The Canopy walk is a guided tour done by persons of 6 years old and above. It is always advisable that adults accompany the children. The walk is done all year round. However, it’s much better and easier in the dry seasons where the walkway is much drier. Dry season in Rwanda runs from June to September and December to February. Moreover, the walk on the canopy walk offers its walkers great views of the East African region and Lake Kivu. Walkers also see the different sections of the Nyungwe forest as they spot the different animals, birds, insects, and amphibians that live in the forest.
The Canopy Walk In Nyungwe
The canopy walk involves some slight hiking because you access the suspended bridge from 2.2 km long Igishigishigi trail, a hiking trail in Nyungwe National Park. After that trail, you join the 160 meters suspended bridge that is over the forest. The hiking trail should not stop you from taking the walk. It’s very easy to hike even for first-time hikers. It just has a few steep points because of the mountainous terrain, but it’s totally doable.
The schedule of the canopy walk is 8AM, 10AM, 1PM and 3PM. The walk starts from the Uwinka Reception centre. This is also the head office for Nyungwe National Park. At Uwinka Reception Centre, visitors are briefed about the walk and assigned a walking guide. This is where you also purchase things like walking sticks and raincoats among others if you don’t have them already. You need them for the walk. After the session at the reception centre, you then move with a guide to the Igishigishigi trail. Then you proceed to the 160 m suspended bridge that is adjourned on the huge strong trees on top of the ancient biodiversity of Nyungwe Forest.
Packing List for Canopy Walk in Rwanda
For the walk, one needs to wear hiking shoes or boots, and a rain jacket. A snack if you must, especially for children, is also handy. A bottle of water and of course a camera to capture the memorable moments are important as well. It is advisable to be in good health before taking the walk. If one is not feeling well or if one is having some sickness that may be worsened by the walk, one is advised to excuse themselves from the walk. They can try other activities that are in Nyungwe and forgo the canopy walk.
The canopy walk is the perfect adventure for anyone who loves a good adrenaline rush, nature enthusiasts, and risk takers. But don’t be alarmed. It is safe for anyone who wishes to take part in the walk. The walkway is firm, and even on the walk the park operators ensure that several safety measures are implemented for the safety of participants on the walk. It is partitioned in 3 sections: 90 metres, 45 metres, and 25 metres. The 90 meter section is 70 meters high. The canopy walkway in Rwanda is the third of its kind in Africa and the only one in East African region.
How to get to Nyungwe Forest For A Canopy Walk
Nyungwe National Park is accessible from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. It takes approximately 5 to 6 hours by road, and the road infrastructure to the park is well built and constructed, so you get a smooth ride to the park. Plus, on your way to the park you have a spectacular array of hilly topography that you get to see, making your somewhat long journey worth it.
Nyungwe is one of Rwanda’s National Parks offering great experiences not only on the canopy walk but on the other activities. Other activities include chimp trekking, monkey trekking, birding, hiking, Ishumo waterfalls, nature walks, and community visits. It is important to note that you can spot animal species on the canopy walk. However, for a much more fun and intimate experience with the animals, especially the primates, the best fun is on the ground.
Nyungwe national park is also in close proximity with tea planting communities. This means during the stay at the park, one can visit tea plantations to experience the process of producing the rich and unique Rwanda tea. Here, you can taste the tea and interact with different tea growing communities. This is a chance to experience these people’s culture and lifestyle.
Activities to choose from after a canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
After a canopy walk, other activities can be done in Nyungwe National Park. Examples include going for a chimp trekking, where these animals make a distinct pant hoot call before they are sighted. When found, you can spend an hour observing them in their natural habitat.
The park offers other primate treks like monkey trekking since it harbors some different monkey species including blue monkey and vervet monkey. There are also Owl faced monkey, black and white colobus, grey checked magabay, golden monkey, among others, plus the baboons. These too can be spotted.
Birding in Nyungwe offers a unique experience since the park is home to approximately 310 bird species. These include Albertine Rift Mountains endemic species and 71 of the 74 of the Afrotropical highlands that occur in Rwanda.
Nature walks enable you to enjoy the calm environment of Nyungwe National Park while seeing the different plant species in the park. This is very rewarding. Community visits allow visitors to meet the Rwandan people, see their way of living, and experience their traditional Intore dance, an energetic dance Rwandan people do among other practices.
Lastly, you could do a hike in the forest.
