Uganda is a fortunate nation in East Africa that borders the Equator. Despite being a landlocked nation, there are many great sights to behold. Walking across the country will allow you to see Uganda’s animals and plants up close, and guided nature walks are offered in practically all of the country’s 10 national parks. The nation is frequently referred to as the Pearl of Africa due to its breath-taking scenery and permanently lush atmosphere. It is situated on a plateau surrounded by mountains and the Great Rift Valley. South Sudan, Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are its neighbours. Guided Nature Walks in Uganda give you a unique perspective on the beauty of this Pearl of Africa.
Nature Walks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
One of Uganda’s most popular national parks is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Half of the surviving mountain gorillas in the world live in Bwindi, which is located in the southwest of the nation. There are more in the volcanic areas of the Virungas that extend into Rwanda. Each of the four sectors of Bwindi; Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga has habituated gorilla families. An chance to take a guided nature walk across each of these four areas is provided by an armed, knowledgeable game ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
There are six main hiking paths in the Buhoma area. Within the dense forest, interactions with waterfalls allow for the identification of many tree and plant species. The possibility to visit the park’s monkeys while enjoying the sounds of lovely songbirds exists. The Muyanga Waterfall Walk and Rushura Hill Walk are two examples of these pathways. On a clear day, the enormous Virunga mountains, the Rwenzori mountains in the distance, Lake Edward, and Lake George can all be seen clearly from this hike. Numerous monkey and bird species may be seen along the Muzubijiro Trail. The Ivi River Walk, which takes around 7 hours to complete, goes through a region where enormous forest pigs live. The settlements may be seen in all their beauty from the Buhoma-Nkuringo route. As you descend to the Nkuringo portion of the park, it links through. Most individuals who enjoy doing bird watching trips choose to travel along the Habinyanja path since it is rewarding.
At 8:00 am, the Rushaga sector walks get under way. The Uganda Wildlife Authority will provide you with a knowledgeable ranger guide to show you around the park. It is possible to witness creatures like mountain duikers and forest elephants. Throughout the many vegetative zones you walk through, the ranger is always quite knowledgeable. Name the gorilla food, the cool Bagyenda falls that cascade to the pickup point for the lodge, and the caves that the first forest inhabitants (pygmies) called home. Along with gorilla tracking, bird viewing, mountain riding, and the Batwa cultural experience, Bwindi offers nature hikes.
Nature Walks in Murchison Falls National Park
South of the park, Murchison Falls National Park guided nature tours are well-liked. It is the largest and oldest conservation area in Uganda, with a total size of over 3,840 square kilometres. It was given that name in honour of the magnificent Murchison Falls in the park area. The national park was known as Kabalega during the time of Idi Amin’s rule, and it wasn’t until his overthrow that its name was restored. It was declared a national park in order to save the wildlife and bird species that are unique to Murchison.
Early morning nature hikes begin and wind through the well-distributed paths of the Kanio Pabidi and Rabongo forests. These are frequently walked through in search of primates like chimpanzees and olive baboons. While taking in the roar of the majestic falls, walks around the marshy, swampy area of the Nile Delta may reward you with breathtaking views of the shoebill stork. The natural stroll is topped off by seeing animals like the Jackson hartebeests and various antelopes.
It takes about 45 minutes to walk to the top of the falls from Baker’s Point, and the views of the Nile are breathtaking. The hike to the top of the falls is highly exciting because it starts with a boat tour. Given that the trek involves climbing hills, some level of physical fitness may be required. Once you get to the top, the cold air and wonderful view of the Nile are amazing.
Nature Walks in Queen Elizabeth National Park
One of Uganda’s top ten conservation zones, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the second-largest park in the country behind Murchison Falls National Park. It is located in the western region of the nation and is home to many different kinds of animals, trees, and plants. It is famous for its tree-climbing lions. The biggest number of bird species in all of East Africa—over 600 species—have been identified here, some of which are indigenous to the area. The Kyambura Gorge, Maramagambo Forest, Mweya Peninsular, and the River Ishasha are just a few of the park’s top-rated hiking paths.
One of the best spots to take nature hikes in Queen Elizabeth National Park is Maramagambo Forest. It is home to primates including chimpanzees, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and grey-checked mangabeys. The Rwenzori Turaco, lesser and greater flamingos, and African fish eagle are just a few of the frequent birds that may be seen in the forest on birding safaris.
The Mweya Peninsula, which is located in the park’s northeastern region and faces Lake Albert, is covered in dense forest. The main purposes of escorted nature walks in the region are to follow mongooses and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Albert and the Rwenzori mountains in the distance. During a nature walk, it’s possible to view aquatic species like hippos, ducks, and other animals like elephants. It’s an excellent idea to take a nature tour guide along the blast craters. The Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts roughly 72 scattered craters that were created during the volcanic age.
Some of the species in Queen Elizabeth National Park, including as antelopes such Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and bush bucks, may be seen during nature walks across the Kasenyi plains to the park’s north. In case the animals fuss, they are guided by a game ranger with an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority. You will be rewarded with wonderful vistas of hippos, buffaloes, and water fowl as you go south down the Ishasha River.
Nature Walks in Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park is located in eastern Uganda, close to the Kenyan border. There are Bantu and Kalenjin residents along its greatest foot base in the whole planet. A dormant volcano that was once taller than Mount Kilimanjaro makes up the mountain. With Wagagai as the name of its tallest summit, it features a fairly extensive caldera. Traditional names for the mountain include Mount Masaba. Here, nature hikes start at the Kapkwai Exploration Centre. You will get great views of little forest monkeys, many types of birds, and various plant species, to name a few. Caves and waterfalls are accessible through trails. The 5-kilometer walk from the Kapkwai centre to Chebonet takes you past stunning waterfalls while the 7-hour trail travels through a tropical bamboo forest. Walks around the wooded area last three hours or longer.
Nature Walks in Lake Mburo National Park
One of the smaller protected places is Lake Mburo National Park, which is located close to Mbarara town on the route to western Uganda. In order to safeguard the animal species that it is home to, it is the closest and nearest park to the capital of Uganda. Water bodies, including the lake it was named for, make up the majority of its composition. Starting early in the morning, visitors may take use of the park’s extensive network of trails to go on nature walks and enjoy the tranquil lake. Around the park, you may spot zebras, African buffaloes, elands, topi, waterbucks, impalas, olive baboons, and Rothschild’s giraffes. The tour guide will share historical tales about the park with you along the way, such as the tale of two brothers named Mburo and Kigarama who lived nearby.
According to legend, Kigarama dreamed that floodwaters would engulf them. He told Mburo about the premonition, but he was rejected. Eventually, the floods came, but by then Kigarama had gone upland and abandoned the brother. Floods carried him away with the crops, thus the term “Mburo” that is still in use. Due to the presence of a few predators like lions and leopards, Lake Mburo National Park is a fantastic location for escorted nature excursions. These primarily appear at night and gravely arrive throughout the day. Two hours are spent on walks through the forest and along the lake. You may see a wide variety of animals on a guided tour of the Rwonyo Salt Lick since the salt attracts them.
Nature Walks in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
There are chances for led nature hikes at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The Nyakagezi Gorilla Family resides in this 33 square km park, which is the smallest in Uganda. It is a continuation of Rwanda’s enormous Virunga Mountains, which are home to two of the eight volcanic mountain systems. Through the bamboo forest, it is the only site in Uganda where you may see golden monkeys. There is a possibility of seeing birds. Hikes through the Sabinyo Gorge offer excellent opportunities to see the Rwenzori turaco. Different types of vegetation may be seen on walks along the Congo border, and Kisoro town and Lake Mutanda are also stunningly visible. The lively and fascinating to see golden monkeys may be found throughout the trails.
Nature Walks in Semuliki National Park
Due of the diversity of Congo species, Semuliki National Park is one location where you may go on nature hikes. The forest is a continuation of the Ituri forest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and it is popular with tourists due to its hotsprings. These are really hot—hot enough to even boil an egg. The water, which may reach a height of 2 m, is regarded as therapeutic by the inhabitants. The park’s pathways, notably the Kirumia Trail, go into the forest’s heart and along the Semuliki River. The Eastern boundary of the park is traversed by the red monkey track. You may get right to the hot springs by using the Sempaya Trail.
It is advised to bring long sleeved shirts and pants, waterproof boots, waterproof covers for phones and cameras, hats, sunscreen, rain jackets, binoculars for birders, backpacks, hand gloves and any other items of a personal character in order to have a good nature walk. Because the woodland trails are less overgrown and easier to follow during the dry seasons of June through September and December to February, these are the best times to explore the park. The creatures may be seen from a distance without needing to make a lot of effort to approach them. The park may be visited all year long, even during the wet seasons, despite the dry season being the finest. Guided Nature Walks in Uganda are best done with reliable Uganda tour company.