spot the birds of Nyungwe forest national park like the Dwarf Honeyguide, Ruwenzori night jar, handsome francolin, white tailed crested fly catcher, stripe breasted tit parus, kungwe apalis, batis diops, crimsonwings Ruwenzori batis, red-throated alethe, the blue turaco to mention but a few. You may spot some other rare species flying over the canopy and also spot some forest animals like the golden cats, bush pigs, duiker and butterfly species that compliment this experience topped with the fresh air at the top.
The canopy walk in Nyungwe forest lasts a maximum of 2 hours to and from the starting point and anyone above 6 years can enjoy this experience but the younger children are advised to stay close to the adults throughout the walk and if possible walk hand in hand as the bridge swings at certain points. Adults interested in taking on the canopy walk will pay 6o USD for the foreign non-residents, 50 USD for the foreign residents, 5,000 Rwandan francs for the Rwandan and East African citizens.
The canopy walk has two set off times from the Uwinka reception center and that is one in the morning hours at 9 am for two hours and another at 2 pm after lunch and these both last a maximum of 2 hours.
When on your canopy walk experience in Nyungwe, ensure to carry your camera to capture the breathtaking moments from the top, wear your good hiking boots as there will be some hiking to reach the canopy bridge, ensure to have a bottle of drinking water to refresh while on the walk. You are also advised to have a raincoat mostly because Nyungwe is a rain forest and a downpour is expected at any time of the day. Dress appropriately in long trousers and long sleeved shirts to protect your skin from irritation from the plants and also have your mosquito repellants, sunscreen and sunglasses as protective measures.
Nyungwe forest national park waits to host you for your ideal African canopy experience. Get in touch with us and let us organize for you.
