Nyungwe National Park – Nyungwe Canopy Walk in Rwanda

Nyungwe Canopy Walk

There was a calm silence inside the bus. Apparently, the drive from Kigali had taken its toll and the initial boisterousness had subsided. In fact, some of us had dozed off as we entered the rainforest –  Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the natural treasures of the beautiful country of Rwanda. It was late afternoon and the rain-washed road glistened in front of us and the verdant green foliage around seemed as if it had been meticulously polished till it glistened. We looked forward to yet another adventure in Rwanda, the Nyunwe Forest Canopy Walk, which is another unmissable highlight of any visit to Rwanda apart from the Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park. We soon arrived at the Uwinka Visitor Centre which is one of the tourist information centres in the Nyungwe National Park Rwanda.

Nyungwe National Park – Nyungwe Canopy Walk in Rwanda

Nyungwe Canopy Walk
As we trooped out of the bus and breathed in the intoxicating and invigorating forest air, little did we realize the experience that awaited us! The Uwinka Visitor Centre itself was a place where information regarding the Nyungwe National Park was disseminated. Information regarding the various trails that were available in the Nyungwe Forest National Park, their degree of difficulty, and the time required was available.

Nyungwe Canopy Walk

As we looked around us we were once again struck by the remarkable way that the small East African country of Rwanda was focussed on living in harmony with nature and promoting sustainable tourism. Whether it be the cities like Kigali, the Volcanoes National Park, the Akagera National Park, or any of the many villages that we passed through the entire country seemed to be seamlessly integrated with nature.

So it is no surprise that HE Paul Kagame, the President of the United Republic of Rwanda is going to be honoured with the World Tourism Award 2017 for his visionary leadership and policies of sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation.The award will be bestowed at the annual World Tourism Awards ceremony on the opening day of the World Travel Market in London on November 6, 2017.

The Nyungwe Canopy Walk Experience

Nyungwe Canopy Walk

At the Uwinka Visitor Centre, we were briefed about the trail that would take us to the Canopy Walk Nyungwe and were handed our sticks which would really come in handy as we later realized.

Nyungwe Canopy Walk

We started off in high spirits revelling in the sheer pleasure of being amidst pristine nature. The trail was one of descent and we followed a narrow trail that was moist and slippery owing to the recent rains. As we descended deeper and deeper into the Nyungwe forest, the excitement within us seemed to build up to a crescendo. In the stillness of the forest, the loudest noise that could be heard was probably the thumping of our hearts!

Nyungwe Canopy Walk

Strange but sweet sounds of birds punctuated the stillness of the forest.

Nyungwe National Park happens to be a paradise for bird watchers. With more than 310 species of birds it a very important ornithological site in Rwanda. 27 Albertine Rift Endemics can be found here which is the highest concentration in Africa.

We gingerly put our feet forward, using our sticks to balance ourselves. The difficulty level of the trail was easy for people who are fit. However, if your fitness levels are not all that great and you are not sure-footed, the trail can be challenging and especially so if it is raining or has just rained.

It took us about 2 hours of walking down across a slippery trail to reach the Canopy Walkway. Though it was a bit challenging for feet attuned to walking on the paved streets of cities, we all enjoyed the experience to the hilt. The trek from Uwinka Reception Centre offers an excellent opportunity to feast your eyes on the spectacular spectacle that nature unfolds before you. If you are lucky you may have some exciting wildlife sightings of primates including monkeys like L’Hoest’s monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Black and White Colobus and of course a  wide range of birds.

Nyungwe Canopy Walk

“There it is! I shouted like a schoolboy sighting the school bus after school is over.”

The Nyungwe Canopy Walk stretched out in front of us to a length of 200 meters.

Not really difficult or scary!

Think again, it is suspended in mid-air at a height of about 60 meters over a steep chasm, and if you bring yourself to peer down, you will see the rich and verdant forest stretching below. If you are prone to acrophobia or fear of heights, then the 200-meter walk may sound like a walk into eternity. On top of that, the walkway will swing from side to side as you struggle to hang on.

But of course, the Nyungwe Canopy Walk is completely safe and there is absolutely no chance of anyone falling down.

Nyungwe Canopy Walk

You may have seen images for Nyungwe Canopy Walk, but they will be nothing compared to what it really is. The Nyungwe Canopy Walk was indeed a very exciting experience and an adventure in itself. But what was more exhilarating was the view from the Canopy Walkway.

Nyungwe Canopy Walk

If you looked down the bewitching Nyungwe forest stretches out in green splendour, colourful birds fly around and you may also spot monkeys hopping from tree to tree. You are literally transported to a world that you would have thought existed only in the realms of dreams or in the fertile imagination of artists.

Nyungwe Canopy Walk

Then our gaze wandered westwards towards the sky. White clouds floated speedily as if racing with us, it was time for the sun to set and the sky had turned into shades of crimson. As we stood watching transfixed, this rhapsody of nature unfolding before us, we lost all sense of time and place and felt one with the forest, the sky, the clouds, and the setting sun. It was as if our beings were merged with the vast expanse of infinite nature that stretched before us.

Nyungwe Canopy Walk
Photo Credit: Rwanda Development Board | High Commission of Rwanda | RwandAir | Inspiration Unlimited

But alas! the spell had to be broken and we made our way back across the Nyungwe Canopy Walk to negotiate the trail that would lead us back to the Uwinka Reception Centre. The trail was now upwards and presented its own challenges, also it became dark and the forest assumed an eerie atmosphere, the same sounds that had seemed so sweet and ethereal earlier assumed eerie proportions as we climbed back step by step towards our destination. After a couple of brief stopovers to regain our breath we reached the Uwinka Visitor Centre. The Nyungwe Canopy Walk was over, it now seemed like a surreal dream, an experience that we would cherish for a long, long time.

We were tired physically, but our spirits felt strangely uplifted and we felt ready and raring to go Chimpanzee trekking in the Cyamudongo forest which is the best place to see chimpanzees in Rwanda. This was the schedule lined up for the next morning.

Tips for Doing The Nyungwe Canopy Walk In Rwanda

  • Be sure you have the right footwear, hiking shoes or boots are a must
  • Rain is always round the corner, hence be prepared with a raincoat
  • Don’t say no to a hiking pole, it is going to be quite useful
  • Do not forget your camera, you will end up taking plenty of photos
  • Keep additional memory cards, batteries, power banks handy as you are likely to run out of memory and charge as you are sure to go on a clicking spree
  • Do not take anything from the forest except pictures and lovely memories
  • If you are travelling to Africa then depending on the country you are travelling from, you may need to take the Yellow Fever Vaccination

What Other Activities Can Be Done in Nyungwe National Park

If Rwanda is a living dream, then the Nyungwe National Park is one of the highlights of the dream. Nyungwe is the best preserved montane rainforest in Central Africa and stretches across approximately 1000 square kilometres. Given the rich biodiversity of the region combined with the rich flora and fauna, the Nyungwe Forest National Park is a veritable paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. There are a number of activities available that are guaranteed to give one an experience of a lifetime. Listed below are some of the activities:

Muzimu Trail

This is a trail that will take you towards the North-East of the park and your senses will be treated to some spectacular and panoramic views of the forest as well as the enchanting Lake Kivu. This trail covers about 5.2 kilometres and takes about 3.5 hours.

Karamba Trail

If Bird Watching is your passion, then this trail is something you must do. The bonus is the sighting of many primates as well as the white Satyrium Orchid and giant tree ferns. This trail covers 4 kilometres and takes about three hours. It is one of the easier trails in the Nyungwe National Park.

Bigugu Trail

This trail leads to the highest point in the Nyungwe National Park which is Mt. Bigugu at a height of about 2.950 meters. This is a difficult trail as the path is steep. There are ample chances of seeing the Red-Collared Mountain Babbler apart from some really exotic wildflowers of the mountain. The trail covers 6.7 kilometres across some steep territory and takes about 6 hours.

Ngabwe Trail

This trail follows a circular route near Mt. Ngabwe and leads to a picnic spot as well as a camping site at the highest point. The trail gives a breathtaking view of the spectacular fauna of the region. You may also meet the L’Hoest’s, Silver, and the Colobus monkeys. The trail covers 4.7 kilometres and takes up about 3 hours.

Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail

This starts about 12 kilometres from Uwinka and is a downhill trail that leads to the Nyungwe National Park’s largest wetlands. The unique ecosystem here which includes orchids and swamp birds like Grauer’s Rush Warbler is very beautiful. The trail covers a distance of about 6 kilometres and takes approximately 3 hours.

The Isumo Trail

This is a beautiful trail that takes you right into the heart of a tea plantation and then leads you into the forest where you come upon an enchanting waterfall known as the Isumo falls. On this trail one also has the opportunity to sight birds that include the Rwenzori. Turaco and the Yellow-Eyed Black Flycatcher.

Source of the Nile Walk

It is believed that the source of the White Nile lies in Rwanda. A drive of about 3 to 4  hours from the Unwinka takes you to the Gisovu Tea Factory and from here a trek that will take approximately 4 hours one way takes you to the point that is identified as the source of the Nile.

Congo-Nile Divide Trail

This is the longest trail in the Nyungwe National Park and takes you through almost all the habitats in the park. This trail is a great opportunity to experience the natural wealth of the forest and soak in the atmosphere to the full. The spectacular biodiversity of the park will be in full play leading to an enthralling experience. The trail covers approximately 42 kilometres and takes 3 to 4 days to complete depending on fitness levels.

How to get to Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

  • Nyungwe National Park is about 212 kilometres from the Kigali, the capital of Rwanda
  • Kigali International Airport is the nearest airport to the Nyungwe National Park
  • From Kigali, one can reach the Nyungwe National Park by Road

If you are thinking of a trip to the Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda, you can book a cheap flight to Kigali through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline right here.

Where to stay  – Nyungwe Hotels

Nyungwe Hotel

Nyungwe National Park accommodation is available at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel and Nyungwe Forest Lodge. During our visit, we stayed at the Nyungwe Top View Hotel which is located in picturesque settings.

For your Nyungwe accommodation or for your accommodation anywhere in Rwanda, you can book the best hotels in Nyungwe National Park right here. Tou can book your hotel in Rwanda through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline conveniently right here!

Click to book the best hotels in Nyungwe National Park, MP or best hotels in Rwanda

Rwanda Tourism

Rwanda offers much to the visitor in terms of nature and wildlife. There is so much to see and experience in Rwanda.

When visiting Rwanda you can also avail of Rwanda package tours that will cover the must-visit places of Rwanda. You can plan your trip and book online places to visit in Rwanda.

Click here to know more and book Best Attractions in Rwanda, East Africa

Travel Resources  

Here are some recommendations on what you need to carry while visiting Nyungwe National Park – Men’s Hiking Shoes, Women’s Hiking shoes and, Raincoat, Hiking pole and Camera and accessories

Have you done the Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda? If you are in Rwanda do not miss the great hike and excellent canopy walk of Nyungwe. If you have already visited the Nyungwe forest, do share your experiences of Canopy trekking in Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda through our comments section.

 

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Nyungwe National Park

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103 thoughts on “Nyungwe National Park – Nyungwe Canopy Walk in Rwanda”

  1. I am a big chicken, so I wouldn’t be able to do this canopy walk, but I bet the views up there are amazing. What an adventure.

  2. This would be an adventure. I’m afraid of heights so I’d try that canopy walk, but I’d be SLOW. I admit that. My daughter would LOVE it. She’s all about heights.

  3. Beautiful! I’ve been on a canopy walk before while on vacation in Jamaica and the views were so rewarding after such a long walk. 2 hours is a long walk and the terrain looks a bit steep so this may be a bit too much for me.

  4. Your tips for the Canopy walk are really very useful for preparing oneself. The slippery trail up to the walkway sounds adventurous and demands caution. But ultimately, the experience on the walkway itself seems to be that of a lifetime.

  5. WOW! This definitely does look like such an unforgettable experience. I’d love to go there one day – so much history there and it’s one of those bucket list places I think. So glad you shared this about your trip.

  6. The Nyungwe Canopy Walk would be an amazing experience. I would love to be able to do it some day. It looks like a great area to go for a vacation.

  7. Your photos are amazing, but I am not brave enough to do the canopy walk. I have a fear of heights yikes! You are brave! I would like to take in some of the other sights.

  8. What an incredible experience! We love nature and the outdoors, and this is unlike any hike or outdoor adventure we have been on. I can only imagine all the great wildlife and scenery!

  9. I am so terrified of heights so as beautiful as your photos are I will have to live vicariously through those. I wish I could do something like this.

  10. I’m sure taking that canopy walk will be wuite challenging for someone who has fear of heights, like me. But if the view across is as breath-taking as you described, I’d like to take the challenge.

  11. wooowww… another adventurous and thrilling nature trip… Rwanda should be on the list of those who loves trekking,,, I just added it to my list…

  12. How fun for some but I’m not sure my fear of heights would let me do this. I get so aggravated at things I miss out on. We have a swinging bridge here and haven’t done it for years.

  13. Wow! What an experience. I love the idea of going to Rwanda and doing all the things that you have done. I didn’t realize it was so safe and so in sync with nature. Great Article!

  14. Whoa, what an experience! Even though you cannot fall I would still feel queasy! But I think I would still try this! Hope that we can make it to Rwanda in the near future when we do we will have to check this out.

  15. That would be one memorable experience. I mean, I am afraid of heights, but maybe, just maybe for the experience, I would try crossing that canopy bridge! I would probably just need a ton of assurances that the bridge won’t collapse.

  16. I am terrified of heights, but this looks like it would be so worth it. The views are amazing and the hike, although a bit tough, sounds like a great exploration as well.

  17. Rwanda hasn’t been a country I have thought about travelling to. I am not scared of heights but still don’t know if I would do that canopy walk there. It does look beautiful though. Love the night photo of it 🙂

  18. This sounds like something right up my alley. I would love to do this with my kids. I can imagine the thrill of walking on the suspended walkway with it swaying slightly 🙂

  19. Great experience. Rashanda appears to be a beautiful country. You’ve captured it wonderfully. I would have gingerly walked across that canopy….then again, I’m too fearful. 😊

  20. This certainly sounds like a unique experience to me! Thank goodness they offered you sticks, it looks like they came in handy! Thanks for sharing this experience with us.

  21. What a fun experience! I’m typically not scared of height, but the walkway is so narrow that I think it creates the illusion that I might fall. Anyway, I’m gonna keep this place in mind so I can visit when I travel to Rwanda!

  22. Oh my word! This bridge looks interesting… haha. I can imagine it’s a pretty cool experience. So much to see in Rwanda, I’d love to visit. I’ll be sure to add this to the list!

  23. Wow, this is a nice place for people who love the nature and like to discover the wild. The canopy walk looks interesting. I guess that you have had a very fun trip. Thanks for sharing your experience and giving us some tips.

  24. Most people probably don’t think of going to Rwanda for travel. I’m so glad you shared its beauty and the many options for all levels of hikers to enjoy it! Sounds like you could stay busy exploring it for awhile. Great photos, too!

  25. The canopy walk looks incredible and I’d love to do it, though I know it would have my adrenalin racing. But I think the trail to reach it and come back afterwards sounds difficult – I know I have weak ankles so slipper and uneven pathways could be tricky for me. Good to read your warning on that, along with the beautiful photos of the trail and canopy walk itself.

  26. What a great experi nice it would Ben to be that high up and see everything from the walkway. It would be really neat to see the wildlife flying around and playing in the trees from the walkway. Thank you for providing the list of trails as it seems to have one kind of trail for everyone.

  27. Wow, what an amzing experience – and your writing made me feel as if I was there on that walkway with you! Found your blog though Under 1000 Club – Aspiring Travel Bloggers on Facebook, and following with interest!

  28. Even if you say its not difficult or scary, I don’t know if I could do it! The only time I’m afraid of heights is on bridges that sway or move in any way! However, that’s nice you were provided walking sticks! #FeetdoTravel

  29. My eyes lit up when I saw photos of the canopy bridge. This is something I would defo consider and I hope one day I get to Rwanda. I might be slightly afraid of heights but this still wouldn’t stop me attempting this 🙂

  30. What an amazing experience! We’ve done canopy walks, but nothing quite like this – and certainly not in Rwanda! I’d be all about it, but not sure I could convince Luke to handle heights for quiiiiite that long. The trail list and activities look so varied. Thank you for this vibrant writeup!

  31. The Canopy Walkway looks so fun! I would love to experience that especially in Rwanda. The Isumo Trail sounds interesting, with the tea plantation I would love to see that too. This must of been a great trip to experience.

  32. Wow, that’s such an incredible experience – looks amazing and right up my street. Haven’t heard about this national park before but all the awesome hikes you can do look great as well. Thanks for sharing!

  33. Whoa! That would be scary for me but I would still do it! Looks like good protection from falling is there 😀 The travel accessories are a boon I realize.

  34. Looks incredible, I’ve done a few canopy walks in countries I’ve been to and I have to say, some have been impressive like the ones I did in Central and South America but than others I’ve done were really disappointing.

  35. I so appreciate all the details you’ve included in this post about the hike and its challenges. What an experience! Loved seeing all your photos. If I go I will make sure to take the hiking stick, my camera and stay in the top view hotel.

  36. We’ve done a few canopy walks before, but never over a bridge so thin. I know you say it’s not that difficult or scary, but I don’t know if I’d have the nerve to cross it. The trail also sounds difficult, though clearly well worth it for those views.

  37. It must have been a very unique experience. Did you feel afraid looking down? It’s good to know that it is completely safe to take this walk. But I would still feel like falling if I looked down 🙂 But I will definitely try it if I travel to Rwanda

  38. I absolutely love high rope bridges, and hiking is one of my favorite activities. I’d gladly spend 3-4 days hiking those trails. It looks really beautiful, especially the twilight shot at the bridge. I’ll have to add this to my bucket list.

  39. I’ve always wanted to go on a canopy walk. It would be amazing to be nearly one with nature and be in the tops of the tree where the monkeys and birds hang out. Also, the views above the canopy must be fantastic!

  40. Rwanda is a dream destination for me especially for the Gorilla trekking. The canopy walk sounds equally exciting though. That suspension bridge is so narrow. I didn’t know you can also see chimpanzees in Rwanda. Amazing!

  41. Nyungwe Canopy Walk is definitely another adventure which I would love to add and go ahead with. From your words and pictures, I can surely say – what an experience it will be, walking over the hanging and swaying bridge? Awesome! Loved reading your post.

  42. The Nyunwe Canopy Walk sounds like an incredible experience – the trek from Uwinka Reception Centre sounds like such a great opportunity to tune into nature, I would love to be so lucky to spot native monkeys!

    My main reason for wanting to visit Rwanda is the Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park, but I will definitely include the canopy walk on our itinerary. Such a beautiful bridge with a stunning view over the forest.

    Sounds like there are quite the number of spectacular trails throughout the national park – I might have to set myself up at the forest lodge you’ve mentioned. Thanks for the tips!

  43. “the initial boisterousness had subsided.” Love that line. That canopy walk looks it would give me some chills but the view is spectacular. I like how you describe that intoxicating forest air. It’s funny when you come from a big city like me how much you miss and need that fresh air.

  44. Oh my gosh, this looks absolutely incredible! Great tip that hiking boots are needed. I often think I can just wear my tevas anywhere, so I would’ve made a mistake! That Congo-Nile Divide sounds incredibly intense, but fascinating!

  45. This canopy walk seems like such a great experience! Stunning silhouette photo of the bridge and people walking across! It’s great to know Nyungwe National Park has so many different trails and activities to offer. I’d love to hike the Isumo Trail to get a glimpse of those falls.

  46. I can definitely see why you would need good hiking shoes. The rainforest can be very slippery! Although I’m not a fan of heights, I’d have to cross the canopy bridge– so pretty!

  47. Wow, that’s such a cool experience! And I had no idea that Rwanda was that advanced in terms of responsible tourism. One more reason to put it up my list.

  48. Nyungwe Canopy Walk just went on the list of musts. Great tips on what else to do in the park and “note to self” for good hiking boots and the walking stick!

  49. This is absolutely amazing. I’m obviously a little braver as I would be jumping out onto this bridge in a heartbeat. I love this sort of thing. Being able to be up so high and get over the canopy just provides such a different perspective. Good on you for doing this despite being a little apprehensive.

  50. Rwanda is at the top of my dream list, more specifically the gorilla trekking, but this experience looks quite magical as well. It reminds me of the canopy tour we did in Costa Rica, and that suspension in air, looking into nature is a unique feeling. I simply admire any country that works so hard to connect to the earth in such a positive way. Happy to hear they are being recognized for it!

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