Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the most thrilling and unique eco-tourism safari activities you can experience in Rwanda. Nyungwe Park is an ancient and then massive rainforest that has survived for million of years, making it a spectacular home for hundreds of species of birds, butterflies and then primate like chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. Instead of just walking on the muddy forest floor and then looking up at the trees, the canopy walkway allows you to walk high above the ground right through the treetops. Suspended about 70 meters (around 230 feet) in the air, this metal bridge stretches for 160 meters through the dense green canopy, giving you a literal bird’s eye view of the beautiful mountain forest stretching out in every direction.
Popular Safaris
- 3Day Canopy walk experience
- 4Day Chimp and canopy tour
- 2Day Canopy tour in Nyungwe
Canopy walk experience
What to expect during the canopy hike and walk.
Your adventure begins at the Uwinka Visitor Centre, where you will meet your professional park guide for a safety briefing before heading out into the wilderness. Reaching the suspension bridge requires a hike along the Igishigishi Trail, which is a steep but beautiful pathway that takes you deep into the rainforest. As you hike down the trail, you are surrounded by the giant ferns, towering ancient trees, and the beautiful, peaceful sounds of the wild birds singing. The trail can be quite slippery and then wet because it is a rainforest, so you must watch your step and then wear sturdy hiking boots to keep your grip on the soil.
Once you reach the bridge, the real excitement begins as you step onto the suspended walkaway. The bridge is divided into three separate sections and as you walk across, you can feel it gently swaying in the breeze, which adds a huge thrill to the adventure. If you are brave enough to look straight down through the metal mesh, you will see the tops of the giant mahogany trees and a deep river valley far below your feet. , looking straight ahead, you are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the rolling green hills, misty mountain peaks, and the vibrant life of the jungle that you would never be bale to see from the ground.
Tips for a safe and fun experience.
To make sure you have the best possible time high up in the treetops, it is very important to come prepared for the unique environment of the tropical mountain rainforest. The weather in Nyungwe can change very quickly, meaning it can go from warm sunshine to a heavy tropical rainstorm in just a few minutes, so wearing a light, waterproof rain jacket is an absolute must. You should also wear comfortable, long trousers to protect your legs from scratching plants and then biting insects and apply a good amount of the insect repellent before you leave your hotel.
Because the walkway is suspended very high in the air, it is completely normal to feel a little bit nervous or dizzy if you have a fear of heights. If you feel scared, the best trick is to keep your eyes focused on the sturdy handrails and the green hills straight ahead of you, rather than looking straight down at the ground. There is little no rush to cross the bridge, so you can take your time, walk slowly, and let your guide help you feel safe. Always keep your camera strap wrapped securely around your wrist or neck, because f you accidentally drop your phone or camera from the bridge, it will be lost forever in the deep jungle below.
In conclusion, the canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park is an unforgettable African adventure that lets you experience the ancient Rwandan rainforest from a completely different and then magical angle. By hiking down the misty trails and steeping out onto the high suspension bridge, you get to feel the thrill of the walking among the clouds while watching birds fly beneath your feet and then listening to the distant calls of the wild chimpanzees. Whether you are brave thrill seeker, or a quiet nature lover, taking a walk through the treetops is a fantastic way to connect deeply with the Rwanda’s natural beauty and then crate safari memories that will truly last a lifetime.
Wilder Africa Holidays will help you book your trip, whether it is flying or Road safari for Canopy walk experience to Nyungwe National Park Contact us or email info@wilderafricasafaris.com to book entrance permits, activities and all services to Rwanda.
