Nyungwe National Park is located in the south-western part of Rwanda, bordering Burundi to the south and lying close to Lake Kivu to the west. The park is approximately 225 kilometres from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, and is accessible by a scenic road journey through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural landscapes.

The Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest is one of the main activities and attractions in the park located at the visitor's center of the Uwinka View Point. The offices are located just about 200meters from the main road with great views of the Nyungwe forest tree Canopys.

The Uwinka Starting View point is 2500meters high above sea level and the Canopy walk will take about 2 hours to finish with a walk back to the starting area, You will walk down in the forest 204meters on a mainly wet and some times slipperly steep slope in the Hilly and Misty beautiful Nyungwe Rain Forest with the help of an expert French and English speaking guide.

There are several trails in the forest and each trail is named mainly according to what type of tree specie is found there. Example the common trail used called the Igishigishigi trail meaning the many tree ferns found on that trail and the Umuyove trail meaning the Mahogany tree trail. All the trails are wel marked with with locally made ground steps for easy movements.

The Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk has three walking sections, the first section has 45meters, second section has 90meters and the last section has 25meters. You will have great views of the forest inhabitants like the Black and white Colobous Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, L'hoest Monkeys and many more while in the forest canopy walk space.

The last section of 25meters of the Canopy Walk which also takes you back into the forest for a Nature walk is one of the most liked as it wobbles making you dance in the top of the forest with monkeys looking at you as you manouvre down to the ground.

The Canopy walk in Nyungwe forest is one activity that all African Adventure Travellers clients have enjoyed and recommended to all friends who have visited Rwanda.

All visitors are recommended to carry walking sticks, enough drinking water and good Cameras with good Zooms to capture the great moments in the Nyungwe rain forest. The Canopy Walk Departure times from the Uwinka visitor's center are: 8am, 10am, 1pm and 3pm daily.

Chimpanzee Tracking & Primate Encounters

Apart from the canopy walk, Nyungwe is a leading destination for chimpanzee tracking, with several habituated groups available for guided experiences. Tracking usually starts early in the morning and offers travellers a chance to observe chimpanzees in their natural forest habitat.

Birding Opportunities

Nyungwe is especially attractive to birders due to its high concentration of Albertine Rift endemic bird species. Guided birding walks are available for both amateur and professional bird watchers, particularly during early morning hours.

Trail Conditions & Fitness Level

Most forest trails are steep, wet, and muddy, especially after rainfall. A moderate level of fitness is recommended for canopy walks and forest hikes. Walking sticks provided at the visitor centre are highly helpful for balance on slippery sections.

Climate & Weather Awareness

Weather in Nyungwe can change quickly. Visitors should always expect cool temperatures, mist, and occasional rain, even during dry seasons. Carrying a light rain jacket is strongly advised.

Photography Tips

Due to dense vegetation and moving wildlife, cameras with good zoom lenses and fast shutter speeds are ideal. Early morning light offers the best conditions for wildlife and forest photography.

Park Regulations & Conservation Ethics

Visitors are required to follow park rules strictly:

• Maintain safe distances from wildlife

• Keep noise levels low

• Do not litter or remove natural materials

• Follow guide instructions at all times

These measures help protect Nyungwe’s fragile ecosystem and ensure a sustainable visitor experience.

Overall Visitor Experience

Nyungwe National Park is ideal for travellers seeking adventure, nature immersion, and conservation-based tourism. The combination of rainforest landscapes, canopy walks, primates, and birdlife makes it one of Rwanda’s most rewarding natural destinations.