Canopy walkway stretching over the Nyungwe rainforest
1 dayNyungwe National Park

1 Day Nyungwe Canopy Walk & Waterfall

A long day from Kigali to walk the canopy walkway 50 metres above the Nyungwe rainforest, then hike to Ndambarare Waterfall.

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The Trip

Overview

Nyungwe is a vast montane rainforest in Rwanda's southwest, home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and hundreds of bird species. From the Uwinka reception centre a forest trail leads onto the canopy walkway, a suspension bridge swaying high above a deep valley. After that a guided trail winds through tree ferns and mist to Ndambarare Waterfall.

  • Canopy Walk
  • Hiking

Highlights

  • Canopy walkway 50 metres above the forest floor
  • Guided hike to Ndambarare Waterfall
  • Monkeys, butterflies and forest birds along the way
  • Optional zipline over the forest
Mist rolling over the Nyungwe forest valleys
Guest on the Nyungwe canopy walkway
Wooden boardwalk through the rainforest
Guest on the zipline above the Nyungwe forest
1 day

Itinerary

A typical running order. Justin adjusts timings around your group, the weather and park conditions.

  1. 1

    Early pick-up in Kigali

    A long, scenic drive southwest through the hills and tea country to Nyungwe.

  2. 2

    Uwinka and the canopy walk

    Arrive at the Uwinka reception centre and walk out onto the canopy walkway above the rainforest. The zipline can be added here.

  3. 3

    Ndambarare Waterfall hike

    A guided trail through the forest down to the waterfall.

  4. 4

    Lunch and return

    Lunch and a snack before the drive back, arriving in Kigali in the evening.

What's Included

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Kigali
  • Private 4x4 vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Professional English- or French-speaking guide
  • Lunch and bottled water
  • All taxes
  • Park guide for the canopy walk and waterfall trail

Not Included

  • Park entry fees and activity permits (we book these and quote them with your trip)
  • Zipline (optional, can be added)
  • International flights and visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guides, trackers and porters
  • Drinks and personal purchases
Good to Know

Plan Your Visit

The practical details, so you know what to expect before you enquire.

Duration

1 day

Best time to visit

June to August and December to February are drier. It is a rainforest, so expect rain at any time.

Fitness level

Moderate. The waterfall trail has steep, slippery sections.

Getting there

A long day trip: Nyungwe is 5 to 6 hours from Kigali each way. The 3 day trip below adds nights near the park for a gentler pace.

What to bring

  • Waterproof jacket
  • Hiking boots with grip
  • Warm layer (it gets cool under the canopy)
  • Insect repellent

Want to Book This Trip?

Every tour is quoted individually for your group size, dates and accommodation style. Send Justin your plans and he will come back with a tailored itinerary and quote.

Enquire NowAbout Nyungwe National Park
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