Hiking & Nature Walks

Hiking/Nature walks in Murchison Falls National Park allow Uganda safari undertakers to explore this park on foot to discover its beauty.

Various trails can be followed during the nature walks but only 3 are permitted for the walks in the park.

The trails are;

1. Murchison falls hike
2. The Kaniyo Pabidi eco-tourism site in the Budongo forest
3. Rabongo Forest

The forest walks offer impressive sights of Uganda birds and Uganda primates like Chimpanzees, Vervet monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Red-tailed Monkeys, etc.

The walks are done in the morning and the afternoons. These walks are guided as you are escorted by guides or rangers.

Nature walks in Murchison Falls National Park usually last around 1-3 hours

Murchison Falls Hike In Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison falls hike is one of the parks’ remarkable highlights.

The highlight starts with a launch trip from Paraa and stops at Baker’s point. This is where the nature hike trail to the top of the falls starts. This short journey lasts for about 45 minutes.

This trail to the top of the falls will always leave you wanting more. You become mesmerized by the dramatic and spectacular scenery created by the falls.

From the thunder roar of the tumbling and wrestling water through a narrow gorge of less than 8m. It then sheers a vertical drop of about 43m.

The chilled mist thrusted up into the air to create a spectacular display of rainbow colors and mild fog. You will indeed appreciate nature’s work when you finally get to the top of the falls.

Murchison Falls Hike Fees

Nature Walks In Budongo Forest In Budongo Forest

Budongo Forest has well-developed walking trails that are suitable for nature walking. The extensive trail system in the forest sums to 115km in total.

The trails bring visitors close to nature as they can easily feel, listen and smell what Mother Nature has to offer this wilderness.

The trail terrains in the forest are flat making it suitable for every tourist who is interested in the activity.

Most walking trails start at the Kaniyo Pabidi eco-tourism site. They go through the forest leading to marvelous sightings of wildlife. The walks are usually return trips as they end at the site.

Nature walks at Kaniyo Pabidi start at 8 am and 2 pm and lasts for about 2 hours.

While on the trails, please be on the lookout for various primate species like;

• Olive Baboons
• Blue Monkeys
• Pottos Monkeys
• Black and White Colobus Monkeys
• Vervet Monkeys
• Red-tailed Monkeys
• Grey-Cheeked Mangabeys

And of course, the Chimpanzees that will come and say hello as you are in their backyard.

Birders are in the right spot as Budongo forest has over 320 bird species with endemics and migratory birds.

The birds in the forest include;

The walking trails will as well lead you to various tree species which are among Uganda’s oldest trees. Some of the Mahogany trees have grown up to 80 meters.

Many of the Mahogany trees are above 50 years. Forest researchers will tell you more interesting stories about the trees.

Budongo forest attracts many animals like bushbucks, Oribis, Uganda Kob, Elephants, and Buffaloes that come into the forest.

Budongo Eco-Lodge runs and manages the nature walks done at the Kaniyo Pabidi eco-tourism site.

Nature Walk Fees -Cost At Kaniyo Pabidi In Budongo Forest

Nature walks at Kaniyo Pabidi are at a fee of $40 per person

These fares are only applicable to foreign non-residents and are exclusive of park entrance fees.

Nature Walks In Murchison Falls National Park In Rabongo Forest

Rabongo Forest is a natural tropical rainforest that forms an extension of Murchison Falls National Park.

The forest is situated in the southeast of the park and it is just 1 and half hour’s drive from Paraa.

The natural forest has got variant tree species that form a true Ugandan amazon forest.

Mahogany trees are in big numbers and so tall with an estimated height of up to 60 meters.

Other tree species include parasitic Strangler Figs, Spiky Faraga trees, and Ironwood.

The other surrounding vegetation of the forest is made up of savannah grasslands and forest woodlands stretching to about 4km2.

Rabongo forest has got walking trails leading to Wairingo River which is beside the forest. Visitors can always walk along its shores in search of birds and primates.

The forest is a good destination for camping and picnic safaris as visitors camp around River Wairingo.

The nature walking trails in Rabongo Forest will give you great opportunities to sight primates like,

• Blue Monkeys
• Vervet Monkeys
• Red-tailed Monkeys
• Mangabey Monkeys

Many bird species are in the forest and are seen whistling like Hornbills, Bee-eaters, woodpeckers, Bushrikes, etc.

Please Note

The remoteness of Rabongo Forest sometimes attracts many predators like Lions and Leopards. Always be cautious when in the forest.

The Other nature walk trails in Murchison Falls Park are on the southern bank starting from Sambiya River Lodge or the Mubako junction.

Nature walks are as well enjoyed in other national parks of Uganda like Kibale National Park, Bwindi National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The Best Time Of The Year-Best Season To Go For Nature Walks In Murchison Falls National Park

Nature Walks in Murchison Falls National Park is done throughout the year. However, the best time is in the dry season when the walking trails are dry making accessibility easy.

The dry months are from December to February and from June to August.

In the wet season, the trails are wet and muddy being slippery leading to delays in the activity.

Wet months are from March to May and from September to November. However, migrant birds are in the park from November to April.

What To Wear When Going For Nature Walks In Murchison Falls National Park

There is specific wear you need to put on when going for nature walks in Murchison Falls National Park.

Always be casual and wear light.

Here is what you can wear when going nature walking in the park.

1. Light Hiking Boots
2. Long-sleeved light trousers and shirts
3. Garden Gloves
4. Sunglasses and a hat

1. Light Hiking boots

Light hiking boots should not be heavy since you are walking in the forest for some hours.

The boots protect your feet from sharp piercing tree branches and also keep your feet dry during wet days

2. Long-sleeved light trousers and shirts

Long-sleeved light trousers and shirts protect you from scratching and itching plants during the walks.

They can as well keep you warm during cold days.

3. Garden Gloves

Gloves keep you safe from itching and thorny plants that you may come to contact with.

4. Sunglasses and hat

These two items are very important to come with. The sunglasses protect your eyes from direct sunlight rays.

Since the walks are best in the dry months, the area is always hot. A hat will reduce the direct contact of the sun with your head.

What To Carry When Going For Nature Walks In Murchison Falls National Park

When going for nature walks in Murchison park, be prepared well enough to enjoy the walks, here are a few items you should carry.

1. Wildlife guide book
2. A good camera with extra batteries
3. A pair of binoculars
4. Poncho/ Rain Jacket
5. Insect Repellent
6. Packed lunch or Snacks
7. Bottled Water
8. Backpack
9. Walking sticks

1. Wildlife Guide Book

A wildlife guidebook will help you understand better about specific wildlife. Most guidebooks are mostly about birds and animals as they explain in detail about an individual species.

2. A good camera and extra batteries

Cameras are for capturing wildlife during the walks. You can take photos of birds and as well capture memorable moments during your nature walk encounter.

Since the park is wildlife rewarding, there will be more to capture. You are advised to carry extra charged batteries and memory cards.

3. A pair of Binoculars

During the nature walks, you come across many birds and animals of different species but binoculars zoom them close for clear viewings.

4. Poncho/ Rain Jacket

Always carry a poncho or a rain jacket since Ugandan weather is unpredictable. The rain jacket keeps you from getting wet.

5. Insect Repellent

The insect repellent will protect you from dangerous insect bites. Murchison Falls Park has many tsetse flies and mosquitoes.

6. Packed Lunch or Snacks

Nature walks may lead to longer hours than expected. So it is advisable to carry something to eat. This can be packed lunch or snacks like chocolate or candy bars, biscuits, and dried fruits.

7. Bottled water

Always carry water or other beverages to keep you hydrated since you walk quite long distances for some hours.

8. Back pack

A backpack will hold all other items that are with you and make it easy for carrying.

9. Walking stick

Walking sticks act as a third leg. They give you more support when walking especially in areas that are steep and slippery.

Precautions To Know When Going For Nature Walks In Murchison Falls National Park

We want you to enjoy your safari full of nature walks in the Murchison Falls National Park and that’s why you need to be safe.

To ensure safety during nature walks there are precautions to follow and below is a list you can look at for guidance.

• Do not go on your own for nature walks in the park as it is not safe.
• Always follow the ranger or guide during nature walks as he knows the way.
• Always make sure to stay with your colleagues not separating away from them. Keep up and walk at the same pace.
• Dress appropriately when going for nature walks
• Do not go off track during nature walks. Always follow the permitted trails or tracks.
• If you have children, they should use their eyes to see and not disturb nature.
• Always keep your low not to disturb and take away wildlife’s freedom.
• When going for nature walks, apply yourself with insect repellent and sunscreen.
• Carry water during your nature walks to stay hydrated.
• Be mindful of crawling creatures like snakes and other hazards.
• In case you find primates during nature walks, do not feed them with any edibles. This can cause trouble when primates still want more to eat or the food may be poisonous.
• Be vigilant and avoid touching plants that you don’t know as these can be poisonous.
• Do not litter in the park as this kills nature.

Why do Nature Walks In Murchison Falls National Park?

Nature walks are good to do while on your Murchison falls safari. Even if tiring due to the long trails, there are benefits to nature walking that we want to share with you.

1. Enjoy nature

The main benefit of nature walks in Murchison Falls National Park is that you get to enjoy a variety of nature in the wild. The diversity and beauty of the forests with the landscape of the park will leave you mesmerized.

You will want to assume that the creator took more than 2 days working only on Murchison Falls National Park.

2. Development of Observation skills

Nature walks in Murchison Falls National Park bring you outside into the natural world. There is a lot in nature and if not keen enough you may not be able to identify some species.

If you focus very well during the walks, you may see so much more than you expected. This only comes if you have good observation skills.

3. Reduce stress

I know you are wondering how nature walks reduce stress! The walks will reduce that pile of stress that is on your mind even though it may not take it all away.

When you look at nature during the walks, there is a way your mind is diverted. The mind starts focusing on nature and what you are seeing in the process forgetting what was stressing you. Isn’t that magic? Try it sometime.

4. Improves physical fitness

When you engage in nature walks, they improve your physicality mentally and your levels of fitness.

The walks stretch your legs and arms in different directions making them used and stronger. Hiking to the top of the falls is the real deal in improving fitness as it requires some bit of fitness.

5. Socializing

Socializing may not be for everyone but for those interested in meeting new people find it easy during their travels.

You get to meet other people during nature walks whom you may interact with and share your experiences.

Nature walks are a lifetime experience as you explore the park on foot. Nature walks will have you hike to the top of the falls to see the world’s strongest waterfalls.

The walks in the Budongo Forest will have you meet Uganda’s primates like Chimpanzees, Red-tailed Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, and many more.

Several Uganda bird species are seen in the Budongo Forest and Rabongo Forest that are not easily seen anywhere.

Let us help you enjoy nature walks in Murchison Falls Park when on your Uganda safari.

Related Questions

What Do You Do On A Nature Walk?

During nature walks Murchison Falls National Park, you look out for wildlife. This is mostly birds, wild animals, butterflies, amphibians, and plant species.

Nature walks bring you close to wild nature as you can enjoy the sounds of nature and stretch in the wild.

Are Nature Walks Safe?

Yes, Nature walks are safe. When going for nature walks, you are escorted or accompanied by professional rangers. The rangers are armed and always lead the way.