A visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is not only to trek mountain gorillas but also for you to hike to its scenic waterfalls that depict Uganda’s off-beaten beauty. Each waterfall in this pristine park offers visitors with a magical view. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in southwestern Uganda and it is shared by Kanungu, Kisoro and Kabale districts. Muyanga and Bayenda waterfalls are the two scenic waterfalls to explore while on Uganda safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For travelers on Uganda gorilla safari in this protected area, hiking to one of the magical waterfalls in this park should be a must-do and you won’t regret in life.
Muyanga waterfall
Muyanga waterfalls are found in Buhoma sector, the Northern gorilla trekking region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Enthusiastic hikers can take a hike or walk to these magical waterfalls after striking their imaginations with the rare mountain gorillas. The hikes to Muyanga waterfalls take you through the lush rainforest and partially bush track with log bridges at river crossings. It is about 9kms walk but incredibly, it rewards hikers or nature lovers on Uganda safari in Bwindi National Park. Hikers are escorted by professional park ranger guides and hikes start from the Buhoma area through the River Ivi Nkuringo trail. These waterfalls comprise of 3 levels and while here, you will be amazed by the picturesque view as they plummet 33 meters. Hiking to Muyanga waterfalls also rewards hikers with incredible sights at varied primates, birds and unique flora.
Other trails to hike in the Buhoma area beside the Muyanga river trail include Muzabajiro Loop trail, River Ivy trail, and Rushura hill trail.
Where to stay in Buhoma region
Buhoma area is comprised of accommodation choices like Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Silverback Lodge, and Buhoma Community Rest Camp.
Bayenda waterfalls
Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and discover the scenic Bayenda waterfalls. These picturesque waterfalls are in the Rushaga sector, the southern region of Bwindi National Park. Unlike other waterfalls, Bayenda waterfalls are not known to many thus offering hikers with authentic experiences. Bayenda waterfalls are set in between the large trees and rocks, providing the most scenic view to visitors with the feel of water drops. While here, don’t miss the powerful roar of the falls and enjoy the fresh air.
You can incorporate your guided nature walk to Bayenda waterfalls with gorilla trekking adventures in Rushaga region. The gorilla families to trek in Rushaga area include Kutu, Mucunguzi, Nshongi, Mishaya, Busingye, Kahungye, Bikingi, Bweza and Rwingi.
Where to stay in Rushaga
The best accommodation choices to spend a night at Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include among others Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Nshongi Gorilla Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge and Gorilla Safari Lodge.
Other tourist attractions to explore in Bwindi National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a prominent home to the rare mountain gorillas and about half of all 1004 of these unique apes are confined here, chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, over 350 bird species which make it an ideal birding site in Uganda, over 400 plant species, elephants, antelopes to mention but a few.
Getting to Bwindi National Park
Bwindi National Park is situated in the districts of Kisoro, Kabale and Kanungu, southwestern Uganda. By road, you can spend about 8-9 hours depending on the route but it will be a rewarding one since you have a chance to come across other iconic sites and attractions for instances, the tree-climbing lions at Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Equator crossing to mention but a few. In case your journey is beginning from Kigali, you can spend only 4 hours and it involves border crossing at Katuna or Chanika border then you connect to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For those of you who may want to save time, the best alternative is for you to fly from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro/Kihihi airstrip then drive to the park in a comfortable 4×4 drive safari car.
In summary, Bwindi National Park is not only popular for mountain gorillas but also prides itself as a home to scenic waterfalls which you can explore while on nature walk/hiking.