Hiking/ Nature Walks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Hiking/ Nature Walks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park : Hiking or nature walks in Bwindi Impenetrable national park are best when combined with other activities in the park such as gorilla trekking or bird watching which are conducted in the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Alternatively, visitors can always combine hiking or nature walk in Bwindi national park with a cultural tour like the Batwa trail experience which entails you walking in the forest accompanied by local Batwa guides. While in the forest, you get to learn how the Batwa people hunt using traditional tools and also how they use herbal plants to treat wounds and different illnesses.
There are five main nature trails in Buhoma for those who wish to explore the ‘impenetrable forest’ in Bwindi Impenetrable national park. Some of the hiking trails to explore in the park include;
Muyanga Waterfall Walk- this trail departs from Buhoma along the River Ivi-Nkuringo trail and culminates in the sensational sight of the falls plummeting 33 meters down.
Rushura Hill Walk- This trail passes through one forest that is shared by two countries; Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. On a clear day, one can view lakes Edward and George and the Rwenzori Mountains as well as the colonial peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Muzubijiro Loop- this is a 6km walk around a hill, where visitors will encounter primates and birds and also get to enjoy a view of the spectacular Virungas.
The Ivi River Walk is a 14km walk which takes hikers around seven hours to complete. The trail passes a place known as ‘Mukempunu’ which means ‘a place of pigs’ because wild pigs are often found here.
The Buhoma-Nkuringo Trail takes 3-4 hours and crosses right through the national park. This trail connects two villages and offers hikers impressive views of the misty hillsides as you ascend the hills towards Nkuringo. Visitors hiking this trail can leave your luggage with your guide/driver who will meet you on the other side. This trail can also be completed as part of the Ivi River Walk.
The Habinyanja (Railegh) Trail takes 4-6 hours. After crossing the Munyaga River, it takes in a fairly steep ascent of the Habigorogoro and Riyovi Ridge overlooking Buhoma River. Found along this trail is the legendary ‘African Corner’ which is named after a rock piece depicting a map of Africa. Following the steep slope, keen hikers can enjoy a more relaxed gentle slope to the mighty Habinyanja swamp. Visitors interested in birding on this trail should watch out for the Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Black Duck and Black Bee Eaters among others.
About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is well known for its large populations of endangered mountain gorillas. The national park is situated in the south-western part of Uganda in Kanungu district.
The national park is home to 120 mammals including several primate species like baboons, monkeys and chimpanzees, as well as forest elephants and antelopes. The park also hosts about 350 species of birds, including 23 species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift.
Bwindi Impenetrable national park in Uganda covers approximately 321 square kilometers. It was first established as a national park in 1991 and later declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994.
Gorilla trekking is the main activity offered to tourists visiting Bwindi Impenetrable national park. Other activities offered by the park include cultural encounters, birding, guided nature walks and gorilla habituation.
The park also offers visitors accommodation which range from budget to mid-range and luxury lodges. Some of the lodges that you can stay in during your visit to the park include; Silverback Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi, Gorilla Resort, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge among others.
Bwindi Impenetrable national park in Uganda can be accessed by road by visitors travelling from Kampala. The park is located approximately 460 kilometers from Kampala and can take one about 5 to 10 hours to get to the park depending on what section of the park you will be tracking gorillas from.
Alternatively, visitors can also access the national park by air from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airfield in Kampala. Chartered flights to the park can take between 1 to 2 hours depending on the flight routing.
Visitors planning to visit Bwindi Impenetrable national park can always visit the park at any time of the year. However the best time to visit the park is between June and August and also from December to February.
Conclusion: Book your safari to Bwindi Impenetrable national park with Explore Rwanda Tours and get the best offers on gorilla trekking tour packages.
