Nyungwe Canopy Walk Adventure

What to Expect from the Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk Adventure.

Nyungwe Canopy Walk Adventure: Choosing Nyungwe Forest National Park as your destination for your Rwanda safaris will give you an amazing experience that will open a wildlife portal to the dominant species, the chimpanzees; rewarding views; over 85 mammal species; over 450 bird species; and exceptional views that will make your Rwanda safari experience quite rewarding.

Among the different activities that you can take part in, like chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, the nature walks, and many others, the canopy walk is among the most notable and fulfilling activities for travellers interested in adventure experiences. In this article, here’s all you need to know before you embark on the canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Structure of the canopy walkway

The structure of the canopy walkway is quite mesmerising and is one of the reasons why travellers get to book the canopy walk experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The walkway is divided into three stretches varying from the shortest to the longest, which are 25 metres, 45 metres and 90 metres, and these require people who are physically ready since they involve hiking the long stretches to access many primates and exceptional views. It should be noted that the canopy walkway stands 230 feet above the forest floor, and for travellers who have acrophobia, they should rethink hiking to the canopy walkway.

Hiking the igishigishigi trail

Before one gets to the canopy walkway, it should be noted that one will get to hike the Igishigishigi trail to access the canopy walkway. From the starting point of the trail, Uwinka, to when you get to the canopy walkway, it will take you about 2.1 kilometres. While hiking the trail, you will get to watch the Uwinka Ridge and also get access to watch attractions like lichens, mosses, orchids, ferns and other plant species and many other rewarding attractions. While hiking the trail, there are many different primates that can be seen, like the different monkey species, such as the vervet monkey, Hamlyn’s monkey, the Mona monkey, olive baboons and many other rewarding attractions.

The Igishigishigi trail was chosen among all the trails for the canopy walkway because of its ease and the ability for one to reach the walkway in the shortest time. The site for the walkway was selected to be halfway through the trail, and compared to other trails, the Igishigishigi trail was the best fit. The 2.1 km trail starts at Uwinka; on the trail, numerous tree and plant species are noticed moving forward. The Uwinka ridge is also seen, and still on the same trail, the Uwinka trail, tourists turn right to switch to the Igishigishigi trail. As tourists continue on the trail, the canopy walkway is discovered along the trail. On the trail, lichens, mosses, orchids, ferns and other plant species are seen before reaching the walkway.

When to participate in the canopy walk schedules

For travellers interested in the canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park, it should be noted that the activity can be carried out all throughout the year; however, the best time will be during the dry season in Rwanda to avoid harsh winds and slippery trails. The dry season in Rwanda is during the dry season from June to September, and the short dry season is from December to February.

The canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park can be carried out at different times in the morning at 8:00 am and 10:00 am and in the afternoon at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. All these start at the Uwinka reception area, where you will start with the briefing session before you embark on the hike to the canopy walkway. During the hike, you will have views of Ijiwi Island, the largest island in Lake Kivu; you will also get to watch the lake and many other rewarding attractions.

How to obtain a canopy walk permit in Rwanda

In order to participate in the canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park, you should consider booking your permit, which can be obtained through a trusted tour operator or through the Rwanda Development Board, and you should consider booking the permit months in advance because of limited availability. After obtaining a permit, you will be given an hour’s access to walk and take pictures while on the walkway.

The price of the canopy walk in Rwanda is as follows, but it’s important to note that if you’re 1 person, you’re required to pay double the price for your safari experience.

Rwandan/EAC Citizen (per person; includes guiding fee)	5000Rwf
Foreign resident in Rwanda/EAC (per person; includes guiding fee)	$20
International Visitor (per person; includes guiding fee)	$40

Packing list for the canopy walk

For travellers interested in participating in the thrilling activity, here are some of the things you should not miss out on packing for a memorable adventure

• Carry a camera to capture the beautiful views and different primates that can be seen while on the long way along the walkway
• sunglasses in case you participate in the activity in the afternoon
• Carry a bird checklist because of several bird species that
• Insect repellent to repel bugs that you may come across during your hike along the Igishishigi Trail.

“With this, book with us your canopy experience in Rwanda and let us take you on a whirlwind of beautiful memories as you hike through the forest canopies to experience the wild from an aerial point of view.”