Taking nature walks in Bwindi is one way to explore the ancient impenetrable forest. Bwindi is not only home to endangered mountain gorillas but also has about 120 mammalian species, 351 bird species, 220 butterfly species, over 1,000 flowering plants, and various types of trees.
Nature walks in Bwindi allow visitors to see other wildlife like bushbucks, bush pigs, giant forest genets, duikers, forest elephants, and buffalos, although these are rare. You can also spot primates like olive baboons, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and birds such as the African broadbill and Ruwenzori turaco.
There are many established trails in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park that allow visitors to explore this amazing park. These trails range from 30 minutes to a full day.
Some of the common trails for nature walks are listed below:
- Kashasha River Trail: The Kashasha River Trail takes about 5-6 hours depending on the pace of the group. It starts from the Buhoma side of the park and ends in the Nkuringo sector.
- Bamboo Trail: The Bamboo Trail takes visitors through different types of vegetation and leads to the highest point of 2,607 meters above sea level. It takes approximately 6 hours to reach the top.
- River Ivy Trail: This trail can start from either the Buhoma or Nkuringo sector of the park, depending on your location. The trail is interesting because you are likely to see wildlife and birds along River Ivy, as well as locals going about their daily activities or working in their gardens.
- Muzabajiro Loop Trail: This trail takes visitors through Rushura Hill via a canopy forest and crosses Muzabajiro Creek.
- Rushura Hill Trail: This trail leads to Rushura Hill, which is 1,915 meters above sea level. It is the most strenuous hike in Bwindi but very rewarding, with views of the forest canopy, the western rift valley, the Mountains of the Moon, the Virunga ranges, and Lake Edward. The hike takes about 3 hours.
- Waterfall Trail: This walk takes tourists to a dramatic waterfall. The road leading to the waterfall was cleared in the 1970s to create a route connecting to Kisoro, but it was never completed. This walk is exciting as you cross the Munyanga River three times before reaching the waterfall.
- Munyanga River Trail: This trail passes through Bizenga Creek and leads to the Munyanga River. It is one of the best trails for birding in Bwindi National Park, so bird enthusiasts should consider using this trail in the Buhoma sector. This trail takes about 1 to 2 hours to complete.
