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Canopy Walk in Nyungwe

Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda

The Nyungwe Forest National Park canopy walkway is one of the main factors contributing to Rwanda’s rising international tourism. With a land area of between 1600 and 2000 square kilometers, Nyungwe Forest is one of Africa’s largest protected mountain forests.

The Nyungwe Forest National Park’s canopy walk is a suspension bridge that rises 70 meters above the forest floor and spans 160 meters through a verdant montane rainforest. This is one unique activity that provides a breathtaking view of the birdlife and other animals inside the ancient forest’s trees.

The canopy walk, which opened in 2010, is a popular attraction for visitors to Nyungwe Forest. It is the third of its sort on the African continent and the only one in East Africa.

The forest floor is mostly covered in purple orchids, while hardwood trees make up the top canopy.

You may easily have up close encounters with some of the animals that call this forest home, such as monkeys, while out on a stroll. If a visitor is older than six, they can make a reservation to enjoy the canopy walkway. Six (6) is the minimum age to go on a canopy walk in Nyungwe, and all kids must go with an adult.

Since there is a good chance of rain at all times, don’t forget to pack a rain jacket. Hiking shoes and a bag that holds your needs are two more requirements for the trek. Don’t worry if you can’t carry these; you can rent them from the front desk. There’s a good possibility you’ll run with some of the 13 species of primates that call this place home during the canopy climb.

 

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Other Activities done in the Area

Sight-Seeing

Numerous animal and bird species can be found at Nyungwe National Park. Stretching to neighboring woods, this kind is the largest in East Africa. When visiting the park, the canopy walk is the most thrilling feature. Reaching more than 40 meters above sea level and extending 90 meters across a narrow and sloping valley, the national park canopy offers visitors to the area a unique experience.

The park’s entrance gives off the unsettling impression of a dense habitat with thousands of wild species living there. The canopy walk is elevated to a very convenient height that makes it easy to capture animals. With three sturdy, long towers, the 200-meter-long canopy is lifted.

The park is one of the most popular destinations in the area thanks to its unique design, which is the only one in East Africa. It was finished about 2010.

Natural Environment

When you consider how global environmental destruction has resulted from human activity. A new sense of belonging is introduced when you visit the park, which has vast, lush green foliage, native trees, and clean air that you won’t find anywhere else.

There is less evidence of human activity as you move along the canopy because the area is entirely covered in dense vegetation. Because the park is located in a tropical location with rainy weather for most of the year, the temperature fluctuates automatically, and it is nearly hard to identify what time of day it is.

Birds and Animals

Over 300 bird species call Nyungwe home, of which 26 are common. It is the best on the continent for bird watching, although its full potential has not yet been realized. The canopy walk offers visitors a delightfully unique chance to interact with nature while snapping pictures of various bird species as souvenirs to take home.

Seeing the renowned Africa chimpanzees, who give fright when they meet face to face, is another thrilling experience at the park. It is preferable to visit the park in a group or two people so that you may enjoy and support one another when fear arises.

Having a canopy walk experience in the Nyungwe forest

After traveling from Kigali to the Uwinka tourist center for around five hours in a 4×4 safari vehicle, you will arrive at the park. You will have to walk to the starting location of the canopy walk, though, once you arrive at the Uwinka tourist center.

Due to the often damp and/or wet floor, the walk takes roughly two hours as you hike through the slick woodland. Hikers on the Imbaraga or Umuyove paths, as well as guided tours along the Igishigishigi route, can begin their canopy walk adventure at the bridge.

For those with a fear of heights, walking 70 meters above the forest floor may be unsettling, but it’s an amazing experience that’s worth doing.

Enjoying the fresh air, fantastic aerial views, and numerous birds is possible when standing on the canopy walk bridge. This can be a seemingly endless hike for individuals who find heights unsettling, but the experience will undoubtedly stick with them.

The 160-meter canopy walk takes about two hours to complete. You can also climb the 10 km to Nyungwe’s Ishuno waterfalls to enhance the experience. These are modest but lovely falls that release a delightful breeze as they approach.

How to get to Nyungwe National Park

Unlike the country’s other national parks, Nyungwe Forest is located a considerable distance from Kigali. Traveling five (5) hours gives visitors a chance to take in Rwanda’s picturesque hills. Road or plane travel is the two ways to get to Nyungwe Forest, depending on your desired speed of travel.

 

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Best time to do Nyungwe’s canopy walk

The walk in the canopy Nyungwe is a year-round, open activity. Nonetheless, the optimal period would be from December to February and from June to August, which is the dry season. Because the walk begins at different times every day—8:00 am, 10:00 am, 3:00 pm, and 1:00 pm—it is easy to select the most convenient time of day. Rain is more likely to fall in the afternoons.

What to carry for a Canopy Walk in Nyungwe

A rain jacket

Hiking shoes

Drinking water

Camera and photography gadgets

Camera batteries

Backpack

Scarf

 

In conclusion, traveling by vehicle to the Nyungwe National Park takes roughly four to five hours. As an alternative, you can fly with Rwanda Air to Kamembe airport and then drive for around forty minutes to reach the park.

To be able to finish the trek, those who are terrified of heights are advised to walk with their back to the ground. This is the most amazing experience you’ve ever had, as you get to take a leisurely stroll among a diverse range of tropical plants.

As a result, obtaining an Australian visa is rather simple for those who are ready to travel. Applications are available online and filling them out is again a simple process. Once your application has been approved, you can travel to Rwanda to enjoy a canopy walk experience in the natural world.

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