Zipline Nyungwe Forest: 1,850m East Africa's longest

Soar across the longest zipline in East Africa, suspended above ancient rainforest

Zipline and canopy adventure in Nyungwe Forest National Park combines the longest zipline in East Africa (stretching 1,850 meters across three sections) with a walk along a 160-meter suspension bridge 70 meters above the forest floor. Starting from Uwinka Reception Centre, you hike the Igishigishigi trail through montane rainforest, spot endemic birds and orchids, then experience both the zipline and the canopy walkway. Hotel pickup from Kigali and park entry are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Nyungwe Forest zipline and canopy walk

• Walk to canopy walkway from Uwinka Centre
• Explore canopy walkway over ravine
• Enjoy zipline adventure in Nyungwe Forest
• Visit King's Palace Museum in Nyanza
• Explore Ethnographic Museum in Butare

The experience

The zipline spans 1,850 meters in three sections across a ravine in Nyungwe, one of Africa's oldest rainforests and the largest mountainous forest in central and east Africa. The forest dates back before the Ice Age and holds over 1,025 plant species, 500 species of orchid, and 13 primate species including chimpanzees and Black and White Angolan colobus monkeys. The canopy walkway (a 160-meter suspension bridge anchored 70 meters high in the treetops) gives a perspective on the forest that ground-level hiking cannot reach.

Your driver picks you up at your Kigali hotel and drives you to Nyungwe, where the day centers on Uwinka Reception Centre. From there, an hour's walk along the Igishigishigi trail takes you through the montane rainforest to the canopy walkway, passing countless butterflies, orchids, and birds endemic to the region. After the canopy experience, you move to the zipline sections. Mineral water is provided throughout, and lunch is arranged for the drive back to Kigali.

The best time to zipline is June to September or December to February, when the forest is dry. The full outing runs about nine and a half hours from hotel pickup to return. A guide accompanies you in English or French, and children from age one can participate: infants sit on an adult's lap during the zipline.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Kigali and return transfer.
• park entrance permits.
• mineral water throughout the day.
• guided access to the canopy walkway and zipline sections.
• lunch on the return drive.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (16 to 55 years) · Senior (56 to 75 years) · Youth (10 to 15 years) · Child (6 to 9 years) · Infant (1 to 5 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 17 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 20

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Usalama Tours Rwanda

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or French, so you follow the commentary comfortably in either language. The full day (nine and a half hours) suits travelers who want both the zipline and the canopy walkway without splitting the experience across two visits.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 15 years); Child (6 to 9 years); Infant (1 to 5 years): free.

How long is the walk to the canopy walkway from Uwinka?

The walk along the Igishigishigi trail to the canopy walkway takes about an hour, passing through montane rainforest where you'll see butterflies, orchids, and endemic birds before reaching the 160-meter suspension bridge.

What wildlife might I see in Nyungwe Forest?

Nyungwe is home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees and Black and White Angolan colobus monkeys, plus over 1,025 plant species, 500 orchid species, and many bird species found nowhere else in the region.

What does the 9.5-hour activity include?

Hotel pickup from Kigali, park entrance permits, the guided walk to the canopy walkway, both the zipline and suspension bridge experience, mineral water throughout the day, and the return drive to Kigali are all included. Lunch is arranged for the drive back.

When is the best time to zipline in Nyungwe?

The best periods are June to September and December to February, the dry seasons when conditions are most favorable for the zipline and canopy walkway.