Nyungwe canopy walk | Rwanda Bird watching

Nyungwe rainforest located in the southwestern direction of Rwanda’s capital Kigali, is one of those pristine natural mountain forests with very interesting biodiversity and yet one of the oldest natural forest in Africa so this explains the diversity. Nyungwe forest only became a national park not so long ago, it covers about 1000sqkm and the walk through the very rewarding with its great sceneries like the waterfalls, the different primates species that are found in the forest, among these are the chimpanzees.

Chimpanzees trekking and primates watch in Nyungwe

Nyungwe forest is very much popular for its habituated chimpanzees which is why the most of the visitors go there for chimpanzee trekking however, alongside the chimpanzees, there are about 12 other primates species you will see on your Rwanda Safari which include the black and which colobus monkeys, the golden monkeys, the L’Hoests monkeys, silver monkeys, the velvet monkeys, olive baboon, the grey-checked mangabey, the red-tailed monkeys, among so many others and you will definitely get to see most of these as you trek through the jungle. Besides the primates, there are also over 75 different types of mammals, there is over 300 species of birds and 16 of these are actually endemics while others migrate from different parts of the world and this means that even the birders will definitely have a great time in Nyungwe even so when you take it p o the canopy level.

Rwanda Canopy walks

With all that said and done, there is one more interesting activity that can only be done in Nyungwe and that is the canopy walk and this is very rewarding for the bird watcher because this is the opportunity you get to see those birds that fly above the forest canopy and not down below the tree branches, so you cannot see them while walking from the ground. From up there, you can also spot other animals like the monkey while sitting up on the top of trees feeding on fruits for instance and also this walk provide the chance to view the entire forest canopy which is sometimes covered by fog and Lake Kivu on a clear day. The canopy walkway was built in 2010 and it covers about 160 meters and the highest point along the walkway is 70meters above the ground. A trained guide walks along with the crew and the walks begin at 8:00am, 10:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pmin a day.

What to carry or bring during the canopy walk.

1. Should have at least 1, liter of bottled water.
2. Should wear trekking/Hiking boots.
3. Long sleeves shirts and long trousers.
4. Have a rain jacket because you never know when it will rain
5. Have a walking stick for support.
6. A back pack to carry your necessities you may need.
7. Cameras to take some pictures.

There are a number of accommodation facilities in and around Nyungwe forest, the choice is yours depending on your budget. Hotels like Nyungwe safari lodge a luxurious one strategically located , surrounded by the forest, great view and get to know how it feels spending nights in the wilderness, there is also gisakura guest house for the stingy spenders.

You can always visit this park for your pleasure any time of the year although during the rainy season, trekking is a bit tricky as it becomes very slippery and the places is all wet but all the same, you will be able to see whatever animals, plants, birds or anything else you are looking for.

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