The Rwanda canopy walk experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park is a unique adventure every safari-goer must be part of. It is not only a rare adventure in Nyungwe but also in East Africa at large, offering holidaymakers an opportunity to explore the oldest afro-montane forest.
The canopy walk in Rwanda was launched in 2010 purposely to diversify on visitor activities hence boost their experiences. It is a remarkable walk way stretching for about 200m set 50m from the ground. The canopy walkway is reachable from the Igishigishigi trail and visitors can begin their walk from Uwinka where Nyungwe head offices are found.
The round trip on a canopy walk takes about 2 hours and lets you observe interesting birds, primates and the forest clad rolling hills. During the canopy walk, visitors are led through by an experienced guide.
Cost of a Rwanda canopy walk.
Charges for Rwanda canopy walk vary depending on visitor categories. Non-residents are charged US $60, foreign residents US $50 and East Africa US $10 and Rwandan citizens pay Rwandan Francs (RWF) 5000.
What to carry?
The essentials to carry for a successful Rwanda canopy walk tour include insect repellent, sun hat, sturdy hiking boots that are waterproof, camera, rain jacket, binoculars, bottled drinking water, hand gloves, warm sweater.
Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda straddles along the South-western part of the country, 225kms away from Kigali. Its headquarters are at Uwinka and extends up to 1000sq.kms of land area. This park protects 13 species of primates and they include over 500 chimpanzees; 310 bird species, 1000 plant species, 38 reptile species, 32 amphibian species.
Other than viewing chimpanzees, there is also opportunity to look out for Dent’s Mona monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, red colobus monkeys, olive baboons, red tailed monkeys, silver monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys.
Other than canopy walk, Nyungwe is an ideal place to embark on chimpanzee tracking. Treks to see chimps while on Nyungwe safaris begin from Uwinka and Cyamudongo sectors making the park a home to 2 chimpanzee communities. Engaging in a chimp trek in Nyungwe Forest National Park is possible provided you have Rwanda chimp permits that you can obtain at US $100.
Bird watching; Nyungwe is a host to 310 bird species making it one of the most visited birding destinations. While on birding tour, the various bird species of Nyungwe to sight include red faced woodland, Grauer’s warblers, Rwenzori turacos, mountain masked apalis, Albertine’s owlets, Rockefeller’s sunbird and others.
Primate watching; this is one interesting adventure that lets you to sight more than chimpanzees but also L’Hoest monkeys, silver monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, Dent’s mona monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys.
Where to stay?
While on a canopy walk/chimpanzee safari, the available lodging choices include Gisakura Guesthouse, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel and Nyungwe Forest Lodge.
These exist in budget, mid-range and luxury hence accommodating all categories of travelers on canopy walk, chimpanzee tracking, birding, nature walks or hiking in the Nyungwe Forest.
