Great Hiking Trails and Nature Walks in Uganda.
Hitting the Trails – Best Hiking Trails in Uganda- including Volcano Climbs
Hitting the Trails – Best Hiking Trails in Uganda: Here, you will find a compilation of some of the best hiking trails in Uganda.
Hike and climb up the Virunga Volcanoes, the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, the savannah with its wildlife, Rainforests in Uganda, Jungle Hikes, and one of the most unusual hikes up the Morungole Mountains in the remote Karamoja region to visit the Ik people.
Any of the Hiking Trails can be included in your Safari in the heart of Africa.
It is time to hit the Trails – to see Uganda off the beaten tourist paths, and explore undiscovered Uganda on foot on its hiking trails.
Uganda is home to the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, the tallest Mountain Range in Africa. Mountains that are taller than the famed Alps of Europe. A beautiful place for mountaineers to explore climbing in Africa. The Rwenzori Mountains do not have crowds found elsewhere in Africa.
Hitting the Trails – the Best Hiking Trails in Uganda
Hiking Trails – Nature Walks – Climbs – in Uganda
Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker Trail:
The Baker Trail is not yet entirely in place due to the turbulence within South Sudan. You can hike portions of the Trail in Uganda, such as in and outside Murchison Falls Park and the Kabwoya wildlife reserve on Lake Albert.
Further north around Gulu, including Fort Patiko, and in the south in the Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve and Lake Albert.
You can hike down the Western Rift Escarpment in the Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve and even further down to the lake, a steep and challenging hike.
We arrange hikes along the Baker Trail presently – hopefully, soon, the Trail will be fully functional.
National Geographic called it one of the 20 Hiking Trails in the world. Sadly, outside of a few signs, you will need a knowledgeable about the Trail tour operator to hike a portion of it in Uganda. Read more about the Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker Trail.
Mount Morungole Climb – a visit to the Ik People:
The hiking trail up Mount Morungole, where you visit the Ik people, is a one-of-a-kind hike in East Africa. It takes place in the remote region of Karamoja and just outside one of the best parks in Africa, Kidepo Valley Park, where there are also many hiking trails within Canada.
It is an 8-hour hike to the remote Ik People Villages, and there are about 11,000 people that live there. There are no roads up the mountain, only the Trail you will be on.
In our opinion, it is one of the best hikes in Uganda, and you will not meet any other visitors to the region on the Trail. It is that remote. Few hiking enthusiasts come here, and those that do, are utterly amazed. The Hike up Mount Morungole is one of the different hikes in Uganda – and once again, it is off the beaten path. Read more here.
Hiking Trails – Nature Walks in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is not only an excellent destination for gorilla trekking, and it is a fantastic place for hiking. There are hikes in the park itself, and you will find it a place of discovery the park like no other.
Do not let the word Impenetrable shy you away. Many trails are in and near the park.
The most popular Trail is the Hike through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and beyond Lake Mutanda and Kisoro.
This park is perfect for the outdoor adventurist – the hikes found here are most rewarding – birders will find it a unique experience with many endemic species found in the ancient Bwindi Forest. One can easily spend 4 to 5 days in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, gorilla trekking and hiking. Read more here about Hiking in and through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Hitting the trails with the Batwa People:
The Batwa People were the original people of the forest in southwest Uganda. They lived in harmony with their environment, leaving a small ecological footprint behind them. They were hunters and gatherers – they depended on the forest for their existence.
During the 1990s, parks were created, and the Batwa people were evicted from places such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park. They were a people without land, losing their cultural values.
Today, their culture, ways, and traditions are being kept alive through interactive cultural Hikes in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Buhoma area – Buniga Forest, and Mgahinga Gorilla Park. Hikes are from two hours plus to 5 hours or longer. You are enriched by learning about their ancient hunting, gathering, and survival in the rainforest.
Mgahinga Gorilla Park Hiking Trails and Volcano Climbs:
Mgahinga Gorilla Park is a small park, but it offers a lot for hikers and climbers regarding hikes and climbs.
You can climb three Volcanoes – each takes a full day ranging from 6 to 9 hours, depending on your stamina.
Other hikes, such as the border and Gorge Trail, take 3 to 5 hours but are more comfortable than the volcano climbs.
Mgahinga Gorilla Park may be small, but one can hit some great hiking trails here and climb the volcanoes within the park. Read more about volcano Climbing here.
Queen Elizabeth Park Hiking Trails:
Queen Elizabeth Park has some great hiking trails right inside the park.
There is the Kyambura Gorge exploration as you trek Chimpanzees, which is not to be missed.
Maramagambo Forest has hiking trails, the Mweya Peninsular, where you can go onto the Banded Mongoose Research hike. The Ishasha River hiking trail in the south is a two-hour hike along the River.
There are other hiking trails beyond the park, like the Rwenzori Mountains Foothills, Kalinzu Forest, and Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest – where you have some great Crater Lake Trails.
One Hike we wish would be created is along the Explosion Crater Drive – a trail of Scenic Wonders would be fantastic.
Kalinzu Forest Hiking:
There are some great hiking trails that you will discover here along the ridges and valleys of the Western Rift Escarpment. The scenic views, including those of the Rwenzori Mountains, make it even better.
You can track chimpanzees here, which is excellent for birding enthusiasts, and there are four hiking trails that you can go on with knowledgeable guides.
Kalinzu forest scenic guided walks along the ridges and valleys of the Western Rift Valley escarpment. The Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Edward, the Kazinga Channel, and even the Congo are seen from the forest trails.
Learn about the local legends and mysteries from your guide while you enjoy another day of hiking Uganda’s trails. Read more here.
Kibale Forest Hiking Trails:
You can hit the hiking trails around Kibale Forest within the forest when you trek chimpanzees, but there is also the nocturnal forest walk – the 12-kilometer forest walk.
Outside but near the forest, there are many hiking trails, including the Top of the World hike, the Amabere Cave, and the crater lake walk, to name just a few.
One hiking trail not to miss is the Bigodi Wetlands Swamp Hike -imagine hiking through a jungle swamp with a guide, and it is a 3-hour hike that is not to be missed.
The vegetation alone is worth the Hike, but hundreds of birds, primates, small mammals, and butterflies will be seen along the Trail. Most of it is on the boardwalk-like structures that keep you above the swamp as you like here. Read more here.
The Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon Foothill Hikes:
Think of a transforming hike in Africa, and Mount Kilimanjaro will likely pop into your mind. But the lesser-known (some say Africa’s best-kept secret) the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda make up the highest mountain range on the African continent at over 16,000 feet.
The landscape also boasts extraordinary views of alpine valleys, diverse flora in the forests and valleys, high-altitude ice glaciers, and even elephant sightings. Also referred to as the Mountains of the Moon, this mountain range was long thought to be the source of the Nile.
Today, the eight- to ten-day route is challenging as it ascends Mount Margherita, Africa’s third-highest mountain. We specialize in hiking trails such as the Mini-Hike, which takes one day, and you reach elevations of over 3000 meters – it is the northern pass route, and the views are fantastic. We also do day hikes in the foothills out of the village of Ruboni, which we incorporate into our hiking safaris through Uganda. Read more here.
Semliki Valley Hiking Trails:
Numerous Hiking and Nature Trails are guided, depending on your preferences as to what to do and see, such as hippos, crocodiles, birds, and monkeys.
The length of hikes and nature walks can be from a few hours to an all-day hike. One of the things on any hike is to be dressed right, such as boots, long-sleeved shirts, light rain jackets, a daypack with lunch, and bottled water for the activity. A hat is also a good idea.
Depending on which Trail you take, you will see many birds, primates, and even forest elephants. Along the Semliki River, there are hippos and crocodiles.
One of the things you do not want to miss at Semliki National Park is the two Hot Springs. The male hot-spring Bitende is about 12 meters in diameter, and the female hot spring is called Nyasimbi and is a boiling geyser that spurts out bubbling water and steam about 2 meters into the air. It is a 3-hour hike. Read more here.
Lake Mburo Hiking Trails:
What sets Lake Mburo Park apart is that Nature can be taken anywhere within the park with an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority Guide at your side.
On an early morning guided walk, you often encounter hyenas returning to their dens after a night of being on the prowl. At the same time, you can often see hippos returning from grazing during the night and returning to Lake Mburo to keep cool during the day and protect their sensitive skin from the sun.
You often see Zebras, Giraffes, Eland, Topi, other antelopes, and buffaloes on a nature walk. Birds, butterflies.
Take the Trail to the top of the hills and see Lake Mburo and beyond. From this vantage point, you have a great view of 9 of the regional lakes found in the area.
Not to miss A hike in Rubango Forest and the Saltlick Hike. We have to obtain permission before entering Rubango Forest for your hiking safari. Read more here.
Mabira Forest Hiking Trails:
However, you can go on Nature Walks without guides here for the best forest experience. We recommend using the resident principles to give you the best forest experience.
Forest walks for any fitness level can be done here, including children on a family safari with us, from a long and adventurous trek into the backcountry to a gentle meandering stroll through our well-maintained trails.
It’s difficult not to run into one of the three species of monkeys native to the forest.
Many birds, butterflies, and giant, ancient trees will also be seen.
We do not offer Mabira Forest as a stand-alone day trip but as part of a Safari add-on, and we usually suggest an overnight stay at the Rainforest Lodge. Read more here.
Hiking and Climbing Mount Elgon – Sipi Falls:
Climbing Mount Elgon can be accomplished in 4 days – most climbers are fit enough, and it is a medium-difficulty climb. You have porters and guides to guide you along and ease your load.
Tents are preferred, and if you can buy freeze-dried meals in your country, you are much better off since local dried food selections are not plentiful.
Other lower elevation trails are there to hike on for half or full days, taking a packed lunch from your lodge.
Sipi Falls give you from 1/2 day to full day hiking opportunities.
Beyond that is Mount Elgon, with its numerous Hikes and paths to spend days on. The Sipi Falls area is off of the Beaten Tourist Path. Read more here.
Kibiro Salt Garden and Fishing Village Hike:
It is another one of those off-of-the-beaten-track hikes. It is a three-hour hike or longer to see the salt gardens that have supplied salt for hundreds of years.
The fishing village is down the Western Rift escarpment with fabulous views along the Hike. The fishing village is primarily isolated, with no road access except during the dry season.
Everything from sodas to food supplies is carried down, and the salt and fish from Lake Albert are brought up.
The village is near Hoima, and you can take it while driving from Murchison Falls or the other way around.
It is an authentic experience in the village. The salt gardens are there because of what has been done for hundreds of years. Tourists visit and see how life is in this remote village. Read more here.
Hiking in Murchison 
Falls Park:
One can go on various nature walks and hikes in Murchison Falls National Park and choose from multiple areas.
Rabongo Forest is a birder’s paradise, where you can spot chimpanzees and other primates as you walk with your guide.
Budongo Forest is one of the best areas to hike in Murchison Falls National Park, and you can see various wildlife, monkeys, and birds. You can also go on guided walks in the Chobe area of the park.
The new Baker Trail will also go through the park as you can hike from South Sudan to Lake Albert and follow the Trail of the Discoverers Samuel and Florence Baker. If you are an avid hiker, look at our hiking advice and tips for Africa.
The most famous Hike is to the top of the falls, and you can also hike in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Hiking the Cycad Trail in the Mpanga River Gorge:
See the ancient Cycad Plants along the Cycad Trails in the Mpanga River Gorge. This is a one-of-a-kind trail in Uganda that takes you back to the age of the Dinosaurs, and it is Uganda’s mini-version of Jurassic Park.
You will see the large, endangered plants along the Trail. It is a relatively new trail, and in portions, it is still under development; however, it is well worth the Hike.
The Trail is near Queen Elizabeth Park, one of Uganda’s beaten tourist track sites. It is, however, close to both Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth Park.
Overnight lodging is unavailable; however, you can stay overnight at a midrange or luxury significant 45-minute driving distance from the Trail. Read more here.
Hiking Tips and Advice:
Hiking and Nature Walk in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest takes some preparation, wearing the proper clothing, boots, and shoes.
Preparing for a hike or nature walk will make it more rewarding for you. We can also help you if you have any questions. We would also love to help you create an itinerary that includes gorilla tracking and other activities such as the outlines above, and a hike in or through the forest might be proper for you.
Hiking in Uganda is merely different from what you may be used to – many hikes are in the many rainforests – the altitude is higher, and in many cases, it will not be hot due to the park’s elevation. Read more here.
Best Hiking Safaris in Uganda:
You can spend several weeks hiking through Uganda alone, and we offer a two-week hiking safari through Uganda.
Here you will find some choice spots for the hiking enthusiast in the Pearl of Africa – Uganda.
It includes hikes in the Savannah Parks, Hikes in Tropical Rainforests, and exploring the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, including a three-day trek into the Rwenzoris called the Mahoma Trail.
Please take a look at mi-range and luxury hiking Safaris in Uganda. They are gaining popularity as more want to escape the Vehicle in the African Wild.
For security reasons, we do not offer camping safaris. Read more here.
Our Take on Hitting the Trails in Uganda
Hitting Hiking and Walking Trails in Uganda are an exciting way to explore Uganda experientially. It was getting out of the Safari Vehicle and exploring the African Wilderness in all its natural splendor.
We will work with you in every way possible to make your Hiking Safari in Uganda a success -we hope that our Walking – Hiking Safari Advice and Tips will help you. We can also arrange a Nature Walking Safari for you in one of the parks in both Uganda and Rwanda.
It is time to start planning the time of your life experience on a hiking, climbing, experiential Safari in the heart of Africa – Uganda.
We look forward to hearing from you and assisting you in planning a hiking safari in Uganda that you will not soon forget.
Considering Hiking in Uganda – Contact us.
