Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park has launched three major tourism attractions aimed at boosting eco-tourism and offering visitors new ways to experience the rainforest: the continent’s longest canopy zipline, a rope course at Gisakura, and the Munazi Eco Lodge inside the park.
The facilities were unveiled Aug. 12 by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in partnership with the park’s management. African Parks, which manages Nyungwe, described the launch as a “new era of eco-friendly tourism” that gives both domestic and foreign visitors the rare chance to glide above a biodiversity-rich rainforest and stay safely within it.
“We appreciate the Nyungwe Park management for launching these three attractions that provide a new tourism experience,” said Irene Murerwa, head of RDB’s tourism department. “These additions strengthen Nyungwe’s position as a sustainable tourism destination, support Rwanda’s goal of becoming a leading eco-tourism hub, and open new opportunities for local communities.”
Protais Niyigaba, head of Nyungwe Management Company, said the attractions are more than just entertainment. “From the thrill of the zipline and rope challenges to staying in the park’s lodge, we invite everyone — especially Rwandans — to discover Nyungwe’s wonders in a new and exceptional way,” he said.
The Nyungwe Canopy Zipline stretches 1,935 meters, making it the longest in Africa. Starting at Uwinka, the main visitor center, the ride is divided into three segments named after primate species found in the park. Riders soar for more than a kilometer above the forest, taking in sweeping views of the mountains and wildlife.
The Gisakura Rope Course, near the park’s western entrance, features 21 aerial challenges over 280 meters, including five smaller ziplines. It caters to varying skill levels and promotes both physical activity and mental focus, making it suitable for individuals, families, and groups.
The Munazi Eco Lodge, built with locally sourced timber and decorated with traditional crafts from nearby communities, offers 20 rooms in nine elevated buildings that overlook the forest canopy. Guests can take guided walks to view wildlife, including colobus monkeys and chimpanzees, and on clear days, see Lake Kivu.
Nyungwe National Park, covering 1,019 square kilometers, is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. It contains more than 1,100 plant species, 345 bird species, and 85 mammal species, and supplies water to both the Congo and Nile river systems.
