The hiking trails in bwindi impenetrable national park are some of the best that the CNN placed the park on its 2019 hiking trails in the world list. Bwindi national park is considered to be a UNESCO World Heritage site that is found in the southwestern part of Uganda in the districts of kanungu, kisoro and kabale with an area cover of 331 square kilometers. The park is popular for harboring half the total world’s population of the mountain gorillas.
However there is much more than just mountain gorillas in Bwindi national park. The park boosts with mammals such as the bush pigs, black and white colobus, African elephants, vervet monkeys and L’Hoest’s Guenon among others, bird species such as mountain masked, red-faced warbler, Ruwenzori batis and green tinker bird among others. The park also has hikes and nature walks with trails that travelers exploring the ancient impenetrable forest.
Many of the hiking trails in bwindi range from moderate effort to some that are challenging and demanding. The hikes as well can take 3 to 6 hours or full day and others can be 2 day hikes. The following are the popular hiking trails in Bwindi impenetrable national park;
KASHASHA RIVER TRAIL
The kashasha river trail is a 4 to 5 hours hike where travelers explore the park through the steep inclines of the Buhoma – Nkuringo route which is 600 meters high. The hike starts from either Buhoma or Nkuringo. The trail is inside the park and you will spot a numerous bird species and plants as well as flowers. The kashasha river trail has really amazing views to offer.
BAMBOO TRAIL
The bamboo trail takes 7 hours and involves a steep hike up to 2607 meters above sea level which is the highest point of the park. While at the top, tourists are awarded with amazing views of Lake Bunyonyi, bwindi forest and the Virunga volcanoes which makes the long hike worthy of a hike. The hike can be challenging but is well worth it as it’s one of the best hike trails within the park. The trail can be done from Ruhija sector of the park.
MUBWINDI SWAMP TRAIL
The trail takes 4 to 5 hours stunning trail that moves through the jungles and slopes of the ancient yet magical rainforest with breathtaking viewpoints along the way of the very rich valleys and the Virunga massifs. The trail has animals which tourists can encounter such as chimpanzees, bush pigs, monkeys, elephants and bushbucks that are found within the forest. The birders are advised to opt for this trail, having a bird guide is an added advantage. The trail is moderate and is found in Ruhija sector of the park.
MUZABAJIRO LOOP TRAIL
The trail is a 3 to 4 hours walk which provides the most amazing views as you ascend the forest to Rukubira hill. Travelers get to enjoy the amazing views of the virunga massifs, bwindi impenetrable forest and the Great Rift Valley. The trail is in Buhoma sector of Bwindi.
HABINYANJA TRAIL
The trail is a 4 to 6 hours trail where travelers pass through the Munyanga River on a steep slope of Habigorogoro and Riyoyi ridges that overlooks the Buhoma River. While ascending the Habinyanja trail, travelers get to view a number of bird species at the Habinyanja swamp, making it a perfect trail for birders. The trail can be done while in Buhoma.
THE IVY RIVER TRAIL
The ivy river trail is a 14km hike which takes up the whole day. The breathtaking trail has very scenic viewpoints where travelers can spot a number of wildlife, birds and butterflies with locals as they go about their day to day activities. The Ivy River starts from Nkuringo Park headquarters or from Buhoma and the hike is moderate.
RUSIZI RIVER TRAIL
This is the best trail for birders since many birds can be spotted here. There are other animals that can be spotted while on the trail such as duikers and a number of other primates. The trail can take the whole day.
MUNYANGA WATERFALL TRAIL
The waterfall trail begins from Buhoma and goes up to Nkuringo along the Ivy River. Travelers get to see three clear waterfalls that are about 33 meters high. Travelers as well can spot a number of animals and birds as well as monkeys, orchids and a number of beautiful butterflies. The trail is moderate status and recommended for travelers who have limited time within the park.
RUSHURA HILL TRAIL
This is the highest point in Buhoma and the trail starts from Buhoma park headquarters through the impenetrable forest and as well travelers are rewarded with several scenic view points. While on the top, travelers are amazed by the views of the Rwenzori Mountain, the western rift valley, Virunga massifs and Bwindi impenetrable forest. The hike is quite challenging but very rewarding.
Hiking trails in bwindi impenetrable national park are well and carefully developed that travelers can easily use them. Besides gorilla trekking travelers can as well have cultural encounters, community visits among others. Hiking within the national park takes place throughout the whole year.
