Canopy walk in Nyungwe forest National Park Rwanda : Nyungwe forest is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe is rich in biodiversity and spectacularly beautiful. The mountainous region is teaming with wildlife, including a small population of chimpanzees as well as 12 other species of primate, including the L’Hoest’s monkey endemic to the Albertine Rift. With about 15 trails, along with various tourist activities, visitors can choose to sample the delights of the forest or indulge themselves for a week or more in one of Africa’s most stunning forests. Primates are the top most visitors’ interest in visiting Nyungwe forest national park however it’s worth lingering a little longer for those with time to relax and take in the primal atmosphere. Botanists will marvel at the 1,068 plant species and 140 orchids. Birding in Nyungwe forest national park is among the best in Africa with 322 birds species including Red-collared Babbler and 29 other Albertine Rift Endemic species. Butterflies are also a common sight, with at least 120 species. There are 75 known mammals in Nyungwe, such as the cerval cat, mongoose, congo clawless otter and leopard to name but a few. Many tend to be shy so sightings are luck of the draw.
With plenty of rainfall, Nyungwe is also the major catchment area in Rwanda, and supplies water to 70% of the country. A ridge running through the forest forms a watershed between the drainage systems of the Nile and the Congo. A spring on the slopes of Mount Bigugu is said to be the most remote source of the Nile, the world’s longest river. The tea plantations bordering the park, habituated troops of Ruwenzori colobus monkeys at Gisakura as well as forest fringe birds, Isumo waterfalls and the canopy walk are also some of the main attractions in Nyungwe forest national park however, this article share more about the Canopy walk experience in Nyungwe forest national park.
Nyungwe forest canopy walk
The Nyungwe canopy is a suspended walk way set high above the forest. Rwanda’s canopy is the first of its kind in the whole of East Africa. It lies 50 meters above Nyungwe forest which is the largest Montane forest in Africa covering over 1600-2000 sq. Km.
The park ids home to a wide range of wildlife. The canopy was introduced to Rwanda in 2010 being the first in East Africa and the third in the whole of Africa. it is located in the heart of Nyungwe forest on a 2 hours walking journey to reach the Canopy. The starting point is at Uwinka visitor Centre which is a two hours’ journey hiking through the wet or moist terrain of the Nyungwe forest before you get to the canopy. You will need a walking stick, which will be provided by the guides, you will also need hiking shoes and a rain coat. Chances of rain are high since this is a montane forest. The canopy walk can be done anytime of the year just like most of the tour activities in Rwanda like the Chimpanzee trekking and birding in Nyungwe National park, Canopy walk in Nyungwe forest National Park Rwanda
For people that fear the heights, the canopy walk is such a challenge, as the 200meters seems endless on top of the forest. The canopy rewards you with great views of the forest, the different bird species, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and chimps on a lucky day. The canopy also allows you view the entire Nyungwe area and the surrounding high mountains. Some travelers have argued that it’s not worth it to visit this country of a thousand hills.
Cost of this activity – Visitors are supposed to pay US $60 at the Uwinka visitor Centre and be allowed to visit this remarkable feature in Rwanda.
Age limit for the canopy walk – It should not be surprising to anyone that such an activity of walking 200 meters on a 50 meters high suspended canopy is limited to a particular age. Children of 6 years and above are allowed to go for the canopy walk escorted by adults.
