Taking canopy walks in Nyungwe National Park
Travelers visiting Nyungwe National Park can experience an incredible 70-meter-high suspended bridge above the forest during their canopy walk tour in Rwanda. The travel down the 160-meter-long walkway requires a 2-hour journey across the suspended bridge. Multiple endangered chimpanzees along with 12 types of primates inhabit the ancient Nyungwe forest. The rainforest’s biodiverse environment includes a thousand exclusive tree species together with 300 bird species and various amphibians and reptiles. All wildlife species contained in the forest contribute to its uniqueness which creates enduring memories when enjoying a safari in Rwanda. Persons six years and older can experience the canopy walk as an organized safari with each participant paying 60 USD for the tour. The anniversary visit is doable throughout the year yet people tend to find the dry seasons most convenient since the path stays drier.
The dry seasons in Rwanda run from June to September and December to February. The canopy walk enables visitors to see both Lake Kivu and the vast East African territory while spotting all the animals and various species that exist in the Nyungwe forest. Travelers need to hike through light terrain until they reach the suspended bridge that is connected to the 2.1 km long Igishigishigi trail. One can then continue to the 160-meter suspended bridge above the forest after completing the trail. Hikers who are first-timers can easily manage the trail since the hiking path presents no substantial obstacles. The path features only a few sloping areas attributed to mountainous slopes yet this difficulty can be handled completely.
Taking canopy walks in Nyungwe National Park involves a slight hike before reaching the suspended bridge from the 2.1 km long Igishigishigi trail. After the trail, you will join the 160-meter suspended bridge that’s over the forest. The hiking trail shouldn’t stop you from taking the walk, it’s very easy to hike even for first-time hikers. It just has a few steep points because of the mountainous terrains but it’s totally doable. The scheduled time for the canopy walk is 8 am, 10 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. The walk starts from Uwinka reception center which is also the head office for Nyungwe National Park. At the Uwinka reception center, visitors are briefed about the walk and assigned a walking guide. Those who want to purchase things such as walking sticks, and raincoats among others can get them from there. After the session at the reception, you then move with a guide to the igishigishigi trail then a 160m suspended bridge that is adjourned on huge strong trees on top of the ancient bio-diverse Nyungwe forest.
For the walk, one is required to wear hiking shoes or boots, a rain jacket, a snack in case of children, a bottle of water, and a camera to capture moments. However, it’s advisable to be in good health before embarking on the walk. If you don’t feel well or if you have a sickness which may worsen by the walk then you can excuse yourself from the walk and engage in other activities. The canopy walk is the best adventure for a person who loves a good adrenaline rush, nature enthusiast, and risk taker.
The walkway is firm and even on the walk, the park operators ensure that several safety measures are implemented for your safety on the walk. The canopy walk was created by the USAID through the Green Heart NGO group in 2010. The walk is partitioned into 3 sections: the 90meters, 45 meters, and 25 meters. The canopy walkaway within Rwanda is the third of its kind in Africa and the only one in the East African region.
Nyungwe National Park is one of the three national parks within Rwanda and it offers the tourists a great safari experience not only on the canopy walk but on other activities such as chimpanzee trekking, birding, hiking, Ishuno waterfalls, nature walks, and community visits. Therefore, tourists can plan to have a canopy walk while on a safari within Rwanda. Besides the canopy walk, tourists can take part in other activities within Nyungwe National Park.
