Guided Nature Walk from Nkuringo to Buhoma in Bwindi
A guided nature walk from Nkuringo to Buhoma in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park invites nature enthusiasts to discover its hidden treasures. This immersive walk allows visitors to experience the park’s wonders fully.
The elevated Nkuringo-Buhoma trail, while challenging, leads hikers through the lush, mist-enveloped rainforest, where every step promises remarkable encounters with Bwindi’s rich biodiversity. These nature walks present an incredible chance for guests to connect closely with nature. The trek through the Nkuringo-Buhoma area typically lasts around 4 to 6 hours. This guided journey from Nkuringo to Buhoma showcases stunning landscapes, majestic mountain forests, and captivating sights of birds and wildlife.
The starting points for the guided nature walk from Nkuringo to Buhoma in Bwindi.
The guided nature walks from Nkuringo to Buhoma in Bwindi National Park include the 17 km Kashasha River trail and the Ivy River trail. Hiking the Kashasha trail typically requires 6 to 7 hours, starting with a briefing at the Nkuringo UWA park office.
This trail leads hikers into the park’s buffer zone, where they can see the confluence of two rivers within 20 minutes. The Ivy River trail, located 90 minutes from Buhoma, provides a challenging hike through steep slopes and diverse wildlife. The Kashasha trail hike takes approximately 4 to 5 hours from Nkuringo to Buhoma, with the return journey taking 6 to 7 hours.
The 14 km Ivy River trail, which spans 14 km, takes 3 to 4 hours round trip and offers beautiful views of the lush rainforest along the murram path. Visitors often take the Ivy River trail after staying overnight in Buhoma; hikes from Nkuringo take 2 to 3 hours, and from Buhoma, they take 3 to 4 hours. Experienced hikers can anticipate a total hiking time of 4 to 6 hours for the complete Nkuringo to Buhoma trek.
Preparing for the captivating Nkuringo-Buhoma walking tour
What to bring for your nature walking safari
When preparing your packing list for the Nkuringo-Buhoma nature walk, be sure to include waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, quick-drying trousers, a rain jacket, a camera, snacks, bottled water, extra batteries, a safari hat, and sunglasses. Also, consider adding insect repellent, a first aid kit, and a sweater.
What to expect during the nature walk from Nkuringo to Buhoma in Bwindi.
A nature walk from Nkuringo to Buhoma takes you through the vibrant Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This stunning protected area spans 331 sq. km and is home to over 350 bird species and 120 mammal species, including 10 species of primates, butterflies, reptiles, and amphibians.
The primates found in Bwindi consist of mountain gorillas, olive baboons, blue monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. On a guided hiking tour, you can expect to see various species of these primates as well as many other inhabitants of the forest. Beyond its primate population, Bwindi also shelters duikers, forest elephants, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, and different species of cats.
The Batwa Cultural Experience
Alongside rewarding nature walks, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of the Batwa. Residing next to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a cultural tour in their community provides a deep look into the rich history, traditions, cultures, and practices of the Batwa pygmies. There is also an opportunity to learn about their distinctive medicinal plants and participate in traditional dances and storytelling sessions.
The Batwa cultural experience includes witnessing the unique hunting and fruit-gathering methods that the Batwa pygmies practiced in the jungle. Participating in this cultural encounter fosters close connections and supports sustainable regional tourism.
The Munyaga River trail
The Munyanga River trail guides hikers through the stunning Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Along this route, you’ll soak in the tranquil natural beauty and discover the area’s diverse wildlife. This trail showcases breathtaking rainforest vistas and offers opportunities to spot various bird species, including turacos.
The best time for nature walks from Nkuringo to Buhoma
The dry season is the best time to enjoy nature walks from Nkuringo to Buhoma in Bwindi National Park. This season happens twice a year and typically features pleasant weather. The most extended dry period usually spans June, July, August, and September, while a shorter dry spell occurs from December to February.
Consider Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking.
You can go ahead and finalize your travel itinerary in addition to gorilla trekking. In Bwindi, gorilla trekking occurs in four sectors: Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ruhija. The trek can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, providing magical encounters with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Each group of trekkers is assigned a fully habituated gorilla family to observe, which is available only to those with valid gorilla permits.
To participate in gorilla trekking, you need a valid gorilla permit. These permits can be obtained through licensed tour operators like Native Africa Tours. A gorilla permit costs USD 800 per visitor for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, UGX 300,000 for East African citizens, and USD 500 per visitor for other Africans. Contact Native Africa Tours to book a valid gorilla trekking permit and get an up-close experience with a family of mountain gorillas in the wild.
Accommodations (Top safari lodges and camps)
When selecting accommodations, consider lodges and camps in the Nkuringo and Buhoma sectors for a delightful nature walk along the Nkuringo-Buhoma trail. Notable options in the Nkuringo area include Albertine Gorilla Campsite, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Lake Mutanda Resort, Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and others.
In the Buhoma sector, recommended lodges are Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Bluff Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Haven Lodge, among many others.
How to get there
Considering a nature walk from Nkuringo to Buhoma in Bwindi, accessibility is crucial. Reaching Bwindi by road takes around 8 to 9 hours of driving from Kampala. Alternatively, you can drive from Kigali, utilizing the Chanika or Katuna border to access the Nkuringo or Buhoma sectors. Currently, flying offers a more convenient option to connect to Bwindi. A flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrips lasts approximately 2 hours.
