Mubwindi trail in Bwindi

Mubwindi trail in Bwindi: Bwindi national park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda popular for gorilla trekking. Mountain gorillas are some of the endangered animals listed on the IUCN and they have attracted a lot of travelers from different parts of the world who come to see animals that are said to be close relatives to human beings with 98% human DNA.

Mubwindi trail in Bwindi

Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is home to over 10 primate species, 120 mammals, 350 bird species, 51 reptiles, 310 butterflies, and more than 160 tree species. Gorilla trekking is the most done activity in Bwindi but there are other activities that one can do in this park among which include hiking and nature walks. Different hiking trails are seen in all the sectors of the park to help travelers explore the area on foot.

Mubwindi trail is one of the best trails in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park found in the Buhoma region. It’s a 4-5 hour trail taking you through the jungles of Bwindi as well as the swamp with breathtaking views of nature and its attractions. Mubwindi trails is one of the best trails for birding in Bwindi and for one to use this trail, they must be allowed to and armed ranger guides must lead them throughout.

Tourists on nature walk through Mubwindi trail will get an opportunity to encounter different park animals moving around the jungle trying to look for food or resting. These animals include elephants, giant forest hogs, duikers, chimpanzees, bushpigs, mountain gorillas, buffaloes, bushbucks, and so many others. Tourists will also encounter different butterflies, reptiles, amphibians, and plants among others.

Mubwindi trail is said to be one of the best birding trails with a number of bird species and tourists are likely to encounter some of them. These bird species include hadada ibis, sacred ibis, cattle egret, bat hawk, shikra, African fish eagle, African jacana, specked pigeon, crowned hornbill, black crake, yellow bill, common cuckoo, ross turaco, greater honeyguide, black bee-eater, giant kingfisher, and African jacana among others.

Things to pack for Bwindi

Things to pack for Bwindi: Travelers that are intending to go through Mubwindi trail in Bwindi for activities such as birding or nature walks are advised to pack long-sleeved pants, long-sleeved shirts, long cotton stocks, waterproof hiking shoes, gardening gloves, a pair of gaiters, a rain jacket, a sweater, a hat, sunscreen, light backpack, insect repellents, a camera, a pair of binoculars, drinking water bottle and energy giving snacks among others.

When to explore Bwindi using Mubwindi trail

Mubwindi trails can be used during gorilla trekking and nature walks and birding activities in Bwindi at any time of the year, however, there are months that are better than the rest. The dry months are the best to visit Bwindi and use this trail because since there is little or no rainfall, the trail remains dry and passable, the vegetation around the trail is short and thin with great views of the animals and the roads leading to the park are passable.

Travelers can still visit Bwindi and use Mubwindi trail for nature walks and birding activities in the rainy season of March to May and October to November but they should know that during this time, the trekking trails are muddy and slippery which reduces the speed of walking, the vegetation is tall and thick with unclear views of the park animals and the roads connecting to the park are impassable.

Accommodation facilities in Bwindi

Travelers that are interested in Mubwindi trail of Bwindi must book accommodation facilities in the region where it’s found and this is Ruhija sector. There are so many accommodation facilities in Bwindi Ruhija sector ranging from budget to mid-range to luxury options and these include Cuckoo Land Tented Lodge, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Gorilla Mist Camp, Broadbill Forest Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Agandi Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, and Ecomarvels Gorilla Lodge.

Accessing Ruhija

Accessing Ruhija by road: Ruhija sector is located on the eastern side of Bwindi in southwestern Uganda and can be accessed using road transport or air transport within a single day. Road transport takes 9-10 hours from Kampala via Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, kanungu to Ruhija sector. Travelers coming from Kigali city to Ruhija sector of Bwindi national park can use Katuna birder in Kabale or Cyanika border in Kisoro and this journey takes 4-5 hours.

Accessing Ruhija by flight: Travelers that want to access Ruhija sector of Bwindi  national park in a quick way can fly to Kisoro airstrip from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airstrip using airline companies such as Fly Uganda, Aerolink Uganda, and Bar Aviation Uganda. The journey takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to Kisoro airstrip and getting to the region takes a few hours using road transport.