Canopy Walk in Rwanda : The suspended canopy walk in Rwanda offers an astounding way to explore the beauty and richness of the Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda.
The montane Nyungwe forest harbors a number of rich biodiversities in its forest worth exploring on a Rwanda safari. The forest stands at an elevation of 3000meters located within the river basin of the Nile river and the congo river. Nyungwe forest is recorded to host about 1068 plant species, 275 birds, 85 mammals, 32 amphibians, 38 reptile species.
The presence of the rich biodiversity of the Nyungwe forest makes it one of the most conversed areas in Africa. The forest is enclosed within the Famous Nyungwe forest national park, in the southwestern region of Rwanda. The national park derived its name from the forest. The park is famous for hosting the robust chimpanzees and other 12 primate species.
Besides the canopy walk, primate tracking is one of the sought activities of Nyungwe forest national park. The 13 primates of the forest include golden monkeys, golden monkey, Hamlyn’s monkey, Dent’s mona monkey, Red-tailed monkey, Vervet monkey, L’hoest monkey, Grey-cheeked mangabey, olive baboon, Rwenzori colobus, and chimpanzees.
Nyungwe national park is among the only three national parks of Rwanda, that include the volcanoes national park in the north. Famous for gorilla trekking. And Akagera national park is renowned for wildlife viewing, through games drives and boat cruises. Nyungwe national park, neighbors the newly established Gishwati Mikura national part, is another home to eastern chimpanzee species.
The park offers quite a number of activities to its visitors, that include; chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, and hiking. The canopy walk is one of the highlight activities to enjoy while on a visit to Nyungwe national park.
The canopy walk is a guided walk above the canopy of the Nyungwe forest. This walk is taken on a suspended bridge, well connected on two gigantic trees of the forest. The bridge was set 70 meters above the ground of the park. It stretches up to 160 meters from the beginning point to the end of the walk.
The canopy is partitioned into three lanes, 25 meters, 45 meters, and 90 meters. The canopy walk in Rwanda is the only of its kind in East Africa, and the third in the whole of Africa. With others in Ghana, South Africa, and Nigeria.
The experience on the canopy offers a memorable exploration of the Nyungwe forest. Visitors get to walk for about 2 hours with insight sights of the various attractions that are found along the way. A rewarding site of lake Kivu, the Nyungwe forest, and wildlife.
The walk begins at Uwinka, the headquarters of Nyungwe national park. At the headquarters, visitors are briefed about the canopy walk, and all the necessary precautions they need to take. To keep safe and enjoy their 70meter high walk.
The walk is scheduled for two sessions, the morning and afternoon sessions. The sessions are set at 8:00 am and 10:00 am. The afternoon sessions are set at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm.
The canopy walk is a guided walk; a guide is always provided to lead the hiking team to the starting point of the canopy walk. While at the headquarters, visitors can hire out walking sticks, to be used while hiking through the slippery and rough trails of the park, before reaching the starting points. Rain jackets are as well provided since the forest is montane, and there are high chances of rain.
After the briefing, visitors hike a distance of 2.1km from the headquarters to the igishigishi walking trail where the canopy walk begins from. Visitors can as well access the canopy trail from either Umuyove trail or Imbaraga trail. A number of primates are spotted along the way as visitors walk. But chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe national park is best experienced when booked as an independent activity.
To experience the forest view from the canopy, visitors pay $60 for foreign nonresidents, $50 for foreign residents, and 5000RWF for Rwandan citizens.
Children above 6 years and eligible to take on the canopy walk, however, they are supposed to be under adult supervision. This activity can be done by any individual, for it’s less tedious and does not require any physical strength. Visitors not in perfect health conditions, or with sickness are not advised to take on the canopy walk. For it requires hikers in perfect health conditions to enhance the fun activity.
Appropriate walking gear that includes a pair of hiking boots, light comfortable wear, and a raincoat. Would be suitable for a canopy walk in Rwanda.
This activity is available whole year-round. But most enjoyed during the dry seasons. Which are from June, September, November, December to February.
The activity can be accessed from Nyungwe national park. It is located a Rusizi, south western Uganda. A road transfers from Kigali the capital of Rwanda to the national park. It takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. Driving a distance of 220km to reach the park.
The canopy walk experience is one of the fascinating activities not to miss out on a Rwanda safari and tour. Book with Dolphin tours and travel for a memorable safari in Rwanda.
Comments