The Rubuguri Origins trail is a 2-hour hiking route visitors should expect to explore on vacation in Bwindi National Park or a safari in Southwestern Uganda. The beauty of the Rubuguri Origins trail is that visitors are assured of authentic experiences. There is a lot to discover completely different from the usual.
The Rubuguri trail introduces visitors to an area characterized by endless rolling hills and breathtaking valleys. The trail takes you to one of the finest regions which make up the Great Rift Valley. Around the Rubuguri trail trek journey comes with some challenges but is rewarding, especially for those of you who are interested in photography.
The Rubuguri Origins Route –What Awaits
The Rubuguri route requires at least 2 hours for you to have a round journey. Visitors are led by experienced guide and expect to explore the scenic Rubuguri hills. The guided walk through the Origins trail brings you close to residents. Your visit to the origins route goes beyond visitor interaction but also deep insights into the local traditions, and traditions, and also appreciate the locals’ daily practices.
The hike through the Rubuguri origins trails begins from Rubuguri town and you can finalize at the Bwindi honey shop.
Extra Trails to Explore
Kapata Trail
The Kapata hiking trail is 3 hours long and is ideal for visitors with an interest in exploring the easier treks. This trail takes visitors through the stunning part of Uganda with diverse birds for you to spot. Visitors also get a chance to explore more about the local culture and history. Through the Kapata trail, you can connect to some of the homesteads.
Reformed poachers trail
You can also be part of the excursion on the reformed poachers trail which takes 3 -4 hours. This trail is explored in the Rubuguri Hill and allows you to interact with locals as you unearth their ways of life.
Karungi Hike
A hike on the Karungi involves exploring the Nyabaremura and Niguru. You cross via Kara and descend to the camp. The Karungi camp is an ideal place for visitors’ overnight stay.
Essential tips to guide you when planning a trip to Rubuguri village
- Ensure that you are physically fit enough to have a round trek through the Rubuguri trail. It is a long distance to complete on a guided walk and your fitness plus health should be fine enough.
- Have a waterproof daypack. Rains can occur at any time of the year and a waterproof daypack can save your documents and other essentials from getting wet.
- Gardening gloves shouldn’t be left on your actual trek through the Rubuguri village.
- Book a trip through the local expert to avoid any hindrances.
Extra experiences to enjoy in Bwindi
Bwindi National Park alone holds up to 350 bird species making it one of the iconic birding destinations. The birds of Bwindi include African black ducks, African sooty flycatchers, Cassin’s grey flycatchers, dwarf honey guide, African paradise, Kivu ground thrush, handsome francolins, bar-tailed trogon, Rwenzori nightjars, black bee-eaters, regal sunbird, and Doherty’s bushrike.
Gorilla trekking is the top primate adventure you shouldn’t miss on a tour in Bwindi National Park. The park features many habituated gorilla groups thus presenting visitors a chance to make their dreams come true. Some of the habituated gorilla families to visit in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest include Mishaya, Mucunguzi, Christmas, Habinyanja, Mubare, Muyambi, Oruzogo, Rwigi, Nshongi, Kyaguriro, Busingye, Mukiza, Bitukura, Bushaho and Bikingi.
A valid gorilla permit is essential if you are to engage in a gorilla trek in Bwindi. A single gorilla permit is issued at US$800 per person for foreign nonresidents, Ugandans/East African citizens UGX 300,000, foreign residents US$700 and the Rest of Africa visitors US$500 per visitor.
Beyond gorillas, Bwindi also supports other wildlife. Additional wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park includes bush bucks, giant forest hogs, chimpanzees, buffaloes, duikers, wild pigs, clawless otters, warthogs, and striped jackals. Primates that you may come across include the red-tailed monkeys, galagos, baboons, blue monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys.
Where to Stay
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park accommodation options are numerous and range from budget to luxury. The budget accommodation options include Bwindi View Bandas, Mutanda Eco Community Center, Nshongi Gorilla Camp, Bwindi Backpackers, Broadbill Forest Camp, Bwindi Guesthouse, Engagi Lodge, and Ruhija Community Camp.
Moderate or midrange lodges include Gorilla Mist Camp, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Lake Kitandra Bwindi Camp, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort, and Buhoma Community Haven Lodge.
Luxury lodges to consider for overnight stays include Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Four Gorillas Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Clouds Mountain Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, and Gorilla Heights.
How to Get There
Accessing the Rubuguri origins trail requires you to travel up to southwestern Uganda. This can be by road or air –by road, you can depart from Kampala or Entebbe via Masaka-Mbarara-Bwindi and this is about 8-9 hours’ drive. Visitors in Kigali can drive for 4-5 hours to Bwindi National Park. By air, expect to spend about 1-2 hours on a flight to Kihihi/Kisoro airfield where you can be transferred to Rushaga.