Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Walking Trails
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Walking Trails/ bwindi hiking safari are some of the most unique attractions in the park as a traveler can opt to take the trails as they carry out different activities in the park, like bird watching, gorilla trekking, and many others activities. Bwindi Impenetrable National park is famously known for its mountain gorilla presence but this park has much more to offer as it has a great diverse nature build with more primates and birds in the region. This forested park is an ideal destination for the nature lovers, the hikers and also birders.
Bwindi impenetrable forest is not only home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world but is also known as the major birding site in the whole of Africa. Bwindi forest harbors up to 120 mammals that is the monkeys’ species like the black and white colobus monkey, red tailed and vervet monkeys to mention but a few, there are also baboons and forest elephants within the forest along with the smaller antelopes like the bush duikers, great forest hogs and bush pigs. The several bird species that can be found in Bwindi are the White tailed flycatcher, Francolin, mountain masked, red-faced woodland and so many others. You can also encounter different reptile species in the forest like the frogs, chameleons. This forest can be your one-stop destination where you can extend your gorilla trek safari to a day or two so as to enjoy all that Bwindi has to offer. The better way to explore this park is by taking on the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Walking Trails. Bwindi Impenetrable forest has about 8 nature trails that you can opt to visit.
The nature trails are usually started from the Buhoma sector all the way to the Nkuringo sector and vice versa from Nkuringo to Buhoma sector. You can spend up to a whole day in the forest or if you are not as fit, you can opt for an easier hike. There is also a trail where you spend a night and continue the next day. These hikes can be conquered either on foot or you can opt to bike along the trail. There is a cycling project in Buhoma called Ride for women which is organized by the Buhoma Community Camp. These trails have been existent for a very long time but mostly known and used by the locals to move in the forest to collect firewood, fruits, and medicines from the trees. The Bwindi forest, thousands of years ago, the forest was inhabited by the Batwa people also known as Pygmies or the First people of Bwindi forest who are still staying around the forest but not in the park anymore. They can also be visited on your visit to the park after the gorilla trek if you are feeling energetic, you can make an arrangement in the evening and spend some time with the Batwa and learn how they used to go about their days in the past, learn some of their cultures.
The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Walking Trails take you on a thrilling waterfall hike, birding and primate encounter with the breathtaking mountain views. The major nature trails are:
The Ivi River nature trail. This is one of the long nature walks in the forest where you spend up to 7 hours on the 14-kilometer walk via the famously known place known as “Mukempunu” which means the place of wild pigs in the local language spoken in the region. You can encounter a few wild pig/ warthogs enroute this trail.
The Rushura Hill walk. This trail crosses through a forest shared by two countries that is Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Rutshuru nature trail is a great birding trail especially on the clear days where you even get a chance to view Lake Edward and Lake George also the peaks of the Virunga Mountains along with the Rwenzori Mountains. This is one of the trails with breathtaking views.
The Muzubijiro Loop is a simple trail that has mainly views of the Virunga mountains, and also may encounter a few primates and some bird species. This trail is 3 to 4 hours in length and also offers views of the Western Rift valley.
The Buhoma Nkuringo Trail: This is one of the most famous trails that people opt to take on. It is a 3 to 4-hour trail. This is because it crosses through from one village to another that is you start from Buhoma hike upwards to Nkuringo enjoying the breathtaking views. You can take on this hike with your luggage so that you stay in both sectors and opt to trek in Nkuringo the next day for a double gorilla trek safari.
The Habinyanja trail: This is a 4 to 6-hour trail over the Buhoma river via the Riyovi ridge and Habigorogo. This trail has a point where you find a rock piece depicting the Map of Africa and is also known as the African Corner. Slope down to the famous Habinyanja swamp where those interested in birding can spot the Black Bee eater, African Black Duck and the Pel’s Fishing Owl.
The Munyanga waterfall walks one of the beautiful hikes. This walk is done via the Bizenga Creek connecting to the Munyanga river. This is a great trail for birders and we advise if you are to take on this trail then take along a good birding guide and your pair of binoculars to enjoy this trail with a seasonal waterfall flowing 33 meters high.
Mubwindi Swamp trail is a very engaging trail where you may encounter most of the animal life of the forest like the forest elephants, bushbucks, monkeys, Bush pigs and even the mountain gorillas on a lucky day. This trail if chosen, you will need to get authorization from the Uganda Wildlife Authority representative in the Bwindi Impenetrable forest. It is also a great birding point and was popular before gorilla trekking was done in Ruhijja, birders used to come out here and spend almost the whole day birding.
Just like how you may prepare for a gorilla trek, ensure to prepared for these hikes as they can be as challenging. Pack light but full protective clothes to avoid allergies from the bushes you will be making your way through and don’t forget to hire or carry along your hiking stick and great hiking shoes for these nature trail hikes.
CNN actually once listed Bwindi Impenetrable forest on their Best Hiking Trails in the World List. The biodiversity of this park is amazing and there are new discoveries on every hike so book yours and make your discovery to be added on what Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has to offer on top of the already known jewels. Want to take on any of these trails, reach us and let us advise and organize for you a suitable trail for you.
