The Gisakura Rope Course, nestled within Rwanda’s renowned Nyungwe National Park, offers a unique blend of adventure and eco-tourism, drawing visitors closer to the heart of one of Africa’s most biodiverse rainforests.
Nyungwe National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2023, is celebrated for its exceptional biodiversity. It is home to 98 mammal species, including a significant population of monkeys and chimpanzees, over 320 bird species, and more than 1,000 plant species.
The Gisakura Sector serves as the primary access point for the rope course, demonstrating its growing popularity by hosting over 26,000 visitors in 2024 alone, a 20% increase from the previous year.
The rope course experience
The Gisakura Rope Course is an exhilarating 280-meter aerial trail, intricately divided into 21 sections. Suspended between 2 and 15 meters above the forest floor, participants traverse via a series of cables, bridges, and platforms.
This unique vantage point allows for unparalleled observations of the park’s wildlife, such as colobus monkeys swinging through the canopy and glimpses of elusive forest cats.
Trained guides lead all groups, providing insightful explanations of the ecological significance of the surroundings and pointing out wildlife. Crucially, guides also ensure participant safety and demonstrate proper techniques before each section, making the experience accessible and secure for all.
Safety and equipment
Safety is paramount at the Gisakura Rope Course. Participants are equipped with a specialized full-body harness system, locally known as “Igisarubeti,” which is continuously secured to overhead safety cables.
This fail-safe design, incorporating modern engineering principles, ensures that participants remain locked to the cables throughout the entire course, preventing any risk of falling even if they slip.
“The harness makes you feel secure even when walking on a thin cable. You focus on the monkeys swinging nearby, not the height!” shared Guide Nduwe David, highlighting the confidence participants gain from the robust safety measures.
Educational and recreational value
Beyond the thrill, the Gisakura Rope Course emphasizes ecological awareness. Guides provide valuable wildlife education, explaining animal behaviors and the critical importance of forest conservation. The experience seamlessly combines adrenaline-pumping adventure with unique canopy-level wildlife viewing, creating truly memorable and enriching experiences for visitors.
Economic and tourism impact
The Gisakura Rope Course plays a vital role in Rwanda’s burgeoning tourism sector. Nyungwe National Park’s overall visitor growth, attracting over 26,000 visitors in 2024, significantly contributes to Rwanda’s tourism revenue, which reached $647 million, marking a 4.3% year-over-year increase.
This attraction is a key component of Rwanda’s ambitious goal to achieve $1 billion in tourism revenue by 2030. The Gisakura Rope Course exemplifies Rwanda’s strategic approach to blending eco-tourism with adventure tourism, effectively leveraging its natural assets to boost economic growth while actively promoting conservation efforts.
