Zip Lining in Nyungwe Forest.

In the southwestern regions of Rwanda, close to the border with Burundi, you will find the Nyungwe forest. The 1,019-kilometer park, which began life as a forest reserve in 1933 and became a national park in 2005, is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including tropical rain forest, grassland, swamp, and bamboo. Among the 1,068 plant species found here are thirteen primate groups, three hundred bird species, and the park itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its breathtaking views of Africa’s oldest rainforest, Nyungwe zip line is a secret gem of safaris in Africa. Rare opportunities for visitors to fly over the verdant foliage are also available. Nyungwe Forest is already well-known for its primate tracking, hiking paths, and canopy walk, but zip lining is a relatively new attraction. Nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and adventurers will adore this activity. Here you will find all the information you require regarding zip lining in Nyungwe forest.

Nyungwe Zip lining

Zip lining in Nyungwe is an eco-friendly, thrilling adventure that takes place in a well-designed environment. As an extension of a bigger project, the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks began construction on the zip line at the Uwinka Reception Center. Working in tandem with Rwanda, African Parks is in charge of the property and ensures that all tourist-related endeavours support local employment and contribute to the park’s upkeep. Because locals are sought after for roles such as guides, rangers, and infrastructure crews, this trip is not only a pleasure for the participants but also helps to ensure the ecosystem can continue to support future generations. Zip lining is unique among outdoor activities in that it seamlessly incorporates Nyungwe’s conservation goal.

What to Expect During the Zip Lining Adventure

The Nyungwe zip lining experience offers much more than mere speed and altitude—it presents a rare opportunity to engage with nature in an immersive and memorable manner.
Before to the commencement of the activity, all participants are required to attend a mandatory safety briefing conducted by qualified professionals. Visitors are provided with premium safety gear, including helmets, mittens, and harnesses, all compliant with international safety regulations. Park rangers are stationed at each platform to guarantee seamless operations and optimal safety.
When you leave the platform, there is often a short, quiet period in which the forest seems to stop for a moment. The trip then starts. Below lies an endless stretch of green trees. Birds cross your path, and the sounds of the forest echo up from below. If you’re lucky, you might see colobus monkeys or other animals moving through the trees. The feeling of flying through the air over untouched forest is energizing and deeply calming.

Zip lining in Nyungwe provides a distinctive vantage point of one of Africa’s most pristine ecosystems and leaves an enduring impression well beyond the conclusion of the experience.

Length and  Height of the Zip line

The Nyungwe zip line represents one of the most extensive zip line systems on the African continent, comprising of three separate segments with a total length of approximately 1,935 meters.

First section (Monkey) which is 350 meters: This is a soft start that lets riders get used to the feeling of flying by skimming the edge of the forest.

Second section (Chimpanzee) which is over 500 meters. This is a quicker, more dramatic section that goes over mountain tops and thick forest and gives you a view of the whole area.

Third section (Gorilla) which is about 1,000 meters. This is the longest and most exciting section, which shows you broad views of the tough ground, hills shrouded in fog, and the endless green cover below.

Visitors are up in the air, hanging anywhere from 20 to 50 meters above the ground, and can go as fast as 60 kilometers per hour, based on the wind and their own weight.

Note:After each line, you must walk a little distance to reach the next line.

Guidelines

Zip lining is okay for most people, but there are a few important rules to keep in mind such as:
Weight limits: The least amount you can weigh is about 40 kg, and the most you can weigh is about 120 kg.
Age requirement: Kids who are 10 years old or older can come if they meet the minimum weight requirement.
Health: Zip lining is usually safe for people who are healthy, but it is not a good idea for people with heart problems, major health issues, or who are still healing from surgery.
It is also a good idea to wear closed shoes and clothes that are easy to wear.

Cost

For foreign non-residents, the zip line costs $100. For African residents, it costs $80. And or East Africans, there is a local fee of 20,000 Rwandan francs. There are also packages that include the zip line and other popular sites, like the canopy walkway or the new rope course by the Gisakura entrance. These deals offer a range of options at different price points, making them ideal for travellers who want to spend the whole day exploring the forest.

Visitors who come here can also pick packages that include zip lining and other things, like the canopy walkway or the rope course near the Gisakura gate. These packages are a great deal and let you spend the whole day having fun in the woods.

What is the best time to do zip lining in Nyungwe National park.

Nyungwe’s zip line is best enjoyed when it’s dry, from June to September and December to February. But the line is open all year. When the platforms stay dry and the skies are clear, birds and monkeys can be seen and heard in the forest, along with the sound of leaves rustling as the winds blow through the mountains. To ensure safety and quality, people should book their spots ahead of time, especially in July, August, and December’s holiday season, when daily capacity is limited and the trip season is busy. It is a good idea to plan ahead because the season for rainy weather is from March to May and again from October to November. During this time, there may be brief closures for safety.

Accommodations

There are lodging options close to Nyungwe to suit a range of tastes and budgets

Luxury accommodation

Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Mid-range accommodation

Nyungwe Top view Hill Hotel

Nyungwe Nziza Eco lodge

Budget accommodation.

Uwinka Campsite

Kitabi Eco Center

Gisakura Guest House