Nyundo community walk trails can be done at the magnificent Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which is home to half of the mountain gorilla population, 351 bird species (23 of which are Albertine endemics), 120 mammal species, about 400 plant species, and was once home to the indigenous Batwa community before it became a national park.
The Nyundo community eco-trail leads to a forest planted by the Nyundo community after experiencing environmental changes, including altered rainfall patterns, disappearing mist, and soil erosion. The community decided to plant trees and protect the land, which led to the return of rain and mist.
The Nyundo community trail offers great views of rolling hills, waterfalls, and rivers. The trail leads to the King’s Waterfall, known as “King Byakyara’s Waterfall,” where only kings used to bathe long ago. The area around the waterfall offers beautiful views, and you can also visit a cattle farm, a beekeeping farm, a banana plantation, and learn how local beer is made from bananas.
Another interesting activity on this trail is taking lessons in basket weaving, learning how to prepare millet bread, making handmade crafts, and learning how local yogurt is made. Visitors can also enjoy traditional music, dance, and drama performed by the local community.
Tree planting by the Nyundo community has helped stabilize rainfall, allowing them to grow crops again. The trails were developed by locals to provide a sustainable alternative to agriculture, poaching, and logging, offering income and motivation to conserve the forest.
Apart from Nyundo community trails, there are other trails in Bwindi, including:
- Buniga Forest Trail: The Buniga Forest Trail is managed by the indigenous Batwa community and the USAID organization. The Batwa people lived inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest until 1991, when it was declared a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This trail gives visitors an insight into the culture of the forest people, guided by a Batwa who demonstrates how they lived and survived in the forest. Visitors are also entertained by traditional Batwa dancers.
- Suma Waterfall Walk: The panoramic Suma Waterfalls are located in a village called Suma. This community walk passes through villages around Bwindi National Park. You can also visit one of the largest villages in the area and see a man who has 16 wives. The trail is 6 kilometers long and takes about 5-6 hours to complete.
- Ivy River Trail: The Ivy River Trail offers beautiful views of Bwindi with its rolling hills. This trail takes about 4 hours and is also used by locals, especially on market days. Visitors can see a variety of birds, primates, butterflies, and other wildlife along the trail.
