Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the few remaining tracts of tropical rain forests in Rwanda, it is the only place in the country to do this thrilling experience. The national park is situated in the southwestern part of Rwanda posing with unmatched beauty. The forest is said to have survived the ice age era the forest has a large variety of animal species about 75 mammals are present in the national park. The Canopy Walk Experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the best things one can do while in Rwanda.
The Canopy Walk Experience is a long suspended bridge established in 2010. It is a 2 kilometer walk on a bridge suspended between 2 large trees. This will give you a chance to view the forest underneath and birds of Nyungwe. You will be uplifted in space to have spectacular views of the great East African region the angelic mountainous backdrop together with Lake Kivu. This walk is advisable to be done by persons beginning from the age of 6 years. The cost is $60 per person. Children below the age of 15 are meant to be accompanied by their parents for this particular activity.
The walk can be done throughout the year. This doesn’t worry as the suspension is constant height and length however it can get very interesting during the dry seasons of June- September, and December to February when there is a high number of visitors compared to the wet season, interaction and experiencing new people is an actual lovely thing to do. It should be noted that the Canopy Walk Experience involves a slight hike as one has to reach the beginning point of the trail. The suspended bridge runs for approximately 160 meters, the activity is scheduled between 8:00am, 10:00am, 1:00, and 3:00pm. Activity is scheduled to begin at the Uwinka Visitor Center.
To enjoy the walk, you will require to buy waterproof hiking shoes, insect repellent, and hand gloves where necessary, while at the beginning point. You might want to take a porter or two or decide not to have one en route. You will have the chance of viewing the forest at large, sensing through the amazing beautiful features right from the top. Below the bridge you may be in a position to view some primates like the Black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkey and birds of different species. The whistling sound of the forest birds is just as beautiful as the breeze of the suspended bridge.
Other park activities include chimpanzee tracking, which takes place from the Uwika Visitor Center you will be required at the starting point very early in the morning which basically will be like at 5:00am. The beginning tacking points quite further. Chimpanzee are said to man closest relatives who are believed to share up to 98% of the human DNA. They are social and live in families of up to 100 members led through by a male silverback. The black and white colobus monkey tracking is a fun-filled event in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Imagine viewing more than eighty species all tucked in Black and White. This activity is led through by experienced park rangers.
Nyungwe Forest National Park can be accessed by road. It takes approximately 6 hours drive to arrive at the destination. There is available accommodation for travelers. Example facilities include the one and only Nyungwe, Gisakura Tea Estate to mention a few. Chimpanzee safaris require you to be in a position to be patient as they are wild animals, ensure to have the pack list as insect repellents, hats in sunny days, and any other items of personal nature.