Hiking

Would you like to explore more of Bwindi Forest? Though Bwindi is more known for gorilla treks, it is one of the most rewarding destinations for hiking in Africa. Bwindi hikes starts with a good breakfast including: platters of fresh fruit, thin pancakes with honey, cereals, traditional cooked English breakfast, toast and fresh coffee. The hike can be one day or longer hike from the north of Bwindi to the South – called Nkuringo- there one can stay overnight and continue the next day down to  the scenic Lake Mutanda where you paddle across in a wooden dugout and continue to the town of Kisoro.

This is the most popular hike along two trails of Bwindi – there are however other trails and nature walks, most from easy to moderate in and near the Forest that can be explored on foot and requiring from an hour to all day long.

Hiking through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is always with a guide. Trails can be found in Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Some of which are birding hikes, while others focus on the scenery within Bwindi Impenetrable Fores.Bwindi hikes and Nature walks can be added on to your gorilla trek or gorilla habituation experience. These include:

Munyaga Waterfall Walk -departs from Buhoma along the River Ivi-Nkuringo trail and culminates in the sensational sight of the falls plummeting 33 meters.

Rushura Hill Walk -passes through one forest shared by two countries. On a clear day you can view Lakes Edward and George and the Rwenzori Mountains as well as the conical peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Muzubijiro Loop is a 6km walk around a hill, where you will encounter primates and birds and enjoy a view of the Virungas.

Waterfall Trail:

Explore the mysteries of Bwindi, its plants, trees, see its butterflies, its birds unique to the area on this trail – it is always amazing what you encounter along this trail. It is  a guided trail and one of the most popular creatures include birds, butterflies, monkeys,  scenic beauty of the forest, your guide will point out things to you that you might not or miss and it will an enriching part of your time at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the Buhoma region of the park. On this trail you will meet a lot of local residents and it is the most popular visitor hike.

The Ivi River Walk is 14km and takes around seven hours. The trail passes a place known as Mukempunu – meaning “a place of pigs” – where wild pigs can often be found.

The Buhoma-Nkuringo Trail takes three to four hours, and crosses right through the park, connecting the two villages and offering impressive views of the misty hillsides as you ascend the hills towards Nkuringo. You can leave our luggage with your driver, who will meet you at the other side. This trail can also be completed as part of the Ivi River Walk.

The Habinyanja (Railegh) Trail takes 4-6hrs. 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 legendry “African Corner” named after a rock piece depicting a map of Africa. Following the steep ascent, keen hikers can enkoy a more relaxed gentle slope to the mighty Habinyanja swamp. Birders on this trail should watch out for the Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Black Duck and Black Bee Eaters, among other

Bamboo Trail:

Hiking in this part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest means a steep climb hike up to 2607 meters.  The plants and vegetation areas will continuously change – including the Bamboo forest (14 different ones) until you reach the Afro-montane vegetation.  Grass and forest birds along the way – up to the highest point within the park – Rwamunyonyi hill (2607 meters)

The view from the top is unbelievably beautiful – Lake Bunyonyi – that magical – mystical lake below – Mafuga Forest Reserve – Bwindi Forest – the Virunga Volcanoes – well worth the hike-climb.

Ruhija is about an hour plus from Buhoma – if you are doing this hike it is best you stay in the Ruhija area of the park.

Mubwindi Swamp Trail: 

The Mubwindi Swamp Trail moves along a path in the forest that descends through the majestic rainforest with scenic viewpoints along the way  of green valleys and the Virunga Volcano Chain.  You might see Forest Elephants, Chimpanzees, even Gorillas, Bushbucks, Monkeys and Bush Pigs  since they all live in that part of Bwindi Rainforest.

This part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and this hike in particular to Mubwindi Swamp needs a special authorization from the Uganda Wildlife Authority Staff in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.The Mubwindi Swamp Trail is a must do for birders and a knowledgeable guide will be at your side.

Before gorilla tracking was done in the Ruhija area of the park, Birders flocked here. (Birders can spend the whole day here-others a 4 to 5 hour hike.

Please follow some of the Bwindi hiking tips

• Have a small day bag and make sure it’s waterproof. Pack water (minimum one litre), lunch, waterproof clothing and camera.
• Forget about your phone. Turn the damn thing off.
• Take a walking pole or stick. It will help steady you when climbing over rocks and slippery slopes.
• Ideally you should wear walking boots that cover and support your ankle as you climb over rocks and tree roots. Trainers may be okay – if you don’t mind getting your feet wet! There are occasional boggy patches and the ground everywhere can be wet and muddy.
• Keep your mouth shut when you look up through the trees – we spotted quite a few spiders’ webs as we looked up!
• Take your camera but be aware that photography is difficult as the forest is quite dark.