Canopy Walkway in Nyungwe: Walking 60 Meters Above the Rainforest Floor

Nyungwe National Park is a jewel in Rwanda’s crown, protecting one of the oldest and most biodiverse rainforests in Africa. While there are many ways to explore this vast wilderness—from tracking chimpanzees to hiking through orchid-filled valleys—nothing quite compares to the thrill of the Canopy Walkway. Suspended 60 metres above the forest floor, this 160-metre-long bridge offers a unique, bird’s-eye view of the ancient forest, revealing secrets that are invisible from the ground. For those seeking adventure and a deeper connection with nature, the Canopy Walk is an unmissable part of any Rwandan itinerary.

Opened in 2010, the Canopy Walkway in Nyungwe is one of only three such bridges in whole of Africa. It consists of three sections suspended between massive rainforest trees. The highest point reaches 60 metres (about 197 feet) above the forest floor, providing a spectacular vantage point. The walkway is designed to allow researchers and tourists to observe the forest’s “upper floors”—the canopy—where the majority of the rainforest’s life exists. It is a sturdy construction of metal and netting that, while safe, still offers a healthy dose of adrenaline as it sways gently in the breeze.

To reach the Canopy Walkway, you first embark on a hike along the Igishigishigi Trail. This 2.1-kilometre loop is classified as an easy to moderate hike, making it accessible to most visitors. The trail begins at the Uwinka Visitor Centre and winds through dense undergrowth, past towering ferns and exotic flowers. The name ‘Igishigishigi’ refers to the giant tree ferns that are common in this part of the forest. The hike to the bridge takes about 30 to 45 minutes, allowing you to acclimatise to the sights, sounds, and scents of the high-altitude rainforest.

As you step onto the walkway, the view changes dramatically. Below you, the forest floor is a mass of mahogany, ebony, and fern trees. From this height, you can see the intricate interlocking branches and the countless orchids and mosses that grow high up in the trees. The canopy is home to various monkey species, and it’s not uncommon to spot Blue Monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, or even a troop of the acrobatic Black and White Colobus monkeys as they leap between branches. For bird lovers, this is a prime spot to see Great Blue Turacos and other forest jewels that rarely descend to the lower levels.

For some, the sheer height of the Canopy Walkway can be a bit daunting. The feeling of being suspended in mid-air above a green ocean is both exhilarating and humbling. The bridge is engineered with the highest safety standards, but its lightweight, swaying design is intentional to minimize the impact on the trees it is attached to. Taking a deep breath and looking out—rather than straight down—reveals the misty peaks of the mountains and the endless expanse of the forest. It truly feels like walking on air in one of the world’s most ancient landscapes.

Nyungwe is a high-altitude rainforest, which means the weather can be unpredictable. Even on a seemingly sunny day, rain is a possibility, so a waterproof jacket is essential. Sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots with good grip are necessary for the forest trails, which can be slippery and uneven. You should also carry a camera with a good zoom lens to capture the distant wildlife, and a pair of binoculars is highly recommended. The walk is led by an experienced guide who will share fascinating insights into the forest’s ecology and help you spot hidden creatures.

While the Canopy Walk is open year-round, the best views are typically found during the dry seasons (June to early September and December to February). During these months, the trails are less muddy, and the skies are clearer, offering better visibility of the surrounding mountains and the forest’s lush greenery. However, visiting during the rainy season has its own charm, as the forest is at its most vibrant and the mist adds a mystical, ethereal quality to the experience. Morning slots are preferred, as the air is cooler and wildlife is generally more active.

The Canopy Walk is often the highlight of a visit to Nyungwe, but the park has much more to offer. You can combine your walk with chimpanzee trekking, a visit to the Isumo waterfall, or a more rigorous hike like the Congo-Nile Divide Trail. Nyungwe’s biodiversity is astounding, with 13 species of primates and over 300 species of birds. Each trail offers a different experience, from the bamboo forests of the high peaks to the marshlands of Kamiranzovu. Spending a few days in Nyungwe allows you to fully immerse yourself in this ancient and vital ecosystem.

The Canopy Walkway in Nyungwe is more than just a thrill-seeker’s attraction; it is a gateway to a hidden world. It offers a rare opportunity to see the rainforest from a perspective that was once the exclusive domain of birds and primates. Standing 60 metres above the ground, surrounded by the sights and sounds of one of Africa’s oldest forests, you gain a profound appreciation for the complexity and beauty of our natural world. It is an experience that will stay with you long after you have descended back to the forest floor.

Ready to walk above the trees in Nyungwe National Park? Ngaro Wild Adventures is your expert partner for Rwandan adventures. We can incorporate the Canopy Walkway into a tailor-made safari that includes chimpanzee tracking, gorilla trekking, and more. Our experienced team ensures every detail is handled, allowing you to focus on the magic of the moment. Reach out to us at +256 775 804 451 or email us at ngarowildadventures@gmail.com to start your journey into the heart of the rainforest.