Canopy Walk In Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda

Nyungwe National Park Canopy Walk: The Canopy Walk in Rwanda  is an exhilarating experience done in Nyungwe Forest National Park on a suspended bridge 70 metres high above the great Nyungwe forest. It is a guided walk on a 160-metre-long walkway that takes about 2 hours to complete. The canopy walkway was established in 2010 for the purpose of boosting domestic and international tourism, making it the newest adventure activity in the Nyungwe Forest National Park .

The Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the most outstanding tourist activities in Rwanda — the only walk of its kind in East Africa, hanging 60 metres above the forest floor between giant trees and towers, and revealing a stunning view of the flora and fauna both below and above.

The Forest: A Living Treasure

The ancient Nyungwe forest is home to numerous wild species including the endangered chimpanzees plus 12 other primate species. This biodiverse rainforest is also known for its over 1,000 unique tree species, 300 bird species, and several amphibian and reptile species.

Having escaped the last ice age, the Nyungwe forest is a hotbed of biodiversity. Along the hour’s walk to the canopy walkway from the Uwinka Reception Centre, visitors will see countless butterflies, orchids, and colourful birds.

The Structure of the Walkway

The canopy walkway is partitioned into 3 sections — 90 metres, 45 metres, and 25 metres — with the 90-metre section being 70 metres high. The canopy walkway in Rwanda is the third of its kind in Africa and the only one in the East African Region. It was established by USAID through the Green Heart NGO group in 2010.

The bridge is capable of carrying six tons, and the maximum number of people allowed on the canopy walkway is 8 people per round.

What to Expect On Te Canopy Walk From Nyungwe Forest National

You will visit the bridge by first passing by the Uwinka Reception Centre for registration and to clear documents. The park reception will assign you a guide who will brief you on the dos and don’ts, plus give a short introduction and history of Nyungwe National Park. You will then start your trip by descending along the Igishigishigi trail, which leads to the canopy walkway.

From the starting point of the trail to the canopy, there are many vantage points where you can view Ijwi Island — the largest Congolese island in Lake Kivu. Along the way, the guide will also interpret common plants found on the trail, such as Kalapa Glandfrola, Symphonia Globelifela, and Policias Fulva.

It’s quite an experience walking above the forest floor, over the tree canopy, along the rope-style metal bridge. The views from up here are stunning, and the adrenaline will no doubt be rushing through as the bridge sways. The canopy bridge leads between some huge, ancient trees, home to many species of endemic plants and ferns.

The walk offers great views of the East African region, Lake Kivu, and the different sections of the Nyungwe forest, as you spot various animals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians.

Wildlife You May Encounter

Visitors have been lucky enough to see Rwenzori colobus monkeys, as well as L’Hoest’s and golden monkeys during the trek. Though chimpanzees are mainly found in other areas of the forest, there’s always a chance they may be foraging nearby.

The Nyungwe Forest is home to numerous wild species, and the canopy walkway is a great way to get a closer look at animals and their natural habitat, including blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and over 300 species of birds.

Best Time For Canopy Walk In Nyungwe Forest national Park

The schedule of the canopy walk is 8am, 10am, 1pm, and 3pm. The walk starts from the Uwinka Reception Centre, which is also the head office for Nyungwe National Park. Nyungwe Forest National Park

Cost Of Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Entry fees for the canopy walkway vary by visitor category: Rwandan/EAC Citizens pay 5 USD, Foreign Residents in Rwanda/EAC pay 20 USD, and International Visitors pay 40 USD. Note that there is an additional park entry fee on top of the canopy walk fee. It is advisable to confirm the latest rates when booking, as pricing is periodically updated. Visit Rwanda

Age & Health Requirements

The canopy walk is a guided tour open to persons aged 6 years and above. It is advisable to be in good health before taking the walk; if you don’t feel well or have a condition that may be worsened by the walk, you should excuse yourself and try other activities in the park.

The canopy walkway is not recommended for people who are afraid of heights or who have mobility issues. If you have any concerns, be sure to discuss them with your guide beforehand.

What to Pack/Gear & Wear For Canopy Walk In Nyungwe National Park

• Visitors should wear suitable footwear and bring a lightweight raincoat. It is possible to rent boots and a raincoat from the park headquarters.
• Walking sticks are provided free of charge, and it is recommended to bring at least one litre of drinking water.
• Visitors are also advised to bring a snack, bottled mineral water, and a camera to capture memorable moments.

Best Time to Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park For Canopy Walk

The best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park and experience the Canopy Forest Walkway is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February. During the dry season, the weather is mild, and the trails are less muddy and easier to navigate. However, the park is open year-round. There is more chance of rain in the afternoons, so morning slots are generally preferable.

Getting To Nyungwe Forest national Park

Nyungwe National Park is a 5- to 6-hour drive from Kigali (225 km), and there is also a 40-minute flight from Kigali to Kamembe Airport. The forest is generally wet and cool, with temperatures constant year-round — between 20°C by day and 10°C at night.

Other Activities in Nyungwe Forest national Park

While visiting, consider complementing the canopy walk with other activities the park offers:

Chimpanzee Trekking – meet one of three semi-habituated chimpanzee communities (Cyamudongo, Mayebe, and Gisovu) on an adventurous trek, with each community visited by a maximum of eight people per day.

Zipline – take a flying leap through the treetops along one of the longest ziplines in Africa, at 1,935 metres divided into three thrilling sections.

Birding – home to 322 bird species, of which 30 are endemic to the Albertine Rift region, Nyungwe offers an exceptional birding experience with expert bird guides.

Waterfall Trails – hike to the Ndambarare and Kamiranzovu waterfalls through spectacular rainforest scenery.
Community Visits – discover traditional handcrafts, pottery, traditional dances, and tea plantation tours in the surrounding communities.

Night Walks – experience the forest after dark, where nocturnal wildlife such as galagos, pottos, tree hyraxes, and anomalures (scaly-tailed squirrels) are active.

Practical Tips on Canopy Walks In Nyungwe National Park

• Book in advance, especially during peak season (June–September), as group sizes on the bridge are limited.
  Arrive early at the Uwinka Reception Centre to secure a preferred time slot — the 8am walk is ideal for cooler, drier conditions.
• Stay on the trails and follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
• Keep noise to a minimum to maximise wildlife sightings.
• Carry local currency (Rwandan Francs) or USD for any on-site purchases.
• Combine with a stay at one of the park’s lodges (such as the Uwinka Campsite or the newer Munazi eco-cottages) to fully immerse yourself in the forest atmosphere.

The Nyungwe Canopy Walk is truly a one-of-a-kind adventure in East Africa — a perfect blend of adrenaline, natural beauty, and ecological wonder. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time forest visitor, it promises an unforgettable perspective on one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests.