Introduction

Nyungwe canopy walk in Rwanda has a canopy walk where you can see the rest of the park from above 50 metres. It has impressive sights, being East Africa’s oldest afro-montane forest.

The length of the walk is about 200 meters. This activity lasts close to 2 hours and it gives you a chance to see a lot of primates that Nyungwe Forest is known for, like the Hoest’s monkey, the blue monkey, the black and white colobus monkey, the red-tailed monkey and lots of other birds.

The park is located in southwestern Rwanda, about 260km from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. The park includes a diversity of 13 primate species, more than 300 bird species, about 85 mammals,38 reptiles, and 32 amphibian species

The minimum age for this walk for children is 6 years, and children below 16 years must be with an adult

The Canopy Walkway Experience

The Nyungwe Canopy Walkway is the first of its kind in East Africa and one of only three on the African continent. Constructed in 2010 with support from USAID, the walkway offers visitors a safe yet thrilling view of the forest from a bird’s-eye perspective.

What to Expect on the Canopy Walk

The canopy walk begins at the Uwinka Visitor Center, the park’s main information hub. After a short briefing from the guides and the park rangers, you will embark on a scenic 2.1-kilometer trail through lush rainforest to reach the suspension bridges.

The walkway stretches 160 meters long and towers 50–70 meters above the forest floor. From the bridge, visitors enjoy sweeping views of ancient trees, rolling hills, and distant mountains, often enveloped in clouds. The experience combines tranquillity with excitement perfect for photographers, nature lovers, and thrill-seekers alike.
Wildlife Encounters

One of the most magical aspects of the canopy walk is the chance to observe wildlife at different levels of the forest. As you ascend, you will notice how life changes from the forest floor to the upper canopy.

Primates: where you get a chance to spot L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, and occasionally chimpanzees moving through the branches below.

The Birds: Nyungwe is a paradise for birdwatchers; look out for species like the Ruwenzori Turaco, Grauer’s Warbler, and the colorful Great Blue Turaco gliding between treetops.

A home of Butterflies and Insects where the canopy is alive with countless butterflies and insects that add vibrant colour to the misty air. These are some of the most beautiful insects

Best Time to Visit the Nyungwe Canopy Walk

Rwanda’s tropical highland climate makes Nyungwe accessible year-round, but the best time for canopy walks is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. During these months, the trails are less slippery, and visibility from the canopy is clearer for breathtaking photos.

However, Nyungwe’s charm remains year-round. Even during the rainy months from March to May and October to November, the forest bursts with life, waterfalls swell, and birdwatching becomes even more rewarding.