The reformed poachers trail begins and ends at the Bwindi Honey Shop in Rubuguri town. It is a 3-4 hour walk trail covering up to 5.5km in the Rubuguri hills to the Southern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The reformed poachers trail is best done only on a guided walk and you will be led by one of the experienced guides.
The reformed poachers trail initiative encompasses a group of the former poachers who have now turned to support conservation efforts. The introduction of reformed poachers trail is such a remarkable move to finding alternative livelihood projects. Such initiatives play a significant role towards achieving the long term goal of wildlife conservation.
The reformed poachers trail features among the numerous newly introduced tourism products and services (trails) that have been developed in order to support poor people living close to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park under the local economic development through pro-poor gorilla tourism in Uganda’s project. It is funded by the UK Government’s Darwin Initiative.
The fees realized from hiking experiences from the reformed poachers trail are used to pay the local people you will encounter on the expedition along the trail and guides.
The experiences to expect on the reformed poachers trail
Coffee experience
The coffee experience involves exploring how coffee is grown, roasted, packaged for sale and prepared. You can also have a taste of the freshly brewed cup or packaged roasted beans.
Local bar
Visit the local bar to enjoy some of the tasty local gin and meet some of the local community members.
Reformed poachers gardens
The market garden is run by the former poachers who realized the value of growing fruits and vegetables. The grown crops are sold locally to the lodges and campsites in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Kashasha wetlands
Embark on a guided walk through the Kashasha wetland allows you to explore some of the bird species including cinnamon chested bee-eaters, hadada ibis, and pied kingfishers.
Gold mining
The reformed poachers trail also allows you to learn something on Rubuguri’s historic gold mining. The mining activity is still carried out but on a small scale. It is one source of income to locals living in the area. You will get to meet the gold miners, listen to their stories and a lot more.
Bird hide
For enthusiastic birders, exploring the bird hide should be a must do. Diversity of birds can be watched and the hotspot presents you a great chance to take pictures of different birds.
Bwindi honey shop
The reformed poachers trails ends with the visit to Bwindi honey shop. At this honey shop, you will purchase some souvenirs and other items. There are also local honey and honey products to be bought at the Bwindi honey shop and craft corner. In addition, you can also explore more about the local crop grown by locals in the area on a visit to banana plantations. Learn how locals have utilized the banana farming activity, especially in juice making, gin and wine.