Nature walks in Uganda or Rwanda can be enjoyed on guided or self-led strolls. During the nature walk, you get to explore the trails while interacting with wildlife and flora, and appreciate the tranquility of the destination. It is one of the engaging outdoor activities worth embarking on during a Uganda safari or a Rwanda safari. Nature walks in Rwanda, Uganda, or any East Africa are offered across the National Parks, Forests, and Reserves.
Nature walks mainly focus on physical participation, and you get to penetrate deeper into the hidden habitats. Each habitat exposes you to abundant wildlife and plant life, with the experienced guide present to take you through the details of every attraction you find.
Kibale National Park
Kibale is not only famous for chimpanzee tracking or chimpanzee habituation but also for its rewarding nature walk experiences. In Kibale, visitors enjoy guided forest walks, a great opportunity to immerse themselves deeper into the park’s lush forest and other hidden habitats. About 13 primate species, 200 butterfly species, 375 species of birds, and other mammals reside in Kibale National Park, and the majority can be explored during the guided forest walks.
Kibale’s nature walks can extend for about 2-3 hours with a higher opportunity for you to encounter lots of primates, including olive baboons, colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and many bird species. Even if you are interested in night walks to explore nocturnal species, Kibale has you sorted.
Murchison Falls National Park
Nature walks in Murchison are experienced in various forms, including guided hikes to the top of the falls. The hike to the top of the falls can last for 45 minutes and you have a chance to witness the powerful roaring Murchison Waterfalls. If your target is primates, then expect to start your nature walk along the Kaniyo-Pabidi or Rabongo Forest.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Located in Southwestern Uganda, Bwindi offers more than gorilla trekking adventures. This park is known for its breathtaking landscapes and enriching hiking trails. The available nature walking trails to conquer include the Muyanga River walk in the Buhoma region, which takes visitors about 3 hours. This is a rewarding trail for you to enjoy sights, Albertine Rift endemic species of birds, and other unique features. Additional walking trails include Buhoma-Nkuringo & Nkuringo-Kisoro walking trails, the Kashasha walking trail.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park not only for game drives but also complete immersion during guided nature walks. The ideal places to consider for nature walks here include the Kyambura Gorge, also most famous as the Valley of Apes. It offers a 3-4 hour walk through the steeps and diverse ecosystem with a higher chance for you to come across lots of primates and birds.
Maramagambo Forest also offers amazing nature walks. Visitors can have 2-5 hours of exploring the diverse attractions in Maramagambo Forest alone, including the bat caves, python caves, and many primates.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lying in Kiruhura, Lake Mburo National Park is an excellent destination to explore during guided nature walks. The lush Lake Mburo offers ultimate immersion into the savanna wilderness. This park is known for its diverse animals, including impalas, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and elands, plus more than 350 bird species.
Other best destinations to visit for nature walks in Uganda
You can also experience the best of Uganda nature walks in Mount Elgon National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Semuliki, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Mabira Forest Reserve, and Kidepo.
Nature walks in Rwanda
Known for its scenic landscapes and diverse attractions, Rwanda is a perfect destination to enjoy nature walks. Below are the top destinations to visit for nature walks in Rwanda;
Volcanoes National Park
At Volcanoes National Park in Musanze, expect not only mountain gorilla treks, but also sensational nature walks. This park lies in the high altitude range of 2400 to 4507m and features 5 out of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes (including Bisoke, Karisimbi, Muhabura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga).
The Congo Nile Trail is best for a nature walk
While in Rwanda, the Congo Nile trail shouldn’t be left out. This trail extends 227 km and ushers nature lovers to unique spots, each with its distinct attractions. Guests get a chance to navigate along the dirt routes while appreciating the lush rainforest, scenic Lake Kivu, and watch residents as they conduct their daily farm activities, etc.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
In the far Southern Province of Rwanda is a stunning Nyungwe National Park, home to 13 species of primates and many other mammals. This park is popular for chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk, but also offers exceptional forest or nature walks. The nature walking trails to consider exploring during a guided nature walk in Nyungwe include the Umugote trail, the Karamba trail, the Igishigishigi nature walk, Imbaraga, Bigugu, Muzimu, the Kamiranzovu hiking trail, the Umoyove walking trail, and others.
Akagera National Park
As you go to the Eastern part of Rwanda, expect to explore Akagera National Park. This is a vast savanna Protected Area with an area coverage of 1122 sq. km and offers the best game viewing experiences. Nature walks in Akagera introduce you to some of its captivating landscapes while you explore the park’s hidden gem.
Akagera National Park is famous for its abundant wildlife and birdlife. This park is home to all the Big 5 game, more than 520 species of birds, and reptiles. Other common mammals in Akagera include zebras, hippos, giraffes, Topis, waterbucks, hyenas, oribis, and roan antelopes. It also contains genets, serval cats, bush babies, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, and mongoose.
Best Time for Nature Walks
Guided nature/forest walks can be enjoyed at any time of the year. However, you can experience the best of Uganda/Rwanda nature walks during the peak dry season from June to September or December to February, as per the travel calendar. While preparing for your nature walk excursions, it is also possible to have essentials like waterproof walking boots, a rain jacket, a first aid kit, a camera, a sweater, and a safari hat, etc.
Conclusion: Nature walks offer complete immersion into the hidden gem. Book with us a tour to Uganda or Rwanda (East Africa) to experience the hidden treasures in your favorite destinations.