Hiking and trekking in Uganda
Few African countries can merge trekking via dense jungle thickets, as light ricochets off the dense shrubs, enlightening your path in a fog of green, with mountaineering to snow-capped peaks where ice crystals hang above the clouds, and wildlife strolls all over savannah grasslands that extend for yards – however, Uganda can.
The main attraction of Uganda is gorilla trekking. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the two gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda.
Bwindi is by far the most popular alternative since it offers more gorillas, nicer lodging, and fits neatly along a typical southwestern circuit.
Uganda is often regarded as the finest spot in the world to watch gorillas. It is also feasible in neighboring Rwanda, although gorilla permits in Uganda are significantly cheaper.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
In Uganda’s jungles, gorillas aren’t the only primates.
Unlike gorilla trekking, chimp trekking terrain is not extremely difficult, therefore you do not need to be particularly fit or able to hike for lengthy periods of time to track chimps.
Standard tracking trips run around three hours and involve a maximum of one hour with the chimps, during which you may expect to reach within 8-10 meters of them.
Permits are necessary to follow the chimps, and you will be part of a group of up to eight people guided by Uganda Wildlife Authority Interpretive Rangers who will show you to the chimps and their forest environment.
Rwenzori Mountains
The Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda’s most difficult and scenic hiking destination, are an alpine wonderland in Central Africa. A land of discovery, where flora gives way to snow-capped peaks. Step by ice-bound step, aim towards the glacier heights.
Trails range from a day excursion to a multi-peak adventure lasting 12 days.
The Rwenzoris must be explored on foot, and you must be physically healthy and accustomed to endurance sports. It’s not going to be easy!
Margherita Peak has just been classed as a tough climb, and while you don’t need to be an expert climber to complete it in winter conditions, some prior expertise is suggested.
Easy Forest Walks
In Murchison Falls National Park
The Nile’s swirling waters prohibit boats from nearing the foot of Murchison Falls. To feel the full intensity of the falls, disembark at the boat’s entry limit and climb through riverine woods and along a cliff face to the falls’ crest
Murchison is also a great place for bird watching, and the Kyambura Gorge is a great place to do monkey trekking.
Lakes Mutanda and Bunyonyi
Lakes Mutanda and Bunyonyi are lovely places to unwind after a strenuous gorilla hike in the adjacent Bwindi Forest.
The views from the lakes are breathtaking, and it is the ideal location for some mild adventure in a secluded part of the nation.
A variety of walking routes will take you deep into the surrounding countryside. If you want to add to your experience, you may trek and canoe from Kisoro’s airstrip to Nkuringo in the south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Semliki Valley
The Semliki Valley is a lovely rural park on Uganda’s western border.
Semliki has three hiking paths. The longest is the 13-kilometer Kirumia Trail, which winds through the forest to the Semuliki River. Expect to be out for at least 8 hours.
The Red Monkey Trail, at 11 kilometers, traverses the park’s eastern boundary to the Semliki River in search of the uncommon deBrazza’s monkey, which is frequently observed in this region.
The Sempaya Nature Trail is the shortest at 8 kilometers. It introduces tourists to the primates of the forest as well as the hot springs. The hike lasts 2 to 4 hours and can be done in the morning or afternoon.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most biodiverse national park, and any visit will involve plenty of game drives and boat safaris, but there is also plenty of walking.
Queens is another favorite chimp trekking site, and for birders and those who enjoy strolling off the beaten path, the Maramagambo Forest is a great area to spend a half or full day.
You may explore the shadows, uncovering species seldom seen on the open plains, stumble across secret crater lakes, and wonder at the sheer amount of life found within a bat cave, shielded from the blazing sun by the dense canopy.
Lake Mburo
The entire region of Lake Mburo National Park is accessible on foot if accompanied by a guide.
Favorite paths include those to Rwonyo’s salt lick, the lake shorelines, Rubanga Forest, and viewpoint hill tops.
Because vision is sometimes limited by foliage and it is impossible to spot buffalo holding their ground or hyena loping back to their burrows after a night out hunting, walks are the most thrilling way to experience the park.
Walks are also the greatest approach for birders to locate elusive species.
Kidepo Valley & The Ik Trek
The majority of the walking routes in Kidepo Valley National Park take 2 to 3 hours to complete and weave through the Narus Valley.
Birders frequently comb the outskirts of the Narus and Namamukweny Valleys in search of the Abyssinian Roller, Purple Heron, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and the Kidepo-only Clapperton’s Francolin.
A 15-kilometer course follows the ridge line into the highlands for those seeking a bigger challenge.
While there are several routes to choose from, keep in mind that some may have not been walked in a long time and will be temporarily closed.
The Ik Trek
The Ik continue to dwell on the outside of society in the Morungole Mountains, although they have clearly rebounded from a low point in their history.
They encourage guided excursions led by tourists who want to learn more about the area they live in and their distinctive way of life.
This is not voyeurism in action. It is a demanding journey, both physically and emotionally, because of the issues it raises about human rights, sustainable conservation, and human growth.
However, with trip fees going to Ik community efforts and outside interest helping to defend the people from neighborly harm, it is a fascinating experience. It’s also a lovely hike.
Two different routes are available, depending on local weather conditions and fitness.