Want to experience the Nyungwe Forest canopy walk in Rwanda? Each permit costs $60. The Nyungwe canopy walk experience lasts about 3 to 4 hours in total. You must register at Uwinka Visitor Center for the canopy walk encounter before beginning the trek to the start of the canopy.
The canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park is best done during the dry season to get a good view of the forest. In the cold season, much of the forest is filled with fog, making it hard to see clearly.
This Nyungwe tour package is a good way to enjoy this activity.
Nyungwe Forest lies near the Congo Nile Drive and Lake Kivu basin. This forest covers the highlands of Rwanda’s southern and western volcanoes.
Because most of it lies in tropical Africa, it has a wide range of hardwood species that grow to great heights.
These trees are often covered with creepers that grow around them, reaching out for sunlight to make food and grow well.
The trees have very wide trunks to support the heavy weight of their upper parts. The roots are buttressed to help stabilize the trees.
As is common with tropical trees, they grow canopies, which later spread out wide. This is typical of Nyungwe Forest.
Nyungwe Forest forms part of Nyungwe Forest National Park. The canopy walk adventure is one of the park’s most popular tourist activities.
This activity started in 2010 and has brought much revenue into Rwanda, especially to Nyungwe Forest. The canopy walkways are in the form of bridges and have different heights.
They can reach up to 60 meters above the ground. The forest is home to many bird and primate species, which can be seen from the walkways. Tourists also enjoy views of faraway lands.
The canopy walkways are split into three sections, each with its own height. The middle section is higher than the other two. At this point, a visitor’s bravery is tested.
Before starting the walk, visitors receive a full briefing from the authorities about what to expect. Visitors are also warned about what to do and what not to do.
When to carry out a canopy walk adventure
Prospective tourists are advised to visit during the dry season to avoid rain disruptions. Those intending to do the canopy walk during the rainy season are advised to come with strong rubber footwear to handle slippery ground.
The rain often makes the walkways slippery, and this can be dangerous.
How much does a canopy walk cost?
Foreign residents pay about USD 50, and foreign tourists pay about USD 60. East Africa nationals pay USD 10. Rwandan nationals pay around 5,000 Francs.
Other activities in Nyungwe Forest besides canopy walk adventure
Nyungwe Forest is home to many monkeys and other tree animals, making the experience exciting while on the walkways. Filming is one of the activities enjoyed while on the canopy walk. Photography is another popular activity.
There is also great birdwatching. Nyungwe Forest has many bird species that can be seen flying close to and above the forest. Birdwatchers are advised to carry a pair of binoculars.
Binoculars are very important for seeing the birds more clearly.
The canopy bridge can extend up to about 160 meters, and the starting point is at Uwinka. For safety reasons, the bridge can carry only 8 visitors at a time.
The walks usually start in the morning at around 8 a.m. and continue until about 3 p.m.
The walks are divided into 4 shifts. The first shift is at 8 a.m., the second shift is at 10 a.m., and the next two shifts are in the afternoon at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Tourists are advised to carry water, a backpack, hiking shoes as earlier noted, and a camera for taking photos.
