Canopy walk in Nyungwe forest, One of the amazing moments on an adventure in Rwanda is finding yourself walking on the swinging suspension over the tree canopies. The canopy walk is an adventurous and thrilling activity done at Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Though Nyungwe forest national Park is highly recognized for hosting highest number of primates. And offering that incredible chimpanzee tracking experience. Again canopy walks has as well contributed on the selling of the biodiversity of Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in the Southwestern Rwanda. Where Rwanda shares borders with Burundi in the South with Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This Park covers a total surface area of 1020 sq km and at a height of between 1600- 2950 meters above sea level.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is part of the renowned Nyungwe Forest which is the largest tropical rain forest in East and Central Africa. The forest has been in existence for over thousands of years. In 1903, Nyungwe was declared a forest reserve by the German colonial Government. Between 1958 and 1973, the total land coverage of this tropical African rainforest greatly reduced due to fire outbreaks in the forest, large scale deforestation and poaching of animals. In 1974, the last buffaloes that inhabited Nyungwe Forest were killed by poachers.
In 2004, Nyungwe Forest National Park was first established as a national park following the ranking of Rwanda. As one of the top 10 tourist destinations on Lonely Planet. However in 2005, Nyungwe Forest National Park was declared as a protected area and it is during this time that tourist visits to the national park increased.
This interesting forest is home to over 300 bird species and 75 mammal species inclusive of 13 primate species. This makes the national park a place to be for any curious and adventure thrilled visitor.
The narrated canopy walk of Rwanda that is the Nyungwe Forest canopy walk among the three canopy walk ways in Africa. This remains the only one available in the East African region, making the isolate very significant as far as adventures are concerned.
The Nyungwe canopy walk was open for the public adventures in 2010. And today, it’s among the most selling tourist activity one can consider.
The Canopy walk is 90 meters long and 50 meters above the ground. Here tourists have a chance of walking on a pedaling suspension over unique, rarer and terrifyingly scenery. While hiking, the view of the forest from its ground floor is also breath- taking with lots of attractions to sight within the forest. Such as birds, monkeys, butterflies and many more.
The starting point to the forest canopy starts at Uwinka Visitor Centre and is a 2 hours hike. The hike starts at 8am till 10 am in the morning and the evening hikes being at 3pm every day.
The Canopy walk and hike is an adrenalin and fun- filled walk that take one through the 200m Canopy walk way. This is the highlight of the whole hiking experience especially for those who are not afraid of heights.
While hiking to the Canopy, the trails can be slippery and tedious hence it calls for one to be physically fit, patient and persistent as well. Do make it a point to wear the right hiking boats when going for the forest canopy walk.
The Canopy walk way comprises a bridge which is adjourned between huge trees in the forest and stands 60 meters above the forest floor. While on the bridge, get to see different butterfly and bird species. As well as spot the mischievous and yet curious monkeys such as; the blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and the l’Hoest monkeys.
The Canopy walk and hike in Nyungwe Forest National Park offers tourists the chance to explore the forest’s natural beauty; with the upper section of the forest having hard wood trees while the lower section of the forest canopy has a large collection of purple orchids with lush, green flora.
The Canopy walk and hike in Nyungwe Forest National Park will cost you USD 60 per person and those interested in the activity can make payments at the park’s reception desk.
Best Time to go on the Canopy Walk at Nyungwe Forest National Park.
The Canopy walk and hike in Nyungwe Forest National Park can be done throughout the year. However, the best and favorable time to experience the suspension and hikes is the dry season. Must know that chances are high of rainfall while you are on the hike being a central African tropics.
On the day you are going for the Canopy Walk and Hike in Nyungwe Forest National Park,
There are a variety of accommodation facilities available while on tour to Nyugwe Forest National Park. The accommodation options comprise hotels, lodges, guesthouses, motels and camp sites. Some of these places that you can choose to stay in include;
A luxury lodge with 20 luxury rooms and 2 VIP/ Presidential rooms with each of these VIP rooms having a Jacuzzi and private balcony with views overlooking Nyungwe Forest.
Specifically situated along the road to Rusizi and is close to the Gisakura tea estate. This guesthouse offers low budget and mid- range accommodation with rooms ranging from USD 43 to USD 85.
The Nyungwe Top View Hotel constructed in 2011 and a five minutes’ drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The hotel is also a 4- 5 hour drive from Kigali City.
