Munyanga waterfall trail offers an incredible journey for you to discover the hidden gem in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Located in the Buhoma region in Bwindi, Munyanga waterfall trail takes you close to the breathtaking landscapes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It is an outstanding walking trail perfect for visitors with plans to experience the great sights and sounds of the scenic Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Munyanga trail is a family-friendly hiking trail because even children can hike it. It is among the very few well-developed hiking trails in Bwindi that provide a gentle walking experience. The Munyanga waterfall trail trek begins from Buhoma along the River Ivy-Nkuringo trail. Visitors end with mesmerizing views of the cascading Munyanga waterfalls over a 33 m high slope. At the floor, you can enjoy a scenic view of the water ponds.
What to Expect on the Munyanga Waterfall Hike
Enjoy the forest canopy trail: The trek through the Munyanga trail begins with walk via the dense Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Enjoy the lush canopy overhead filters sunlight. The trail is one of the very few most accessible hiking trails in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Birds and other wildlife. As you embark on your hike, expect to enjoy the melodious bird songs in the forest, the refreshing air, and also spot some of the freely roaming wild animals including monkeys. Birds that you come across include the bar-tailed trogon, African green broadbill, and Grauer’s swamp warblers, etc.
Breathtaking landscapes. The hike through the Munyanga waterfall trail takes you via scenic hills and mist-covered valleys in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is an ideal spot for photography tours.
Climax with the mesmerizing waterfall views. At the end point, expect to be blown away by the spectacular Munyanga waterfall emerging from the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
What is the Actual Munyanga Waterfall Trail hike like?
The journey to explore the Munyanga waterfall trail starts with breakfast and then you depart your accommodation. Your professional safari guide will transfer you to where your hike will begin at Buhoma sector.
Meet the guides. Arrive early at the Buhoma area to get briefed by the park officials. Get to know the incredible features awaiting you on the guided hike on the Munyanga waterfall trail walk.
What to take on Munyanga Waterfall Trail Hike
A successful hike on the Munyanga waterfall trail also requires packing right for your guided walking adventure. The complete packing list to have include a pair of long trousers, long armed sweaters, waterproof hiking boots/shoes, a safari hat, a camera, long lasting batteries, a pair of binoculars, mosquito repellents, sunscreen, a rain jacket, gardening gloves, and sun glasses.
Wildlife and Birds in Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park features over 120 mammal species which include over 459 mountain gorillas, baboons, chimpanzees, De Brazza monkeys, blue monkeys, spectacled Galagos, pottos, red-tailed monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys. Bwindi also shelters forest elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, black-fronted duikers, golden cats, giant forest hogs, yellow-backed duikers, and more.
Birds in Bwindi account for over 350 species of avifauna which consist of Albertine rift endemics. They include African wood owl, red-faced woodland warblers, Chestnut-throated apalis, Rwenzori batis, African green broadbill, Bar-tailed trogon, black bee-eaters, handsome francolins, Western green tinker bird, collared apalis, Chapin’s flycatchers, short tailed warblers, Shelley’s greenbul, strip-breasted tit, Mountain yellow warblers, archer’s robin chat, and Kivu ground thrush.
Other birds that you should expect to come across in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest include the Shelley’s crimson wing, dusky twin spot, strange weaver bird, tit hylia, regal sunbird, red-fronted antpecker, montane oriole, purple-breasted sunbird, brown-capped weaver, and blue-headed sunbird.
Essential Hiking Tips
- Ensure that you stay hydrated throughout the hike.
- Wear waterproof hiking boots.
- Have a tin of an insect repellent to prevent yourself from the insect bites.
- Embark on a hike with the local guide.
When to go for Munyanga Waterfall Trail Hike
Munyanga waterfall trail is an all year-round hiking trail, however, the dry season is the best for you to enjoy smooth hikes. The dry season begins from June to September and December to February- the months when the trail remains drier and easier to walk through. The rest of the months that mark the wet/rainy season often come with heavy rains and pose a huge challenge to hikers due to the muddy and slippery floor.
Where to stay
Accommodation facilities to consider for overnight stay are available in and around Buhoma region. They range from budget, midrange to luxury and include Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ride 4 a Woman, Buhoma Lodge, Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge, Sanctuary Retreat Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort, and many others.
How to Get there
You can access Munyanga waterfall trail by embarking on a road trip from Entebbe or Kampala to Buhoma via the Masaka-Mbarara route. This route takes about 8-9 hours or you can transfer from the heart of Kigali via Chanika/Katuna border to Buhoma about 4-5 hours’ drive. Visitors also have an option of taking a flight from Entebbe International Airport (EBB)/Kajjansi Airfield up to Kihihi/Kisoro Airstrip where you can be driven up to Buhoma region.