The Ultimate Experiential Hiking Adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Hitting the Trail – Hiking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Hiking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda: Hiking from Buhoma to Nkuringo through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a great way to experience the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Hike takes about 5-7 hours, depending on your Traill.
The Kashasha River Trail is the shortest, taking about 5 hours, while the Ivy River Trail is the longest, taking about 7 hours.
Both trails are well-maintained and scenic, offering stunning views of the Forest, the mountains, the valleys, Primates, Wildlife, Birds, and butterflies.
Hitting The Trail through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a one-day hiking – nature walk through this ancient Forest is a fantastic experience that allows you to trek Gorilla.
Hiking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda in Detail
Hiking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest from Buhoma to Nkuringo is perfect for hiking adventure enthusiasts. The Hike through the Forest is not as strenuous or as severe as the Gorilla Trek in the Buhoma or Nkuringo-Rushaga area of the Forest.
When you hike through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, remember that there are elevation differences. In the case of the Buhoma to Nkuringo hike, the last section involves a steep climb…nevertheless, most do not see it as a problem but as a challenge to their endurance and enjoy the incredible views.
What will you see on your walking Safari through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest? Bwindi Rainforest is home to over 350 species of birds, many of them endemic to the region-your Hike through the Forest will allow you to spot many a bird, there are over 300 kinds of butterflies, and you indeed see some of them up close. You will have an opportunity for some great photos.
There are ten species of primates in the park, including chimpanzees, L Hosts Monkey, Red-Tailed and Blue Monkey, Black & White Colobus Monkeys, and Baboons, to name a few. You will encounter primates on your trek through the ancient Rainforest. There are ten species of primates in the park, including chimpanzees, L Hoests Monkey, Red-Tailed and Blue Monkey, Black & White Colobus Monkeys, and Baboons, to name a few. You will encounter primates on your trek through the ancient Rainforest.
You will see some primates along the way since Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is not only home to Gorillas, Primates, Birds, and butterflies but to 120 mammal species, including Forest Elephants, Duikers, Bush Pigs, the giant Forest Hog, cat species, and much more. You might also see some colorful chameleons along the way.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the most vital parks in the Pearl of Africa. A walking safari through it unfolds like a tapestry of sounds, sights, and smells you have never experienced before. Ay – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the critical pearls in the Pearl of Africa, and a walking safari through it unfolds like a tapestry of sounds, sights, and smells as you have never experienced before.
Hiking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest from Buhoma to Nkuringo
You are taking the Hike from Buhoma to Nkuringo through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It is a beautiful experience for anyone who enjoys hiking and nature. The ancient Forest will differ significantly from hikes in Europe, North America, and beyond. There are two trails that you can take from Buhoma to Nkurinbg.
The Kashasha River Trail and the Ivy River Trail are two of the most popular hiking trails in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Both trails offer different experiences and scenery, so hikers can choose the one that best suits their preferences.
The Kashasha River Trail
The Kashasha River Trail: You hike along a beautiful, famous spot for birdwatching. You may see a variety of species, such as the African green pigeon, the black-and-white casqued hornbill, and the blue-headed coucal.
The Kashasha River Trail from Buhoma to Nkuringo is a 6-hour plus hike. From Nkuringo to Buhoma, the Hike will take about 5 hours.
The trail taTrailikers through the steep inclines of the Buhoma-Nkuringo route, which is over 600 meters high. The trail caTrailrt from Bhooma or Nkuringo, and hikers will pass through a junction on two rivers.
The trail isTrailn for its beautiful scenery, including the Kashasha River, a popular birdwatching spot. Hikers may also see other wildlife like monkeys, elephants, and forest hogs. The Kashasha Trail takes you through Banboo Forests, where you will probably see different species of monkeys swinging through the trees. On the way to Nkuringo, the trail paTrailup steep inclines require moderate fitness, like for Gorilla Trekking. The Trail taTrailou, a junction of Rivers, is a great place to take a break and enjoy a packed lunch or snacks.
Ivy River Trail
The Ivy River Trail is a 6.5-hour hike from Buhoma to Nkuringo in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The trail isTrail-maintained and offers stunning views of the Forest. The Trail wiTrailke less time if you hike from Nkuringo to Buhoma.
The trail trails Buhoma and follows the Buhoma-Nkuringo road for about 2.5 hours. After that, it turns off the road and enters the Forest.
The trail thTrailcends and descends gently through beautiful areas of the Rainforest with several viewpoints from the Murram road from/to Nkuringo overlooking lush mist-shrouded valleys. Trail isTrail an important footpath for locals traveling to and from Nkuringo, especially during market days, to the Nteko Village, Situated on the Southern Boundary of the Park.
Along the way, you may see various wildlife, including monkeys, duikers, bush pigs, Bwindi’s world-renowned bird species, and many butterfly species. You may also see gorillas, but this is not guaranteed.
Hike down to Lake Mutanda from Nkuringo Option:
The Hike from the Nkkuringo area down to Lake Mutanda is about 4-5 hours long and is mostly downhill on a well-maintained, quickly followed trail. It becomes easier if you use the services of a porter and walking stick.
The Mutanda trail is a stunningly scenic hike that winds through idyllic villages and hamlets with Lake Mutanda and the Virunga Volcanoes ever before you.
Once you reach Lake Mutanda, you can enjoy lunch at Lake Mutanda Resort, where you will see both the Lake and the grand Virunga Volcanoes.
Read more about Porter Services on Hikes and Treks.
Paddle on Lake Mutanda in a Dugout Canoe:
Once you reach the Lake, you can ride a dugout canoe near Kisoro—Dugout canoe ride on Lake Mutanda.
The dugout canoe ride takes about 2 hours and is a great way to see the Lake, surrounding villages, and majestic Virunga Volcanoes.
Enjoy the dugout canoe ride across scenic Lake Mutanda, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes. You can either paddle or be paddled during the Canoe Ride. Life Vests are available for the canoe trip portion of the Hike.
What to Wear and Bring on the Hikes in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Down to Lake Mutanda:
Hiking Wear and Gear:
Here is practical advice for wearing while hiking and climbing in Uganda. The key is to dress right for the Hike, for the activity ahead of you. Most of our Hikes and Climbs are daily activities, not overnight, like climbing the Rwenzori Mountains or Mount Elgonj.
Hiking Wear and Gear you will need:
- Daypack: Preferably a waterproof daypack, you can use it as a carry-on flying to Uganda. Pack all essentials inside the daypack.
- Hiking Boots: Make sure that they have good treads on them. You will need ankle support, something boots give you and give you reactions on muddy trails. Have a good pair of merino wool socks.
- Long Trouser: They will protect you from nettles and thorns. Tuck the trousers into your socks for added protection from ants.
- Long-Sleeved Shirt: Neutral in color. Again, this is for your comfort and protection.
- Rain Jacket or Poncho: Pack into your daypack. You never know when it will train. You are in an Afro-montane Rainforest.
- Tough Gardening Gloves: This protects your hands from thorns, nettles, and sharp branches.
- Wide Brimmed Hat: It gives you protection from the Sun.
- Camera Equipment – Binoculars: Ensure extra batteries and storage devices. Put them into Ziploc bags. Binoculars are not needed if you are not a birder.
- Packed Lunch and Bottled Water: You will need your lunch from the Lodge and two liters of bottled water.
- Insect Repellent – Sun Lotion – Sunglasses: We recommend the effective Australian RID Insect Repellent. Good Sun
- You will need a Porter and Walking Stick: The services of a porter free you on the often-difficult trail, and an aTraillocal walking stick helps you and steadies you on the often-challenging path. We supply our clients with the bottled water and facial protective masks required for the actual encounter with the Gentle Giants.
Read more about Hiking Wear and Gear.
The Best Time of the Year to Hike through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
The best time of year to hike in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is during the dry season, which runs from December to February and June to August. These months generally have less rainfall, making hiking conditions more favorable.
During the dry season, the trails are generally drier and less slippery, making hiking more accessible and enjoyable. The dry season is also a good time for gorilla trekking, as the gorillas tend to move to lower elevations in search of food, making them more accessible to visitors.
However, it is essential to note that Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a tropical rainforest, and rain can occur at any time of the year. Even during the dry season, hikers should be prepared for rain and bring appropriate gear. Additionally, the Forest can be humid and hot, so hikers should get plenty of water and wear lightweight, breathable clothing.
While the dry season is generally considered the best time to hike in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, hikers should be prepared for changing weather conditions and pack accordingly.
Suggested Hiking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in the Buhoa area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and stay overnight.
Day 2: Trek Gorillas in the Buhoma area.
Day 3: Hike through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to Nkuringo, where you stay overnight,
Day 4; Trek Gorillas in Nkuringo or nearbt Rushaga.
Day 5: Hike to Lake Mutanda and paddle across Lake. Stay overnight on the Lake.
Day 6: Journey back to Entebbe, or fly out of Kigali, Rwanda, or continue the Safari in Mgahinga Gorilla Park, where you can trek gorillas, and golden monkeys, climb a volcano, go on the Batwa Forest Walk.
Hiking Safaris – Tips and Advice:
If you are interested in this Gorilla and Hiking Safari, use the form below to contact us: