Zip Lining in Nyungwe Forest National Park – A Thrill Above Africa’s Oldest Rainforest
Deep in the lush, emerald heart of southwestern Rwanda lies Nyungwe Forest National Park a mystical world where nature thrives in harmony with history. Declared a forest reserve in 1933 and elevated to national park status in 2005, Nyungwe covers a vast 1,019 km². It shelters an astonishing variety of life 13 primate species, over 300 bird species, and more than 1,000 plant species making it one of Africa’s most biodiverse treasures.
While Nyungwe has long been famous for its canopy walkway, hiking trails, and primate tracking, a new adventure has recently captured the hearts of thrill-seekers zip lining over the rainforest. This is not just another adrenaline activity; it is an invitation to fly with the wind, dance with the treetops, and witness the rainforest from a breathtaking new perspective.
The Nyungwe Zip Lining Experience
Zip lining in Nyungwe is a carefully designed experience that blends adventure, sustainability, and conservation. The activity is operated with a focus on preserving the forest while providing jobs to local communities. Every rope, platform, and safety measure is put in place to ensure the experience respects both the land and its people.
The zip line starts at the Uwinka Reception Center and sweeps you across towering trees and misty ridges. Suspended high above the forest floor, you glide silently over a living sea of green, where the air smells fresh and earthy, and birdsong echoes in the distance.
It’s a rare opportunity to experience one of Africa’s last remaining montane rainforests from above a perspective that will make you appreciate its beauty even more deeply.
Length, Height & Speed
Nyungwe boasts one of the longest zip lines in Africa. It is divided into three thrilling sections:
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First stretch (350 m): A gentle introduction that brings you to the edge of the forest canopy.
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Second stretch (500 m): Picks up speed as you soar between ridges and ancient trees.
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Final stretch (1,000 m): The grand finale offering panoramic views of the rainforest, rolling hills, and mist-covered valleys.
From 20 to 50 meters above the ground, you may reach speeds of up to 60 km/h, your heart racing as the wind rushes past your face.
An Unforgettable Moment in the Sky
Before your flight, professional guides will fit you with harnesses, helmets, and gloves and give you a safety briefing. As you take that first leap, we handle everything with the highest safety standards, giving you peace of mind.
The instant your feet leave the platform, a quiet stillness takes over broken only by the hum of the zip line and the sound of the wind. Beneath you, colobus monkeys leap gracefully between branches, hornbills glide from tree to tree, and the forest seems to breathe with you.
It’s a feeling that is both humbling and exhilarating a reminder that nature is not just something we visit; it’s something we are a part of.
Who Can Join?
Zip lining is open to most people in good health, but there are a few guidelines:
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Minimum weight: ~40 kg
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Maximum weight: ~120 kg
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Minimum age: 10 years (must meet weight requirement)
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Not recommended for those with serious heart conditions or recent major surgeries.
Zip Lining Prices in Nyungwe Forest National Park
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Foreign Non-Residents: $110
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Foreign Residents in Rwanda/Africa: $90
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East African Citizens: 25,000 Rwandan Francs
Combination packages are available, pairing zip lining with other Nyungwe highlights such as the canopy walkway or the new rope adventure course perfect for a full day of forest fun.
Best Time for Zip Lining in Nyungwe
Zip lining is available all year round, but the dry seasons June to September and December to February offer the best conditions. During these months, the skies are clearer, the platforms remain dry, and the forest teems with visible wildlife.
While the activity still operates during the rainy seasons (March–May and October–November), heavy downpours may cause temporary closures for safety. If you’re planning to visit during peak seasons July, August, or December holidays book well in advance, as spaces fill quickly.
A Celebration of Nature, Adventure, and Community
Zip lining in Nyungwe is more than just a thrilling ride it’s a celebration of Rwanda’s natural heritage and the people who protect it. Every ticket purchased supports conservation efforts and creates livelihoods for local communities, ensuring that the forest remains a sanctuary for generations to come.
The moment you step off that platform, you are not just flying you are connecting with one of the world’s most ancient rainforests, feeling its pulse from above, and carrying its spirit with you long after your feet touch the ground.
