The Kajembehajambe trail is a complete 3-5 hour walk and is perfectly explored around the Rushaga area. A hike through this trail involves exploring two different trails and each has something amazing for you to encounter. One of the hiking trails is ideal for bird enthusiasts and takes you about 6 hours to have round hike and the other trail which is referred to as the waterfall trail requires you to spend 4 hours.
A hike through the waterfall trail allows you enjoy the spectacular view of the cascading waterfalls. The birding trail gets you exposed to diversity of birds in Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. ‘
Some of the key birds to encounter along the birding trails in Rushaga sector include Doherty’s bush shrikes, Kivu ground thrush, short tailed warblers, African harriers, black-faced rufous warbles, red fronted ant-peckers, grauer’s rush warblers, Shelley’s greenbul, crowned hornbills, Rwenzori batis, purple-breasted sunbird, dwarf honey guide, montane oriole, Chapin’s flycatchers, regal sunbird, African wood owls, chestnut throated apalis, to mention but a few.
Best time to go hiking through Kajembehajambe trail
The ideal time to visit Rushaga to explore Kajembehajambe trail is during the dry season also referred to as dry months of the year. These are experienced in two phases that is the long and short phase. The long dry months are recorded starting from June, July, August, September, and December, January till February.
Embarking on a hiking adventure during the dry months is of great advantage. First, there is low rainfall recorded in Rushaga sector and this leaves the floor to remain relatively drier. As a result, it makes it easier for you to enjoy a smooth hike through the lush Rushaga forested-dominated area.
Where to stay
Rushaga sector is one of the regions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with plenty of accommodation options. These include luxury, budget and midrange options. They include Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Clouds Mountains Gorilla Lodge, Wagtail Eco Safari Camp, Bweza Lodge and others.
How to reach Rushaga region
Getting to Rushaga sector is possible both by road and air. By road, tourists can easily drive off from Kampala or Entebbe city via Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale route which is approximately 8-9 hours’ drive. Visitors can also transfer from Kigali and cross to Rushaga in Uganda via Katuna/Cyanika border and this is just 4-5 hours’ drive.
You can also get to Rushaga on a fly-in safari. Take a flight which sets off from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi to Kisoro airstrip then be transferred to Rushaga by car.
Other rewarding hiking trails in Bwindi National Park include Muzabajiro loop, River Ivy trail, Rushura trail, Munyanga river trail, waterfall trail, bamboo trail, and others.
What to pack for hiking adventures in Bwindi
Essentials for hiking adventures in Bwindi include waterproof and lightweight hiking boots, first aid kit, long trousers, daypack which is waterproof, a tin of insect repellents, a sweater, rain jacket, a camera, and others.