The Rwanda canopy walk is in Nyungwe national park, a designated UNESCO world heritage site. The protected areas covers 1,019 sq. km of dense Afro-montane forest with rich biodiversity including over 1,000 plants and 140 orchid species; 13 primate species including 13 primate species including chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, Mona monkeys, red tailed monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, velvet monkeys among other prosimians like dwarf galago, and greater bush babies; 322 species of birds of which 16 are Albertine rift endemics including Albertine owlet, Kungwe Apalis, Rwenzori Turaco, Congo bay owl, Newman’s warbler, red collared babbler, Kivu ground thrush, handsome francolin, rock feller’s sunbird; 85 mammal species including African civets, and 120 butterfly species.
The canopy was constructed in the primary part of Nyungwe, making for an ideal activity for a keen nature lover. The length and height of the bridge is 160 m long and 70 m high above the ground. Visitors can walk at tree canopy level and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Nyungwe forest. This helps to keep the fragile ecosystem to remain untouched by human activity. The trail to the canopy walkway begins at the Uwinka Visitor Centre, the park’s main tourist center. First of all, visitors intending to do the canopy tour must begin at Uwinka for a briefing before moving on to the hike.
Daily schedules Rwanda canopy walk
The morning sessions starts at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM and the afternoon sessions at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Igishigishigi Trail, the trail from the center to the canopy is 2.1 km (40-minute hike). The path winds through a dense forest of tree ferns with orchids and ephipytes including polystachya virginea and Bulbophyllum oreonastes. Along the trail, you may encounter species of birds such as the great blue turaco. Primates including L’Hoest’s monkeys and blue monkeys may be spotted.
The canopy walk permit cost is $80 for singles and $40 per person for groups available for booking through Rwandan Development Board (RDB) online portal/their head offices in Kigali capital city or a tour operator. RDB established the canopy walk in 2010 by RDB in partnership with USAID and the Green Heart International. The park permits children as young as six years old to participate in the canopy tour, which meets high safety standards.
Nyungwe national park is open to visit all year round and can combined as part of your Rwanda gorilla safaris.
What to pack for Rwanda canopy walk
Wear sturdy hiking boots and dress in long sleeved pants and shirts. Carry at least 1 liter of bottled mineral drinking water to stay hydrated. Additionally, bring a rain jacket given that rainfall is unpredictable. Among other equipments to bring on the hike include a camera and binocular.