Hiking safaris in Uganda offer the best of on-foot-walk experience to tourists to discover the undiscovered Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Uganda is a remarkable hiking safari destination and boasts of many established trails.
Hiking safaris in Uganda are amazing in that hikers have opportunity to hike up the Virunga volcanoes, immerse themselves into the savannas with diverse wildlife, hike through the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges or go on forest walks. You have the best of the off-the beaten path while on hiking safaris in Uganda.
HIKING TRAILS/NATURE WALKS/CLIMBS IN UGANDA.
Rwenzori Mountain Ranges.
Hiking up the Rwenzori Mountain ranges on hiking safaris in Uganda means exploring the highest mountain range in Africa. Mt. Rwenzori lies within the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uganda. This magnificent block mountain is found at the border between Uganda and D.R. Congo.
On a hike through Rwenzori Mountain ranges, you get to explore its Margherita its highest peak which is on Mt. Stanley. Margherita peak rises up to 5,109m and it is snow-capped. In Africa, Margherita is the 3rd highest peak after Mt. Kilimanjaro and Kenya’s peaks.
Hiking through Mt. Rwenzori takes you through challenging experiences yet also comes with breathtaking views of the peaks and surrounding areas. A complete hike for Rwenzori Mountain ranges takes from 7 days or more.
Hiking/nature trails in Bwindi National Park.
Popular for its thrilling mountain gorilla trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is undoubtedly one of the best hiking safari destinations in Uganda. It prides itself of diverse nature trails worth exploring by nature lovers. They include;
Muyanga waterfall trail; this nature trail is magical to explore and hikers start their exploration from Buhoma on the Ivy river-Nkuringo trail. It leads hikers up to the beautiful waterfalls.
Muzubijiro loop; this takes you on a 6kms walk along the hillside of Bwindi but rewards hikers with astonishing sight of primates, birds and view of the Virunga area.
Ivy river trail; this is 14kms trail, about 7 hours hiking experience. It takes you through the popular mukempunu which means a place of pigs.
Rushura hill walk; this trail leads hikers via a forest which is shared by Uganda and D.R. Congo. If you are hiking during the clear day, you will enjoy amazing view of Lake Edward and George plus the Rwenzori Mountain ranges.
Buhoma-Nkuringo trail; this nature trail is 3-4 hours and takes you across Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Hiking through this trail allows you to interact with 2 communities; the Buhoma and Nkuringo communities.
Habinyanja trail; this is 4-6 hour’ trail which takes you steep slopes on the Habigorogoro and Riyovi ridge which overviews the Buhoma river.
Hiking Mt. Elgon & Sipi falls.
Mt. Elgon is a rewarding hiking safari destination in Uganda. Hikers have a chance to explore not only the park’s primates, interesting birds, tree species but also the caves, waterfalls to mention but a few. Mt. Elgon features the largest caldera in the world and its highest peak ‘Wagagai’ stands at elevation of 4321m. There are numerous trails to embark on hiking safari in Mt. Elgon and they include the mountain bamboo trail to Kapkwai cave which is 7kms, about 4 hours’ hike. This trail takes you up to Kapkwai cave and you navigate via the tropical forest and bamboo forests.
Hikes can also be done from Wanale and you have a chance to visit the Khauka cave. The trial here takes hikers 3-4 hours. From Budadiri, you will explore amazing sites like Mudagi cliffs, drigana lower falls and Sasa River camp, among others.
Hiking in Mgahinga National Park.
A visit to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is more than getting a magical encounter with mountain gorillas. Enthusiastic hikers aren’t left out. Hikers can hike up Mt. Muhabura (4127m). This is one of the stunning Virunga volcanoes and derives its name from local word which denotes ‘The Guide.’ A hike to the top of Mt. Muhabura allows you explore its beautiful lake and you enjoy clear views of Rwanda and other parts of Uganda. You may need 8 hours to have a round trip to climb Mt. Muhabura.
Mt. Sabyinyo (3660m) is another amazing place to embark on hiking safari. This takes its name from local language which means Old man’s teeth and this is due to its rugged summit which you will witness yourself on a hike. Alternatively, hike up Mt. Gahinga (3474m), best known as small pile of rocks. Hiking Gahinga volcano takes 6 hours and, on a hike, you go through a bamboo forest.
Other places to visit for hiking/nature walking safaris in Uganda include Semuliki National Park, Mount Morungole in Karamoja region, Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park.
What to carry on Uganda hiking safari holiday?
For a successful hiking safari in Uganda, ensure that you have the right gear. When packing for your next hiking holiday, the following should be a must-have; hiking boots-light-weight and waterproof, plenty of drinking water, energy giving snacks, camera, comfortable clothes, rain jacket, first aid kit, sun hat, insect repellent and others.
When to come for hiking safaris in Uganda?
Hiking safaris in Uganda are best enjoyed during the dry months of the year. Therefore, the dry months to mark on your calendar when planning your next hiking safari to Uganda are; June to September while a short dry season is also ideal for hiking; these are December, January and February.
