Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk Experience | Rwanda Safari Tours
Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk Experience
The canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park is a memorable experience that you will not find anywhere else in East Africa. It is the third canopy walk of its kind in Africa. The Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk Experience takes you on a guided tour across a suspended bridge above the rainforest. From here, you can enjoy thrilling views of the treetops, wildlife, and the vast forest below. The bridge stretches 160 meters long and hangs 70 meters high. You can access it as part of a guided tour along the Ishigishi trail or while hiking the Imbaraga or Umuyove trails.
During the walk, you can explore Nyungwe’s rich biodiversity. The one-hour trail to the canopy bridge starts at Uwinka Reception Center and winds through a lush forest filled with butterflies, orchids, and colorful birds. Nyungwe shelters more than 1,000 tree species, 300 bird species, and several types of reptiles. It is also home to thirteen primate species, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. During a Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk Experience, you may spot them in the trees, although a dedicated trek offers a better chance to see them up close.
Permits, Schedule and Preparation
Visitors aged six and above can join the canopy walk. Children should be accompanied by adults at all times. The canopy walk permit costs 60 USD and is paid directly to park management. The bridge lies 1.2 kilometers from Uwinka Reception Center along the Ishigishi trail. The path is gentle and suitable even for beginners and families.
Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk Experience runs four times daily at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. It begins with a short briefing at the Uwinka Reception Center, where guides prepare visitors for the experience. You can rent or buy raincoats, hiking boots, and walking sticks at the reception. Carry water, snacks if you have children, and a camera to capture the forest views. Good hiking shoes and a raincoat are essential.
Other Experiences and Travel Tips
Besides the canopy walk, you can enjoy other activities in Nyungwe such as chimpanzee and colobus monkey trekking, the Isumo Waterfall hike, nature walks, birdwatching, and community visits. Tea plantations surround the park, and visiting them offers a chance to learn about tea growing, processing, and tasting while meeting the farmers who work there.
You can also combine the canopy walk with other Rwanda adventures. Try gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or a game drive in Akagera National Park. Nyungwe lies about six hours by road from Kigali or four hours from Musanze. For a faster journey, Akagera Aviation offers helicopter transfers—45 minutes from Kigali International Airport or 30 minutes from Volcanoes National Park.
Choose accommodation that suits your budget when planning your Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk Experience. You can stay in lodges within the park or nearby, from budget to luxury options.
If you plan to do the Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk, reach out to us. We will arrange your itinerary, secure your walking permit, book your stay, and handle transport throughout your trip.
