For many years, the Nyungwe Forest, now Nyungwe National Park, remained an underutilised natural asset, vulnerable to poaching and deforestation. However, over the past 25 years, under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, Rwanda has transformed its approach, prioritising conservation and sustainable tourism across its unique landscapes.
As part of this vision, several forest areas, including Nyungwe, were converted into protected national parks. To unlock their tourism potential, Rwanda partnered with African Parks, an international conservation organisation, leading to the development of three major attractions inside Nyungwe.
The park now features a 1,935-meter zipline that offers panoramic views of the forest canopy, along with a 280-meter rope course designed for adventurous treetop exploration. At the heart of these developments is Munazi Lodge, the park's first and only hotel built deep within the forest.
The lodge was constructed in response to the challenges faced by visitors who previously had to seek accommodation outside the park boundaries. Construction began in early 2024 and was completed in early 2025, with furnishing finalised in May and the hotel opening to guests in June.
The name Munazi comes from the Umunazi tree, known for its wide-spreading branches that resemble a natural umbrella when viewed from below.
Room rates at Munazi Lodge vary by room type and season. The premium suite costs $220 per night during the low season and $270 in the peak season for international guests, while Rwandan residents pay $180 in low season and $220 during peak times. Standard rooms are priced at $185 per night in the low season and $230 in the peak season for international visitors.
All rooms offer a unique sensory experience, immersing guests in the natural sounds of Nyungwe's 1,019 km² ecosystem, from birdsong to rustling leaves and distant animal calls.
The eco-lodge is entirely timber-built, from floors to walls, and all interior furnishings were locally crafted in Rwanda. With 20 beds, the lodge accommodates up to 20 guests per night.
Children aged 6 to 12 are charged $100 per night, while those under 6 stay for free. Guests over 12 pay the full adult rate.
The lodge was built at a cost exceeding $612,000, excluding interior fittings, and currently employs 25 staff members, with plans to expand the team to 60 in the near future.
Zipline
The zipline, which allows tourists to glide through the air above Nyungwe National Park's forest canopy, began construction in 2024 and was completed in May 2025 at a cost exceeding $342,000.
In just one month since it opened, the attraction had already drawn over 800 users, over 90% of whom were Rwandan visitors.
Stretching 1,935 meters, the zipline is divided into three segments: the first takes about 20 seconds to complete, the second 43 seconds, and the final segment around 58 seconds. Because there are short walking intervals between each section, a fast-moving visitor can complete the full course in about five minutes.
Ticket prices vary: international tourists pay $100, East African residents pay $80, and Rwandan nationals pay 20,000 Rwandan Francs.
Rope Course
The rope course, though shorter at 280 meters, offers an equally thrilling experience for adventurous visitors. Designed as a suspended obstacle course, it challenges participants to move carefully across swaying elements.
Completing the course gives participants a strong sense of accomplishment and helps build personal confidence.
Access costs $35 for international visitors, $20 for East African residents, and 10,000 Rwandan Francs for Rwandan nationals.
Canopy walk & Combo packages
The Canopy Walk, one of Nyungwe's most iconic experiences, costs $125 for international visitors, $100 for East African residents, and 23,000 Rwandan Francs for Rwandans.
For those who wish to experience all three attractions, Zipline, Rope Course, and Canopy Walk, a combined package is available for $150 for international tourists, $110 for East African residents, and 40,000 Rwandan Francs for Rwandans.
Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), who officiated the inauguration of the facilities, expressed confidence that they would boost tourist traffic and help the country achieve its goal of generating $1 billion in annual tourism revenue by 2030.
'Rwanda has chosen to pursue high-value, low-volume tourism,' Afrika said.
Tourism remains a cornerstone of Rwanda's economy, currently generating about 1.9 trillion Rwandan Francs (approximately $1.5 billion) annually. Afrika noted that government policy has driven remarkable growth in tourism revenueâ€"from $7 million in 2006 to $660 million todayâ€"with a clear trajectory toward surpassing the $1 billion mark by the end of the decade.
Western Province Executive Secretary Florence Uwambajemariya welcomed the developments, saying they align with the second phase of Rwanda's National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
'These are infrastructures that directly support six of the NST2 priorities,' she said. 'They contribute to climate resilience, create local jobsâ€"since guides are Rwandanâ€"and support the rural economy, as food served at the lodge is sourced locally.'
Tourism revenue from Nyungwe is growing rapidly. In 2021, the park brought in about $300,000; by 2024, this had risen to $2.3 million, and projections estimate it will reach $3.4 million in 2025.
All the facilities, including the zipline, rope course, and Munazi Lodge, were constructed between 2024 and 2025 at a total cost of over Frw 1 billion.
IGIHE
