Walking across Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Walking across Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on an extraordinary safari with Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd unveils unparalleled beauty and adventure. Starting from Nkuringo in the south and trekking to Buhoma in the north, this journey reveals the secrets of the jungle through the captivating Ivy and Kashasha hiking trails. After the awe-inspiring experience of gorilla trekking, this walking safari promises a rewarding exploration of pristine nature.
The Gateway: Kisoro Town to Lake Mutanda Trails
Your journey with Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd commences with a captivating trail from Kisoro Town to the enchanting Lake Mutanda. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you traverse native communities and villages, capturing the essence of life in the heart of Uganda. A dugout canoe ride on Lake Mutanda adds a touch of excitement to your experience, offering a unique perspective of the surrounding beauty. Follow village footpaths through landscapes adorned with 360-degree views of mountain slopes, forests, and human settlements.
Luxury Awaits: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd proudly presents its multi-award-winning lodge in Nkuringo, a haven of luxury and hospitality. Revel in a regal welcome and indulge in top-notch services during your stay, ensuring you are fully rejuvenated before embarking on the challenging walking safari across Bwindi Forest. Your adventure is not just a trek; it’s a holistic experience that begins with comfort and relaxation.
Into the Jungle: Navigating the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
As the second or third day unfolds, brace yourself for a more challenging jungle trail across Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The journey between Nkuringo trailhead and Buhoma trailhead promises an immersive encounter with nature. A well-rested night at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge makes this trail more accessible, allowing you to savor the richness of the jungle with ease.
Guided by Locals: Exploring Under the Virunga Volcanoes
Bask in the shadow of the Virunga Volcanoes as you meet your knowledgeable guide from Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd. These guides, all hailing from the local region, share their expertise and insights, ensuring you are well-prepared for the journey ahead. With a leisurely pace, they lead you into the heart of the jungle, carrying your burden and ensuring your comfort. Two armed rangers accompany you, providing essential security during your traverse through the captivating landscapes.
Unveiling the Highlights of Your Safari Adventure
Explore a plethora of highlights as you embark on this unique walking safari with Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd:
- Scenic Mountain Communities and Villages: Immerse yourself in the charm of mountain communities and villages, capturing rare bird species and photographing the picturesque landscapes of Africa.
- Village Welcome: “Mzungu” Chants: Become the center of attention as village children follow and welcome you to their land with joyful chants of “Mzungu” (white person).
- Canoeing on Lake Mutanda: Challenge your travel muscles with a dugout canoe ride on Lake Mutanda, one of the beautiful mountain lakes around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
- Jungle Exploration: Hike across Africa’s oldest and richest rainforest, encountering some of the rarest species and plants that thrive in the primeval forest amenities.
- Community Insights: Learn about the harmonious coexistence of communities, people, and animals in and around the Bwindi jungles.
- Supporting Local Communities: Make a positive impact by supporting local communities when you hire a guide, porter, or ranger for your walking safari adventure.
Inclusions for a Seamless Experience
Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience by including the following:
- Transportation and 4×4 Vehicle Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free transfers to and from your destinations.
- Accommodation and Meals: Indulge in the luxury of comfortable accommodations and delicious meals as per the itinerary.
- English-Speaking Guide and Rangers: Benefit from the expertise of local guides and the security provided by armed rangers.
- Park Permits Processing: Iconic Africa Safaris takes care of processing the necessary park permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on your behalf.
DAY 1 —KISORO, LAKE MUTANDA, NKURINGO WALKING TRAIL
Start your exciting walking safari early on Day 1 as you venture along the picturesque Nkuringo Walking Trail. The journey kicks off with a 90-minute walk to Sheba’s Campsite on the southern shores of Lake Mutanda. Expect traditional dugout canoes and friendly peddlers waiting at the shores, ready to take you on a three-hour voyage across the serene waters of Lake Mutanda to the Rwajember landing site.
Take in the view of the tiny islands dotting the lake, most covered with banana plantations. One special island, under the care of the National Forestry Authority, boasts a primary forest home to Vervet monkeys. Keep your eyes peeled for common birds like Hadada Ibis, Crested Cranes, and Black-headed Herons along the lake and cultivated shoreline – a treat for bird enthusiasts.
Upon reaching the Rwajember landing site, resume your walking trail through vibrant villages and communities. The land is dotted with small homesteads, showcasing the villagers’ dedication to cultivating their fields and tending to their livestock. Marvel at the vast potato fields, neatly farmed cabbages, and green beans on seemingly impossible steep slopes – a testament to the rich volcanic soils of Kigezi and Kisoro districts.
A 20-minute walk from Rwajenge leads you to an unsurfaced road, and after another 10 minutes, you’ll find the trail to the first rest and viewpoint outside the Mubano Trading Centre. As you continue, pass through banana plantations and sorghum fields, the latter used to make a local beverage called Obushera. The sorghum beer is a potent delight enjoyed passionately by both men and women.
Ten kilometers before reaching Nkuringo, the walking safari intersects with a road junction, joining the main murram road from Kisoro near Rubuguri trading center. Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, your night’s haven, awaits a further 10 kilometers away – a 3-hour walk or a scenic 30-minute drive. Whether on foot or by vehicle, the breathtaking views along the road will captivate you.
- Spend a night at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
- Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
DAY 2 — RELAXATION OR GORILLA TREKKING AT NKURINGO
On the second day, you have the option to either relax at the Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge or embark on an unforgettable Gorilla trekking experience. The lodge offers a magical atmosphere for unwinding and exploring community tourism initiatives, including a community walk, a cultural visit to the Batwa natives, and various activities around the lodge.
Should you choose Gorilla trekking, the southern trailheads of Rushaga (five gorilla families) and Nkuringo (four gorilla families) beckon. A gorilla permit costs USD 700 per person, accompanied by a USD 30 processing fee from Iconic Africa Safaris.
- Spend another night at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
- Your meal plan includes: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), and Dinner (D)
DAY 3 — TRAVERSING BWINDI: NKURINGO – BUHOMA TRAILS
Marvel at the Tin roofs of Buhoma visible from Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge as you commence the walking safari across Bwindi on Day 3. While a direct paved road is absent, the alternative walking safari through the pristine Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers a remarkable experience of Africa’s jungles on foot.
Two trails crisscross inside the jungle for the walking safari – the Ivy River trail and the Kashasha River trail – connecting the two populated towns of Nkuringo and Buhoma.
- Option 1: Ivy River Trail
Commencing from Nkuringo, UWA Bwindi Park office, the Ivy River Trail begins with a 7 km (4 mi) murram road downhill hike with scenic forest views to the Ivy River. Ideal for those staying in Buhoma, this trail takes approximately 2.5 hours from Nkuringo office to Ivy River, followed by a 4-hour forest walk to Buhoma. Expect a total journey time of about 6 hours, filled with gentle ascents and descents through the rainforest, offering stunning viewpoints of mist-shrouded valleys.
Encounter wildlife like monkeys, duikers, bush pigs, and diverse bird and butterfly species during your trek, as the trail serves as a crucial footpath for local villagers traveling to and from Nkuringo.
- Option 2: Kashasha River Trail
Beginning at the Nkuringo trailhead, UWA Bwindi Park office, the Kashasha River Trail descends through community land to reach the park buffer zone. This trail intersects with the Ivy River trail inside the forest, offering a closer look at the wonders of the rainforest environment. With steep inclines and a trek time of 4 to 5 hours between Nkuringo and Buhoma, or 6 to 7 hours between Buhoma and Nkuringo, the Kashasha River trail provides an immersive experience of Bwindi’s natural beauty. Your guide will point out the prolific birdlife during this enchanting walk.
In summary, both trails offer a unique perspective of Bwindi’s lush landscapes, providing opportunities to connect with nature and witness the rich biodiversity within this African rainforest.
