Canopy Walking in Nyungwe National Park
Everything you must know about canopy walking tours in Nyungwe National Park – Rwanda. Nyungwe National Park is located in southwestern Rwanda and is covered by rainforests. The park is covered with several rainforests, bamboo forests, and many other forms of vegetation. Nyungwe National Park is about 260 kilometers from Kigali. Additionally, the park hosts over 13 primate species, 300 bird species,38 reptiles, and over 85 mammal species.
Nyungwe National Park is found in the Albertine Rift Valley area and is home to several chimpanzees, the large primates in the park. Canopy walking in Nyungwe National Park is one of the thrilling experiences for travelers on their Rwanda safaris. This activity has become a primary activity for the park which travelers always include on their bucket list. The walk is about 2.1 kilometers on a bridge raised 50 meters above the ground and the total length of the canopy walk is about 160 meters which is divided into 3 sections.
The first stretch is about 45 meters, the other is 90 meters which is the longest and lies over 70 meters above the ground and the last one is 25 meters and is the shortest. The canopy walkway was constructed in 2010 by the non-governmental organization Greenheart in support of USAID. The canopy walk was commissioned as a tourism activity by the Rwanda government in 2017.
What to pack for canopy walking tours in Nyungwe National Park?
There are several requirements that travelers should have for the canopy walk in the Nyungwe National Park and these include;
- A backpack to carry your essentials
- Raincoats and jackets since the weather during the walk is never determined.
- Water containers to keep you dehydrated.
- Hiking boots
What to consider before taking a canopy walking tour in Nyungwe National Park?
While in the Nyungwe Forest National Park for a canopy walk, there are several things to consider before and these include;
The age of travelers going to do the walk should at least be 6 years and the children should be accompanied by the adults. More so, travelers should not have health complications since the hike is so challenging and requires travelers to use a lot of strength while hiking. Additionally, travelers with acrophobia are not allowed to participate in the activity since the activity involves heights. Lastly, travelers should also be fit enough for the activity.
Canopy walking trails in Nyungwe National Park
There are several trails in the park that travelers walk through during canopy walks and these include;
Igishingishi Trail
This is the major trail of the canopy walk since it is short and takes less time for travelers. The trail starts from the Uwinka Visitors Centre which is about 2.1 kilometers. During the canopy walk on the trail, travelers will see the Uwinka ridge and also several trees, mosses, ferns, and many others.
Congo Divide Trail
Longest trail within the park for the canopy walk which is preferred by travelers on hiking adventures. The trail connects up to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The trail goes up to 277 kilometers and usually, travelers do some camping near the trail. While on the trail, travelers will see the river Rukarara which is believed to be the source of the Nile.
Izumo Waterfall Trail
This trail takes you through the largest waterfall in the Nyungwe Forest National Park. Isumo means “waterfall” in the Kinyarwanda language. The walk to the trail starts in the morning with a view of the open tea plantations and the sunrise. Also during the walk to the trail, you will have views of Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ngabwe Trail
Leading to the Ngabwe Mountain, the trail is majorly for the hikers who want the adventure for the highest peak of the park. During this trail, travelers will see primates, bird species, and many others.
Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail
The trail starts from the Kamiranzovu swamp and takes you through the Kamiranzovu waterfall. During the dry season wildlife in the park is found around the swamp in search of water and the bird lovers can also see several bird species in this trail.
How to get to the Nyungwe Forest National Park for canopy walking safaris?
Nyungwe Forest National Park can be accessed by both road and air transport. When using road transport, the park is about 260 kilometers from Kigali. This takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach the park in Ruzizi. While using air transport, travelers will use the domestic chartered flights from the Kigali International Airport to Ruzizi Kamembe and these flights are provided by the Akagera Aviation and Rwanda Air.
What is the best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park?
The park is open for travelers throughout the year and the best time to visit the park is during the dry season June to September and December to February. This is the best time to visit the park since it is dry and clear for the views and walks.
