Kenya camping:Walking safaris in Uganda

It is no doubt that the best way to experience Africa, its warm hospitality and sincerity of its people is by getting closest to the real Africa. ‘Getting closest’ means walking safaris; these not only present unique and complete way to explore Africa, but also guarantee unique and diverse opportunities that would otherwise go unfound in any ordinary safari outfit.

Today we focus on walking safaris in Uganda: For many vacationers to East Africa, the opportunity to engage in walking safaris in Uganda and extensive Rwanda or the DR Congo is a once in a lifetime experience. Notably, tracking gorillas in this part of the world is an immensely gripping and sometimes very emotional experience, whilst for others it often fulfils a life time ambition.

Most walking Safaris offer fascinating nature walks especially between Buhoma in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the town of Kisoro via Nkuringo and vice versa. These experience offers incredible insiders perspective into village life in rural Uganda while at the same time highlighting some of the wonders offered by this great African state.

Majority of people in this region rely heavily on their feet to get to and from their destination, thus, walking is the primary focus in most of the tours in this region. You will have the chance to see how villagers manage their days and through your guides converse with them to learn about their lives.

Beside these walking expeditions highlights: panoramic views of the Virunga Volcanoes, Journey by dugout canoe on Lake Mutanda, Visits to rural homesteads, the wondrous views from Nkuringo and climax with a trek through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest…

There is so much more to appreciate in this far flung beautiful corner of Western Uganda. The region is of home to over 700 of the world's free roaming population of Mountain Gorillas and it is impossible not to notice the region’s endowment with the most magnificent scenery and landscapes you are ever likely to witness on the planet earth.

This tour can be undertaken in either direction between Buhoma and Kisoro, and Kisoro and Buhoma with at least one night spent in Nkuringo.  Usually, your first night will be spent in Kisoro or on the shores of Lake Mutanda where your guide will conduct a short and informative briefing of the trek itinerary. You will also be enlightened regarding the ethnic groups and aspects of rural life cocktailed with traditional folktales and sometimes dancing to traditional tunes.

Traditional dugout canoes will be utilized on the Lake Mutanda section of this journey. No worry! You will be provided with life jackets. Otherwise the route follows village footpaths through outstanding scenery with often round axis views of land, lake, mountains and rain forest.Alternatively, the trek can commence from Sheba's campsite having spent the previous night there should there be time upon your arrival in Kisoro. Accommodation at Sheba's campsite is budget travel standard suitable for campers with their own camping gear. There is a single double bed cabin currently available at the site and 3 furnished tents on a raised platform.

The journey by traditional dugout canoe from Mutanda will be followed by an estimated 8 hours walk from Sheba's campsite to Nkuringo Gorilla Campsite. After an eventful gorilla tracking experience, an adventurous 3 hours canoe sail will take you from pontoon at Sheba's campsite to Rwajenge landing site. Enroute you will enjoy beautiful sceneries of numerous islands of Lake Mutanda.The journey to Nkuringo can be broken by spending a night at the wonderfully located Nkuringo Safari Lodge set in a glade of papyrus and eucalyptus forest on Lake Mutanda's northern shore. This traditional tented safari lodge offers accommodation in an unparalleled setting.

You will also have an opportunity to enjoy the spectacle of a sunrise and sunset with the volcanoes of Muhavura, Gahinga and Sabinyo standing like sentinels along the southern horizon. Self-camping is also possible at the lodge. The canoe trip is broken at the lodge for a coffee break and photo opportunity.

Peter K. Philip

Adventure Kenya camping safaris,

Natural Track Safaris