Nyungwe Forest National Park is a huge, ancient montane rainforest in south-west Rwanda, home to chimpanzees, a dozen other primate species, hundreds of bird species and a famous canopy walkway. The walkway is a suspension bridge about 160 metres long and 70 metres above the forest floor, one of very few of its kind in Africa. Walking it, with the forest dropping away beneath you, is both thrilling and a lovely way to see the canopy and birdlife. The Rwanda Development Board lists the price at 40 US dollars for international visitors. The path to the bridge is a forest walk, which can be muddy, and boots, a raincoat and a walking stick can be rented at the park headquarters. This Viator listing is a full-day canopy walk adventure from Kigali with 35 reviews, rated 4.7, and a from-price around 430 US dollars. It runs for roughly nine and a half hours and includes transfers and stops, including a visit to the Ethnographic Museum at Huye in the itinerary, with admission not included. Because the drive is long, the day is demanding.
Chimpanzee tracking: Nyungwe's other headline activity is chimpanzee trekking, which starts very early and requires a separate permit. We could not verify the current permit price, so check the Rwanda Development Board booking portal. Chimps are not guaranteed, and the walk can be long and steep. Many visitors choose two days, with a canopy walk on one and chimps on the other.
How to plan: the drive from Kigali to Nyungwe is long, so most travellers stay a night or two in or near the park, which makes the early starts practical and gives a chance of seeing other primates such as colobus monkeys. The forest is wet for much of the year, and afternoons bring rain more often than mornings, so go in the morning. Bring a waterproof, sturdy shoes, insect repellent and a camera that copes with low light.
Safety and conditions: the canopy walk is secure, but it moves slightly underfoot and is not suitable for anyone who is very afraid of heights. The park lies near the border with the DRC in Rusizi District, which the US State Department lists as an area to avoid within ten kilometres of the border, so stay on your tour's route and follow current advisories. If you want a calmer way to see the forest, short guided nature walks are also available from the park headquarters.
What to expect
The experience
A forest walk to a 160 metre suspension bridge, 70 metres above the ground, with optional primate and bird watching.
Best time
Morning, when rain is less likely, and the drier months of June to September.
How long
The walk itself takes a few hours; a day tour from Kigali takes about nine and a half hours with transfers.
Tips
Rent boots and a raincoat at the headquarters, stay a night nearby if you can and check chimpanzee permits separately.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Nature lovers who want a rainforest experience that is not about gorillas.
- Families
- Suitable for active children who are comfortable with heights; the transfer is long.
- Couples
- Quiet, scenic and memorable, best with a night in a lodge nearby.
- Pair with
- Chimpanzee tracking, Akagera and a Kigali city tour.
- Time needed
- One very long day, or two days with a lodge night.
Good questions
How much does the Nyungwe canopy walk cost?+
The Visit Rwanda site lists 40 US dollars for international visitors, with lower rates for residents and East Africans. Tour prices differ because they include transport.
How high is the canopy walkway?+
It is a suspension bridge about 160 metres long and 70 metres above the forest floor.
Can I see chimpanzees too?+
Chimpanzee tracking is offered separately and needs its own permit. Sightings are likely but not guaranteed.
Is a day trip from Kigali realistic?+
It is possible, at about nine and a half hours, but long. Staying nearby makes it far more comfortable.
Is it safe near the border?+
Nyungwe lies in an area close to the DRC border. Follow your operator's route and check the latest government travel advice.
