For nature enthusiasts, Uganda is best explored while on nature or forest walk. It unveils the hidden treasure that this magical country has in off to the world visitors including primate species, birds, significant plant and tree species that are of medicinal importance, colorful butterflies a mention but a few. For an ultimate nature or forest walk, consider visiting these magnificent areas a must while on a tour in Uganda.
Murchison Falls National Park
Besides game drives, Murchison Falls National Park is an ideal site for you to embark on nature walk or even forest walk. Nature walks are conducted in savanna grassland areas as well as the Budongo forest which forms part of this expansive park. This park lies in northwestern Uganda and features as a country’s largest park. It is about 4-5 hours’ drive from Kampala city center and along your way, you can also pay a visit to the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary the only place where you can track rhinos to make a complete list of the big five game in Uganda.
Kibale forest national park
This park is situated in western Uganda and it is a few most endowed protected areas with variety of primate species including over 1500 chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkey, red tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys a mention but a few. Amazingly, most of these primates can be spotted while on nature walks or primate walk. While on nature walk tour in this park, you can spend a night at primate lodge, Ndali lodge and others. Besides, you will also have a chance to sight at numerous bird species that make up a total of over 350 avifaunal species in this park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
This is Uganda’s second largest conservation area and boasts of its expansive savanna and woodland that comes with breathtaking views of the surrounding areas. Equally, it is ideal for nature walks and rewards travel endeavors with incredible views of varied birds as well as many savanna dwellers. Over 620 bird species are inhabited in this park as well as elephants, buffaloes, lions including the rare tree climbing lions, leopards, antelope families a mention but a few.
Mabira forest reserve
This beautiful rainforest is situated approximately 54 kilometers off Kampala capital city and approximately 20 kilometers’ drive to Jinja along Jinja-Kampala road. This natural wonder lies at the border of Najjembe village about 500 meters north of the main road. Tourism program in this forest reserve began in 1995 with a major aim of ensuring sustainable revenue from the forest by establishing an educational resource and recreational resource for Ugandans and other non-Ugandans. To explore this magnificent forest reserve, there are many trails that have been established. For those of you who may need something a bit strenuous, you can embark on 25 kilometer bike trail which connects the forest to the adjacent sugar and tea plantations. Besides nature/forest walks, you can also engage in bird watching, mountain biking, cycle trails or simply relax and enjoy your picnic lunch at the forest center.
Budongo forest
If you are planning to pay a visit to Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo is that one magical forest reserve you need not to miss to explore. It is 3 to 4 hours’ drive as you head to Murchison Falls National Park and features as one of Uganda’s most expansive forest reserves. On forest walk, you will wind through its older mahogany and iron forest trees while exploring more about its tree species, plant, primate species as well as bird species. This comprises of Busingiro and Kaniyo Pabidi ecotourism sites that feature as main tourist sites in this forest reserve. A part from nature walks, you can also be of chimpanzee trekking and other activities.
Busingiro Ecotourism Site
The site is perfect for chimpanzee adventures, birding that is mainly conducted at Royal Mile about 14 kilometers away from Busingiro Ecotourism site. While at this place, you can spend a night at Nyabyabya forest guesthouse or African village guesthouse with 9 self-contained cottages.
Mpanga forest reserve
Suitably located approximately 37 kilometers’ drive west from Kampala via Masaka road, exists this magnificent forest reserve. Mpanga forest is one of the stunning forests in Uganda and mainly designated for research in 1953. It comprises of many trails that reward visitors with incredible views of bird species, monkeys, butterflies and others.