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Bird Watching Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Hiking Visit Uganda

Honeymoon Trip to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Honeymoon trip to Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park

The best activities to do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on your honeymoon were carefully chosen by our team. After a laborious wedding, rekindling your marriage by going on a honeymoon safari to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest allows you to spend enough time together with little interruption.

You both need those joyful times apart from the stressful milieu of the previous engagement or wedding preparations. Various gorilla families may be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and getting to know them makes you appreciate gorillas even more. About 18 gorilla families currently exist in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, all of which live in different parts of the park.

The park is renowned for housing nearly half of all mountain gorillas in the world. According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority, you must travel to Bwindi forest to obtain a gorilla trekking permit from the Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Rushaga areas. It is possible to close off a gorilla family and purchase all other gorilla permits for that family for the day to have an exclusive gorilla trekking experience. There can be no more than 8 individuals per trek per day with the mountain gorillas.

You can go on a romantic nature stroll through the Bwindi forest, stopping sometimes to see the birds, butterflies, waterfalls, enormous trees coated in thick lichens, and other natural sights. If you love listening to the wonderful songs of thousands of birds, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the perfect location for you to spend your honeymoon. You get the opportunity to see birds such the Collared Apalis, Red-faced Woodland, Western Green Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Tinkerbird, African Green Broadbill, and many more at your own leisure.

Best things to do while on your honeymoon trip

  • Gorilla Trekking
  •   Nature Walk
  • Community Visit
  • Birding
  • Primate Walk

A Honeymoon Trip to See Gorillas

The most popular thing to do while on your honeymoon in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is gorilla trekking. As one of the few woods to have survived the arid conditions of the ice age, Bwindi forest is home to a variety of fauna. Its vegetative cover has existed as a patchwork of tangles for more than 25,000 years.

There are only three nations in the world where mountain gorillas are still alive: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to the greatest number. Gorilla trekking becomes so exciting as a couple because it serves as a reminder to prioritize your family over your marriage. It’s romantic to assist one another in getting ready for gorilla trekking equipment. Another perk is ordering the gorilla trekking permits and getting them. A lifetime memory is meeting the mountain gorillas after getting married or getting engaged and sealing your love. You meet at the ranger station the morning of the gorilla hike for a briefing, and your ranger guide then directs you into the forest.

Nature Walk in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on Your Honeymoon

Being in love is a natural emotion, therefore taking a break to stroll around the outdoors is reviving. Other hikes besides those for gorilla trekking are accessible, particularly in the Buhoma sector, the busiest region of the Bwindi forest.

Taking some of these trails will take you to the park’s most impressive features, such as waterfalls, which give amazing vistas and the chance to see a variety of birds, primates, gorgeous butterflies, rare trees, and other creatures.

These hikes begin either in the morning around 9:00 or in the afternoon around 14:00. Some of these nature walks include the Muzabajiro Loop including a trip to Rububira Hill, where you can see the Rift Valley, Virunga Volcanoes, and Bwindi Forest in all their magnificence. As sparkling waterfalls are revealed, the waterfall trail winds through the forest, avoiding tree ferns and orchids. You may see lots of birds and groups of monkeys on the Munyanga River route, which takes you to the edge of the forest.

Birdwatching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park while on a honeymoon

A birding tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park would truly make you feel like Lover Birds. The Ruhija section of Bwindi Forest is the most fascinating for birdwatchers in Africa. You can plan a trip to Mubwindi Swamp in Ruhija as enthusiastic birders on your honeymoon.

You can hike through this undeveloped area of Bwindi Woodland for three hours, allowing you the chance to see both forest and grassland bird species. For birders, the River Ivi route in Bwindi Forest is fantastic. This route links the Buhoma area with Nkuringo in the south along an ancient road that runs through the forest.

Mountain Masked and chestnut-throated Apalises, African Hill Babbler, Archer’s Robin-chat, Red-throated Alethe, Rwenzori Batis, and odd Weaver are a few of the birds you might observe. Your honeymoon will be more fun if you have a photo album of the activities you enjoy doing even when away from home.

A Honeymoon Community Tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Buhoma community walk

The community is involved in the conservation program for the mountain gorillas in a variety of ways, one of which being this three-hour hike. Discovering the residents’ occupations and how they love spending time with their families is a great opportunity. Visits to the local healer, tours of the brewery that makes banana beer, and, upon request, performances by local dance troupes are just a few of the activities you might enjoy.

Nkuringo Community walk

You can also do this if you went for gorilla trekking in the south. Visit the local blacksmith, healer, homestead, and beer brewer of bananas. Doing different things on significant occasions, such as a honeymoon, feels special. You will always cherish these recollections.

While on a honeymoon, you can observe other primates in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Aside from mountain gorillas, Bwindi Forest is home to more than 10 different primate species. Since the bulk of these monkeys are vegetarians, and Bwindi Forest is a great source of food, the over 200 indigenous tree species that already exist provide a nice home for them. Blue monkeys, chimpanzees though they are wild and infrequently seen chimpanzees, olive baboons, L’Hoest’s, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, and many more primates are among the primates you might observe. Truly a primate haven, Bwindi forest should be included on your honeymoon itinerary. You may see the primate kingdom by going on a romantic forest walk in Bwindi.

How to Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park during your Honeymoon trip

By Vehicle

You can go to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by a number of ways, but you must leave early to avoid traffic in the city and to allow yourself to take your time on the upcountry roads without becoming anxious.

Kampala – Kabale – Kanungu – Buhoma

Travel 414 kilometers on a tarmac road starting from Entebbe or Kampala city. The journey continues with a winding marram road for another 120 km through Kanungu and Kanyantorogo.

Kampala – Kabale – Rujija – Buhoma

It is approximately 95 kilometers long and passes through Kabale on its way to Rujiha and Buhoma.

Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kihihi – Buhoma

This is the best way to take if you have a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park but need to leave to do gorilla trekking. The distance between Mweya and Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park is 64 km and 160 km, respectively. There is a good probability of seeing lions that climb trees while traveling.

Kampala – Ntungamo – Rukungiri – Kihihi – Buhoma

The journey to Rukungiri from Kampala takes about 8 hours, not including pauses, and is about 390 kilometres long. Continue for 82 kilometers (km) on a murram road from Rukungiri to Buhoma.

Kampala – Kabale – Nkuringo

It takes roughly 4 hours to go 150 kilometers from Kabale to Nkuringo on a curvy murram road. Take advantage of a pit stop in Kisoro, which is 80 kilometers from the Nkuringo gorilla trekking area. A road is about 35 kilometers from Kisoro, so anyone can spend the night here and go gorilla trekking the next day. You have to drive for around an hour and a half before briefing.

By Flights to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrip

Every day, domestic flights go from Kajjansi Airstrip or Entebbe Airport to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip. You could decide to reserve a transfer vehicle along with flights. From Entebbe or Kajjansi, private charter flight arrangements can be made in advance. The planes do not land in Bwindi, so a transfer car to the lodge is required. All of these agreements must be made in advance.

When Is the Best Time to Reserve a Honeymoon trip In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

A year-round experience, gorilla trekking is available in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. There are more people in and around the park during the busy seasons. The months of June through September and December see the highest tourist traffic. Even inside the lodges, there are fewer tourists during the shoulder seasons of March through May and November. During this time, you have additional alone time and an intimate setting to enjoy as newlyweds without interruption.

What to Bring on Your Honeymoon trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Hiking boots for tracking that can handle slick terrain.

You can maintain a firmer hold on the tangled foliage while you slide by wearing garden gloves to keep your hands warm.

A raincoat or poncho in case it suddenly starts to rain. Energy boosts to encourage you to keep searching for the mountain gorillas.

Wear warm clothing because Bwindi Forest occasionally experiences temperatures as low as 7 degrees centigrade. Extremely chilly conditions prevail in the mornings and at night. What to bring while going gorilla trekking may also be of interest to you.

To protect your skin from stinging insects, use insect repellent.

A camera to record every second of your encounter with the gorilla family.

Lightweight waterproof bag to keep your gear from becoming wet or lost in the wild.

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Hiking Mount Rwenzori Uganda Safari

How Do I Prepare for Rwenzori Mountain Trek?

How Do I Prepare for Rwenzori Mountain Trek?

How Do I Prepare for Rwenzori Mountain Trek? Mount Rwenzori Hiking is one of the most thrilling Uganda adventure tours, taking hikers to the enormous snow-capped Rwenzori Mountain Ranges; preparing for a Rwenzori Mountain Hike is a part any hiker should put into consideration when planning a Rwenzori Mountain Hike. Protected by the Rwenzori Mountain National Park, the Rwenzori Mountains rank as Africa’s third highest peak, located in southwestern Uganda along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The park covers over 100,000 hectares and protects the majority of the famed Rwenzori Mountain system, which contains some of Africa’s highest peaks. These include Mount Stanley Margherita (5,109m), Alexandra (5,083m), Mount Speke (4,890m), Mount Emin (4,791m), Mount Gessi (4,715m), and Mount Luigi da Savoia (4,627m). It is one of Africa’s most stunning alpine locations due to the surrounding glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes. The park has a lot of natural habitats for vulnerable species as well as rich and distinctive vegetation, including the enormous heather.

Rwenzori Mountain Hiking

Each year, many hikers visit the Rwenzori Mountains, attracted by their astounding nature. Hikes up the mountain begin inside Rwenzori Mountains National Park The Central Circuit Trail and the Kilembe Trail are the two most popular trails that lead into the Rwenzori Alps. The central circuit journeys from Nyakalengija to Guyeoman, passing via John Matte hut, Bujuku hut, Elena hut, and Kitandara hut and is a 9 to 10-day hike. The alternative path, on the other hand, ascends the Nyamwamba Valley above Kilembe towards Kasese. Hiking through these trails up the Rwenzori Mountains is an adventure to cherish forever, but it takes bravery, devotion, and strength to get there. The walk is appropriate for hikers and climbers of all skill levels. To reach the pinnacle, you don’t need any talents, only sheer physical fitness.

Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains for beginners may appear difficult, but it is not. The walk is full of surprises as each footstep takes you further into the bush and across diverse stunning sights in Africa. Aside from wildlife, you will meet the Bakonjo people along the path; their warmth, humility, and expressions of thanks to every climber will astound you Rwenzori Trekking Services and Rwenzori Mountaineering Services are the two organizations that oversee and supervise all hikes on the Rwenzori Mountains. Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) is a local community tourism organization founded to monitor Mount Rwenzori Hiking activities and help residents benefit from tourism and improve their livelihoods. The organization hires local guys as guides and porters and further spends the proceeds on community-based initiatives.

How to Prepare for a Rwenzori Mountain Hike!

While hiking Mount Rwenzori is one of the best things to enjoy on Uganda safaris, it is not for the faint of heart. Because the Rwenzori is a mountain range, reaching the summit requires several up-and-down paths; unlike with conventional mountains, where the only way to the peak is to climb. And despite being suitable for all types of hikers, it takes courage and proper preparation to embark on a Rwenzori Mountain Hike.  Besides packing all of the necessary items for your hike, you must adhere to all Rwenzori Mountain trekking recommendations and suggestions to succeed and conquer your hike. The following are some hiking tips and tactics that may be useful when preparing for your Rwenzori Mountain Hike;

Choose a Reputable Tour Operator

When planning your Rwenzori Mountain Hike, it is crucial to book with a reputable tour operator business, because your hiking experience is dependent on the company that will customize your Rwenzori Mountain hiking tour. There are various service providers to choose from including the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services, (RMS), Rwenzori Trekking Services (RTS), the Rwenzori Ranges Hikers Association (RRHA), and the Mountain Slayers Uganda. Moreover, here at Experiya Tour Company, we may also provide advising services, having partnered with these organizations and established a reputable working relationship. Furthermore, our members have extensive expertise in mountain hiking destinations in Uganda and Africa as a whole, as well as great working ties with the best mountain professionals on the ground.

Be Physically  Fit Enough to Hike

Although the Rwenzori Mountain Hike is a multi-day, high-altitude expedition, you do not need to be a skilled hiker to reach the summit, especially with the assistance of a tour guide. However, to enhance your chances of conquering the hike, make sure you are in good physical shape and you can do this by running, cycling, and other aerobic workouts to increase endurance before embarking on the hike. Before traveling for your Rwenzori Mountain Hike, ensure to have a doctor check your vitals and report any existing problems that may compromise your breathing and circulation. The mountain may be a harsh environment but there’s no need to be concerned if you are new to mountain climbing. During the ideal time of the year, the terrain and path conditions in the Rwenzori Mountains are suitable for most if not all hikers to reach the summit.

Choose to Hike at the Ideal  Time of the Year

When planning for a Rwenzori Mountain Hike, the ideal time of the year should be put into consideration. Being a mountain, the weather patterns in the Rwenzori Mountain Ranges vary. However, in most cases, these weather patterns are affected by the climatic patterns in the surrounding region such as Kasese and Bundibugyo. Nonetheless, the ideal time to go Rwenzori Mountain Hiking is during the dry season between June to September and December through February. This isn’t to say you can’t do it during the rainy season, but you should prepare for more precipitation, slippery and muddy hiking trails, in addition to a lot of coldness But regardless of the season, make sure to pack gumboots and other appropriate waterproof gear.

Pack the Appropriate Hiking Gear

Packing the appropriate gear for a Rwenzori Mountain Hike, including what to wear, hiking, and camping equipment, is critical when planning your Uganda safari. Hiking boots, a sleeping bag, a headlamp, an ice axe, hiking ropes, crampons, a rain jacket, long pants, shirts, warm sweaters or jackets, quality hiking boots, warm hiking gloves, thick socks, a warm scarf, water bottle, a good camera, extra batteries, insect repellent, and toiletries are some of the things you ought to pack for your hike. It’s also a good idea to bring energy snacks for when the tank runs low. Your agent can help enlighten you about all the necessary gear required.

Cost of the Rwenzori Mountain Hike

This is one of the most vital elements of planning your Rwenzori Mountain Hike. An 8-day hike to Mount Baker’s top with Rwenzori Trekking Services (RTS) costs around USD 1,200 and this cost will cover practically everything, including park entrance, tented or hut lodging, meals, and a porter. If you need hiking equipment, this will be priced separately. On the other hand, a 9-day Rwenzori Mountain Hike to Mount Stanley’s Margherita top will cost around USD 1,280. It does not, however, include park fees, and you may require at least five three porters for each hiker. Moreover, park entrance fees by UWA are charged per day.

With the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS), a 7-day hike along the Central Circuit costs USD1,250 and a 9-day hike up to Mount Stanley costs USD 1,530. Any extra days on the mountain can cost around USD 120 per day, and further summits can be climbed for USD 150 per peak. These rates include two porters, park entrance fees, lodging, and two porters but do not include meals. Whether you book directly through their offices in Kasese, UWA headquarters in Kampala, or your tour operator, Rwenzori Mountaineering Services will make all preparations for you.

Furthermore, tipping is another element of your Rwenzori Mountain Hike cost, though it is not mandatory. Nonetheless, it is a good gesture. It is customary to tip guides and porters after your hiking trip. With your tip, you are directly assisting their family and local communities. You can give tips to the crew that takes you throughout your Rwenzori Mountain Hike, including your lead guide, an assistant guide, a team of porters, and a cook These are the people that ensure your trip is a success.

Carry Medication and a First Aid Kit

Hikers, whether novice or expert, should bring extra medication and a first aid kit to help with any injury or illness during a Rwenzori Mountain Hike. There is no medicine provided during hiking, nor is there a medical center in the park; hence, to prevent missing out on your Rwenzori Mountain Hike due to illness bring enough medication as well as a first aid kit in your backpack. When traveling, we always recommend that you speak with your doctor for valuable kit advice so that you bring the proper medication, especially if you’re a beginner

Safety Tips for a Rwenzori Mountain Hike

Pace yourself

During your Rwenzori Mountain Hike, especially on multi-day, high-altitude hikes, keep in mind that you are not in a race and thus, keep it slow, steady, and safe. Taking your time and not being in a hurry might assist you in avoiding weariness. It is important to go slowly and listen to your body; don’t overstress and don’t push yourself too hard on your first hike. Remember the goal is the journey, not the destination. Most beginners often push themselves hard to reach the summit as soon as possible to limit the number of days trekking, which can be very dangerous to your body.

For instance, a 7 or 8-day Rwenzori trek is a lengthy walk that needs an average level of fitness for beginners. Therefore, take your time and give yourself enough rest after each day of hiking so your body can regain its regular vigor before embarking on another day of hiking. And en route your hike, it is far preferable to take breaks, rest and take deep breaths to avoid burning out. Remember the closer you get to the peak, the less the air becomes, and thus the possibility of altitude sickness rises with each step.

Acclimatize

Acclimatization is one of the key techniques for successful mountain hiking and while on a Rwenzori Mountain Hike, it is vital to acclimatize. Each day will take you over high-low terrain for optimal acclimatization, which is essential for maintaining your body’s oxygen level. As a result, get enough rest and acclimate before ascending to a higher altitude the next day. Inadequate acclimatization might result in catastrophic illnesses on the mountain. However, you can condition yourself with day hikes before your actual hike to become more fit and prepared for your forthcoming trip.

All in all, whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, a Rwenzori Mountain Hike is an adventure you will find exciting. More so with the right time, appropriate gear, reputable tour operator, and adherence to the safety precautions for hiking expect to have the safest and most pleasurable mountain hiking experience, especially long-distance treks to altitudes as high as Mount Rwenzori.