The Nyungwe Canopy Walk
Having survived horrible happenings of the old age, the Nyungwe forest with its wide range of biodiversity offers visitors unforgettable experiences such as primate trekking. In addition, there is a canopy walk that commences from the Uwinka Reception Centre. Here, visitors are exposed to numerous butterflies, orchids and a variety of birds endemic to the region.
Hanging above a narrow valley in an abundant montane rainforest of Nyungwe National park is the canopied path. This path offers a thrilling view on the very old treetops and wildlife. Moreover, it is roughly 70m high and 160m long with fresh air.
What You’ll See from the Treetops
Besides the freshness in the air, this walk exposes visitors to eye-catching aerial views of the trees. There are also sights of the fantastic birds that fly across as you enjoy the walk. You will see different monkeys and primates jumping from one tree branch to another. Furthermore, the jungle is filled with bird melodies. It is an activity worth doing.
This walk is one of its kinds in Africa and East Africa in particular; the activity was first done in 2010.
The structure of the canopy is in a way that the hardwood trees occupy the upper canopy. Meanwhile, the lower part is occupied with the great selection of the purple orchids and the lush flora as well as fauna that twist better in the higher altitudes. The walk gives you a chance of catching the entire view of Nyungwe National Park.
Planning Your Canopy Adventure
This park is one of the reasons why Rwanda is one of the top destinations when it comes to tourism worldwide. Nyungwe forest is not only a place for relaxation but also adventure and a dive into Rwanda‘s single beauty. Furthermore, the forest is the largest protected mountain forest sprawling through 1600 and 2000 sq meters.
Some of the wildlife you will not miss seeing include; the monkeys, such as the blue monkeys, LHoest monkeys, black and white colobus, the red-tailed monkeys, chimpanzees, and many more.
Remember the minimum age for a canopy walk is 6 years and young children are accepted but under the company of an adult. It only costs $60 per person to do the canopy walk, a fee paid at the reception center.
The canopy walk is done all year round and it requires you to have some items such as good Hiking shoes and a good camera because there are very interesting places to photograph. Additionally, you should have a walking stick for support. The hike lasts for two hours and you turn into a storyteller.
It only takes you two hours to reach Uwinka visitor Centre, Canopy walk starting point at Nyungwe forest national park. This park is situated on a mountain that becomes slippery and wet during rainy season. As a result, this affects tourists as they trek.
The Journey to Nyungwe
However, you will need to drive for roughly five hours from Kigali to Nyungwe forest. It is a journey that gives you a chance of feeding your eyes with the beauty in the country’s diverse scenery and the imposing landscape. As you get to the park, you will join those on the same mission to one of the most extraordinary canopy walks in the Jungle of Nyungwe forest.
There is hidden beauty in the large scenery and old trees that form the added thick forest. In addition, there is the amazing extraordinary tropical forest which is a support to the 200m canopy walkway. That will satisfy you with an exciting experience of incomparable adventure.
Beyond the Canopy: Hiking & Waterfalls
Also, besides the canopy walk, the park allows many trails into various areas of the forest for the hikers. These guided walks start at the central Uwinka reception Centre, the western Gisakura entrance and the eastern Kitabi entrance.
Essential Packing List for Nyungwe
The forest is situated on a mountain and can become quite slippery, especially during the rainy season. To ensure you “turn into a storyteller” rather than a casualty of the mud, bring:
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Sturdy hiking shoes with excellent grip.
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A high-quality camera (the views are incomparable).
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A walking stick (available at the reception center for support).
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Rain gear, as the tropical weather is famously unpredictable.
Besides, there is a reward of visiting the 10km hike to Nyungwe Ishuno waterfalls that depicts beauty. Though it might be small in size, this calm waterfall strikes its way and the gentle wind to which gives an illustration of one’s life’s greatest pleasures.
