A trip to Uganda takes you through unusual hiking trails. Most guided walks/hikes and treks are conducted within most Uganda’s pristine national parks and wildlife reserves. What is remarkable about hiking safaris in Uganda is that visitors get close to nature, have a chance to explore variety of natural wonders and most significantly, you have opportunity to spot out varied butterflies, birds, primates and small mammal species. The key areas for you to embark on hiking adventure while on Uganda safari include;
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is one of ideal sites for hiking tours. Hikers are accompanied by park ranger guide and hikes normally kick start from Rwonyo then to salt lick where huge concentration of wildlife can be spotted. Other incredible areas to visit include Lake’s banks, hilltop and Rubanga. Hikes usually kick start early in the morning and can last for about 2 hours. This will reward you with magical encounters over wildlife species like forest birds, mammals and 9 of the 14 Lakes. This park is reachable within 4 hours’ drive from Kampala.
Murchison Falls National Park
This is Uganda’s largest park and spans up to 3840 square kilometers. Murchison Falls National Park features a number of exceptional trails which come with distinct encounters. The trails in this park take you through the park’s breathtaking landscapes and sceneries. Notably, you set off through Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo forest which reward you with sights at varied primates and birds. While at the Nile Lake Albert Delta, you will embark on a guided swamp walk which gets you the best sights at shoebills. Also, you can embark a hike to the top of the falls.
Rwenzori Mountains
Mount Rwenzori National Park is Uganda’s hiker’s paradise. A visit to this park takes you through distinct hiking trails with incredible experiences. The available trails include Lake Mahooma and Buraro chimp forest, walks via the communities of Kichwamba and many more.
Mgahinga National Park
If you have plans to track mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Par, don’t miss to embark on a hike at the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes which will reward you with breathtaking views over distinct birds, Rugezi swamp, bamboo forests, wild vegetation and many others. Hike towards the Congo border which transcends distinct vegetation zones and while on a hike, you will catch a glimpse at magical calderas on the top of the Gisozi hill.
Bwindi National Park
Ranked among the best destinations in the world with best hiking experiences, Bwindi National Park is exceptionally a hiker’s paradise. A hike through this park takes you via a number of its trails each of which rewards you with amazing encounters at varied natural wonders including primates, birds, floral species a mention but a few. The available trails to hike through in this park include Munyanga waterfall which takes you from Buhoma area via River Ivi, Muzubijiro loop, Ivi River walk, Rusizi River trail, Kashasha River trail, Rushura trail, Habinyanja, bamboo trail, Buhoma Nkuringo trail and many more.
Kibale National Park
This is a popular primate capital and a visit to it while on hiking safari takes you through its diverse primate species, bushbucks, unique flora and others. This park is a home to 13 primate species including over 1500 chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, L’Hoest monkeys, red tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys and many others. Over 350 bird species are all confined within this park most of which can be spotted while on nature walk.
Other key hiking areas include Semuliki Valley National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and many others.