Canopy Walk in Rwanda – Nyungwe Forest National Park

The Canopy Walkway in Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Rwanda’s most thrilling and scenic eco-adventures. Suspended high above the ancient montane rainforest, this hanging bridge gives visitors a bird’s-eye view of one of Africa’s most biologically rich ecosystems.

The walkway stretches 160 meters (525 feet) long and towers at 70 meters (230 feet) above the forest floor, offering breathtaking views of lush treetops, deep valleys, and distant hills. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blends adventure, nature, and discovery in Rwanda’s oldest and largest tropical rainforest.

About Nyungwe Forest National Park

Located in southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a vast, pristine rainforest covering over 1,000 square kilometers of montane and bamboo forest. It is one of Africa’s most ancient forests believed to have survived the last Ice Age and is home to over 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees, over 300 bird species, and countless butterflies, orchids, and rare tree species.

The park is a haven for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and adventure seekers, and the canopy walk stands out as one of its most iconic attractions.

The Canopy Walk Experience

The Canopy Walk begins at the Uwinka Visitor Center, the main park headquarters located in the heart of Nyungwe. After registration, visitors take a guided forest hike of about 2.1 kilometers through lush vegetation to reach the starting point of the suspension bridge.

As you ascend into the forest, the sounds of chirping birds, rustling leaves, and distant primates surround you. The walkway itself consists of three sections of hanging bridges connected by sturdy metallic platforms that sway gently as you walk, adding to the sense of adventure.

From the top, you’re treated to panoramic views of the rainforest canopy, misty valleys, and mountain ranges that stretch into Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s a photographer’s paradise and one of the best ways to appreciate Rwanda’s natural beauty from a unique perspective.

Wildlife and Nature on the Canopy Walk

Nyungwe is one of the best places in East Africa to experience the rainforest ecosystem up close. While on the canopy walkway, you may spot:

Black-and-white colobus monkeys leaping from branch to branch
L’Hoest’s monkeys and blue monkeys feeding in the treetops
Tropical birds such as the Ruwenzori Turaco, Great Blue Turaco, Mountain Black Boubou, and Red-collared Mountain Babbler
A variety of butterflies and orchids decorating the forest edges

Even if you don’t spot much wildlife, the serenity and scenic splendor of the rainforest alone make the experience unforgettable.

Duration and Difficulty

The canopy walk experience takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, including the forest hike. The trail is moderate in difficulty, suitable for anyone with average fitness levels. The suspension bridge can sway slightly, so those with a fear of heights should proceed at their own pace but many travelers find it surprisingly comfortable once they step on.

Guided walks are led by experienced park rangers, who explain the ecology, plant life, and wildlife that make Nyungwe one of Africa’s most unique forests.

Best Time to Visit

The Canopy Walk is available all year round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) when the trails are less muddy and easier to navigate.

Morning walks are ideal for photography and bird watching, while afternoon walks offer a different mood as the light filters through the forest canopy.

Booking and Fees

Canopy Walk permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and can be booked directly or through your tour operator.

As of current rates:

International visitors: USD 60 per person
East African citizens/residents: USD 10–20 per person

The fee includes the guided forest hike and access to the canopy bridge.

Getting There

Nyungwe Forest National Park is located about 225 kilometers (6–7 hours drive) southwest of Kigali via Huye (Butare) and Kitabi. The road trip offers scenic countryside views with stops at tea plantations, local markets, and the ethnographic museum in Huye.

Alternatively, travelers can fly with RwandaAir to Kamembe Airport in Rusizi (Cyangugu) and drive about 1 hour to the Uwinka Visitor Center.

Accommodation Near Nyungwe Forest

There are several excellent lodges and hotels around Nyungwe for every travel style:

Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House – A world-class eco-lodge set on a working tea plantation bordering the forest.
Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel – Offers panoramic views of the forest and Lake Kivu.
Budget: Gisakura Guest House – Ideal for travelers seeking affordable comfort close to the park.

All lodges are conveniently located within short driving distance from the canopy walk trailhead.

Other Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park

While the Canopy Walk is the park’s signature activity, you can combine it with other exciting adventures such as:

Chimpanzee tracking in Cyamudongo or Uwinka.
Colobus monkey tracking in Gisakura.
Birdwatching – spot Albertine Rift endemics.
Waterfall hikes such as the beautiful Isumo Waterfall Trail.
Tea plantation tours around Gisakura.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

The Nyungwe Canopy Walk is the only one of its kind in East Africa and one of the few in all of Africa. It’s a perfect blend of adventure, scenery, and conservation, offering visitors the chance to experience Rwanda’s rainforest in a completely new way.

Suspended among the treetops, surrounded by mist and birdsong, you’ll understand why Nyungwe is one of Rwanda’s most treasured natural wonders.

The Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park is a must-do for anyone visiting Rwanda. Whether you’re an adventure traveler, nature lover, or photographer, this experience offers a thrilling and unforgettable perspective of Africa’s great rainforest.

It’s not just a walk it’s a journey into the heart of Rwanda’s wilderness, where nature, peace, and adventure meet high above the forest floor.