The ancient Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Rwanda situated in the south western part of the country. It is also one of the oldest rainforests on the African continent. The mighty forest of Nyungwe is considered to be the largest tropical rainforest in the East African region and Central Africa. The vast park also shelters about 300 different bird species, 14 primate species, 38 reptile species and more than 90 mammal species. Nyungwe Forest National Park is also popular for its unique tree species of about 1000 different tree species.
Aside from chimpanzee tracking as a popular tourism activity done in Nyungwe Forest National Park, canopy walk in the wilderness and the natural beauty of the great park is yet another thrilling tourism activity done in the park. Other thrilling popular activities in the mighty forest of Nyungwe may include birding, forest hiking, to mention but a few. Nyungwe Forest National Park also shelters the largest population of monkeys, about 400 monkey members making it a popular spot for monkey sightings and other wildlife activities.
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is an all year around activity and has no specific season therefore it can be carried out throughout the whole year. Searching for chimpanzees regardless of their biggest number in Nyungwe Forest National Park can be somehow challenging as these primates are quick in their movements and unpredictable.
The guided walk of about 160 meters long on the suspended bridge of Nyungwe which is about 70m high is such a lifetime and breathtaking experience on Rwanda safari tours. This breathtaking walk in the wilderness of Nyungwe is an all year round activity even though the best time for visiting the forest remains the dry period of the year.
The walkway is much easier during the dry season of December to February and June to September due to accessible walking trails free of muddy and lush vegetation hence making the whole experience less challenging and less stressful. The canopy walk in Nyungwe is such a breathtaking adventure as it offers visitors remarkable views of the comely Lake Kivu and neighbouring East African countries while having a full encounter of the reptiles, birds, mammals and primate species in the park.
It should however be noted that only persons above 6 years of age are allowed to participate in this thrilling activity and minors are restricted. The remarkable walk kicks off at the head offices of the park at Uwinka Reception Centre and is done in three shifts including the first one at 8 am, 10 am and the last in the afternoon at around 3 pm. It is at Uwinka Reception Centre that participants in the canopy walk and visitors get guided and briefed on the dos and don’ts while enjoying the fascinating activity.
Visitors are also provided with walking guides and it is at this point that they can as well acquire walking tools like raincoats, walking sticks and more. Rain jackets and comfortable firm hiking shoes are a must to carry to ease the whole walking experience.
The canopy walk in Nyungwe is the first of its kind in the East African region and the third on the African continent therefore visitors can expect to have the best canopy walk experience. Rwanda ‘the land of a thousand hills’ is one of the safest countries to visit, the walkway in Rwanda is absolutely very safe and free of threats.
Visitors are strictly advised to be in their best health before engaging in this tiresome but rewarding activity that also involves hiking along the Igishishigi trail. Hiking along this trail is not very challenging and therefore can be easily executed. Canopy walking in Nyungwe was introduced in the year 2010 by USAID through the Green Heart NGO group. The walkway in Nyungwe is carried out in three sections including 90 meters, 45 meters, 25 meters and 70 meters high.
