Nyungwe Forest: Canopy Walks Above the Primates

In the mist-draped mountains of southwestern Rwanda lies one of Africa’s oldest and most enchanting rainforests — Nyungwe Forest National Park. A place of mystery, magic, and biodiversity, Nyungwe is a living time capsule of natural wonder. It is a forest so ancient and lush that it is often said to have survived the Ice Age, preserving within its emerald depths an extraordinary array of life. From playful chimpanzees and rare monkeys to exotic birds and towering trees that seem to touch the clouds, Nyungwe is where nature reveals its purest soul.

Yet perhaps the most thrilling way to experience this forest is not on the ground, but high above it — walking along the suspended canopy bridge that floats through the treetops. The Nyungwe Canopy Walk offers an exhilarating perspective of the forest, a chance to literally walk among the clouds, surrounded by the sounds of primates calling and birds singing in the distance. It’s an adventure that combines adrenaline with awe, and an essential experience for anyone exploring Rwanda’s natural wonders.

A Forest Like No Other

Nyungwe Forest National Park spans over 1,020 square kilometers of mountainous terrain, making it one of the largest and most pristine montane rainforests in East and Central Africa. Declared a national park in 2004 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, Nyungwe is a crucial biodiversity hotspot — home to more than 1,068 plant species, 322 bird species, and 75 mammal species, including 13 primate species.

The forest’s altitude ranges from 1,600 to over 2,950 meters, creating a mosaic of habitats — from dense rainforests and bamboo thickets to open swamps and grasslands. This diversity supports an astonishing range of flora and fauna, much of it found nowhere else on Earth.

Nyungwe is not just a natural wonder; it’s an ecological lifeline. It forms the source of the Nile and Congo rivers, feeding two of Africa’s greatest waterways. The forest’s trees and peatlands store vast amounts of carbon, making it one of the continent’s most important lungs in the fight against climate change.

To walk through Nyungwe is to experience a world that feels untouched by time — a sanctuary of mist, moss, and melody.

The Famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk

Suspended 70 meters above the forest floor and stretching for 160 meters, the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway is one of the park’s signature attractions — and one of only a handful of canopy walks in Africa. Built in 2010, it is part of a network of well-maintained trails that allow visitors to explore the forest from both the ground and the air.

The canopy walk begins at the Uwinka Visitor Center, the park’s main gateway and information hub. From there, a guided hike of about two kilometers winds through the forest to the starting point of the bridge. The walk itself is exhilarating — a combination of natural beauty and heart-pounding adventure.

As you step onto the swaying metal walkway, the forest seems to open beneath your feet. You are surrounded by a sea of green, the treetops stretching out like an ocean of leaves. Mist rises through the valleys, birds dart through the branches, and the calls of colobus monkeys echo across the canopy.

The deeper you go, the more magical it becomes. Each section of the bridge offers new perspectives — a view into the forest’s dense layers, from the sunlit crowns of giant mahogany trees to the shaded understory below. It’s not just a walk; it’s an immersion — a feeling of being part of the forest itself.

For photographers, the canopy walk is paradise. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light, with soft rays filtering through the mist and creating dreamlike vistas. Even for those with a fear of heights, the experience is worth it — the walkway feels secure, and the reward of seeing Nyungwe from above is unforgettable.

The Primates of Nyungwe

While the canopy walk may be Nyungwe’s most famous attraction, its true stars live among the branches below — the primates. The forest is one of the best places in Africa for primate tracking, offering encounters that are both thrilling and deeply moving.

Chimpanzee Tracking

Nyungwe is home to two habituated groups of chimpanzees, one near Uwinka and another in Cyamudongo Forest, a smaller fragment of the park. Guided chimpanzee treks begin early in the morning, often before sunrise, as visitors follow experienced rangers into the forest.

Tracking chimps can be challenging — they move fast and cover large distances — but the reward is extraordinary. When you finally find them, the forest comes alive with their energy. You might watch them grooming each other, swinging between trees, or feeding on fruits. Their expressive faces, intelligent eyes, and social interactions reveal just how closely connected we are to these remarkable creatures.

Hearing their powerful calls echo through the misty forest is one of the most unforgettable sounds in all of Africa.

Colobus Monkeys and Other Species

Nyungwe also shelters one of the largest troops of Angolan colobus monkeys in East Africa — sometimes numbering over 300 individuals. These striking black-and-white monkeys are easy to spot, leaping gracefully through the treetops.

Other species include L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, Owl-faced monkeys, and golden monkeys in nearby areas. Their playful antics and curious gazes make every walk in Nyungwe feel like a meeting with forest spirits.

Birdwatching in Paradise

For bird lovers, Nyungwe is heaven on Earth. The park is part of the Albertine Rift, one of Africa’s most important regions for endemic bird species. Over 300 species have been recorded here, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics found nowhere else.

Highlights include the Ruwenzori turaco, with its crimson wings and metallic plumage, the Grauer’s swamp warbler, and the Regal sunbird, a shimmering jewel of gold and green. Birdwatching in Nyungwe is best in the early morning, when the forest awakens with song — a symphony that ranges from deep hoots to delicate trills.

Whether you’re an experienced birder or a casual nature lover, the sheer abundance and diversity of birds make every hike a delight.

Hiking Trails: Exploring the Heart of the Forest

Nyungwe is a hiker’s paradise. The park has over 130 kilometers of trails, ranging from short nature walks to multi-day treks that reveal the forest’s many faces.

Igishigishigi Trail

Perhaps the most famous of all, this short and scenic trail (2.1 kilometers) leads directly to the canopy walkway, making it perfect for visitors with limited time. It offers panoramic views of the forest and distant hills.

Kamiranzovu Swamp Trail

This moderate hike takes you to the Kamiranzovu Wetland, an enormous high-altitude swamp known as the “heart of Nyungwe.” It’s a haven for orchids, frogs, and rare birds.

Isumo Waterfall Trail

This beautiful 10.6-kilometer trail winds through tea plantations and dense forest to reach the Isumo Waterfall, one of the most photogenic spots in Nyungwe. The roar of the falls and the mist rising from below create a magical atmosphere.

Bigugu Trail

For those seeking adventure, the Bigugu Trail climbs to the park’s highest point at 2,950 meters, offering breathtaking views across the forest, Lake Kivu, and even the distant mountains of Burundi and the Congo on clear days.

Each trail offers a different perspective of Nyungwe — its ancient trees, orchids, butterflies, and the delicate balance of life that defines this ecosystem.

The Human Connection: Tea Plantations and Local Culture

Bordering the forest are vast, green tea plantations that roll across the hillsides like a living carpet. Visiting these plantations is a wonderful way to experience Rwanda’s agricultural heritage. At Gisakura Tea Estate, visitors can see the process of tea picking and production, meet local farmers, and taste fresh brews while overlooking the forest canopy.

Nearby villages also offer community-based experiences, where travelers can participate in traditional dancing, basket weaving, or cooking sessions. These activities not only provide cultural insight but also ensure that tourism revenue supports local livelihoods — one of the key pillars of Rwanda’s sustainable tourism model.

Staying in Nyungwe: Lodges in Harmony with Nature

Nyungwe offers accommodation options that blend comfort with environmental responsibility. The most luxurious choice is One&Only Nyungwe House, an eco-luxury lodge nestled on a working tea plantation at the edge of the forest. Here, guests enjoy gourmet cuisine, guided nature walks, and wellness experiences infused with the sights and sounds of the rainforest.

Other excellent options include Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, with panoramic vistas over the forest and Lake Kivu, and Gisakura Guesthouse, ideal for budget travelers seeking simplicity and proximity to the park entrance.

Every stay in Nyungwe feels intimate — a retreat into nature where the soundtrack is birdsong and the scent of rain fills the air.

Best Time to Visit

Nyungwe can be visited year-round, but the best conditions for hiking and canopy walks occur during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. During these months, trails are less slippery, and chimpanzee tracking is easier.

The wet seasons (March–May and October–November) bring lush vegetation and excellent birding, though rain is frequent. Regardless of when you visit, temperatures remain cool and refreshing due to the park’s high elevation.

Why Nyungwe Captures the Heart

What makes Nyungwe so captivating is not just its beauty but its spirit. Walking through its trails, you feel the pulse of the Earth — the harmony of life untouched by time. The forest invites reflection, adventure, and connection.

Standing on the canopy walkway, surrounded by mist and birdsong, one realizes that Nyungwe is more than a destination — it’s a living sanctuary of wonder. It’s a reminder of what we stand to protect, and of Rwanda’s extraordinary commitment to preserving its natural heritage.

Discover Nyungwe with Moreen Tours & Travel

To truly experience the majesty of Nyungwe Forest — from canopy walks to chimpanzee tracking — travel with Moreen Tours & Travel, experts in creating immersive and sustainable journeys across Rwanda.

With their deep knowledge of the region, professional guides, and dedication to personalized service, Moreen Tours & Travel ensures that every moment of your Nyungwe adventure is seamless and unforgettable. They’ll handle all logistics — from park permits and accommodations to guided walks and community experiences — so you can simply focus on the magic of the forest.

Whether you’re walking among the treetops, following the calls of chimpanzees, or savoring a cup of Rwandan tea overlooking the misty hills, Moreen Tours & Travel will make your Nyungwe journey one of discovery, serenity, and awe.