Main Info
Our Supposed Walking Safari: 3 Days, 2 Nights 58 km
Introduction: Nshozi trail takes you from lake Bunyonyi to Buhoma or vice versa. On our journey through the Kigezi highlands of Kisoro and Kabale districts, we will explore the second deepest lake of Africa on a traditional dug-out canoe and on a motorboat. The hills of Kigezi will lead our trail when taking the mountain bike down to Rushaga entry point of Bwindi forest, home of the mountain gorillas. Enjoy Bakiiga life style while on the back of a common truck and enjoy the wilderness when penetrating Bwindi rain forest.
Key Activities:
- Mountain hiking
- Excursion on lake Bunyonyi
- Discover one of Africa’s deepest lakes on a motorboat and a dug-out canoe
- Bird identification along the way and in different terrains
- Meeting the local community is an essential part of our tour
- Cultural performances by the Batwa Troupe and Okutengatenga
- Mountain biking on the slopes down to Rushaga village
- Wind up Kaara hills on a local truck
- Enjoy terrific views of the Eastern Rift Valley and Virunga massif
Day 1: After meeting and briefing at our starting point at Lake Bunyonyi, we pick traditional dug-out canoes and begin to discover the lake and its islands. We will paddle towards Bwoma island and to keep You safe, life jackets will be provided. On the way, our community tour guide will introduce you to local life as well as the different habitats and ecosystems that exist around the lake. From the Bunyonyi, you will see the millions of Kigezi’s hills with their rich flora and fauna, community settlements and cultivated fields on kept on terraces.
On Bwoma island, we will stop for a time of rest and relaxation. A motor boat will pick us from Bwoma and take us to Heisesero, a small market town on the road to Kisoro city. There, we will enjoy lunch before taking on the next part of our journey, which will lead us closer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Mountain bikes are available for Us to ride down to Rushaga along impressive viewpoints. Starting at a gently steep surfaced road, we soon take a right turn to find ourselves on a gravel road leading through some villages and down hill towards the village of Rushaga. If you are on a bike safari through Uganda and wish to join us for the Nshozi Green Belt experience, please let us know and you will be able to take your mountain bike with you. Having reached Rushaga and standing in between the sharply rising Kaara and Mushenyi mountains, we switch over to yet another type of common transport in the area: a transporter truck. This truck will take us to our day’s destination, the village of Rubuguri. Rubuguri is hidden between lake Mutanda and Bwindi forest and has a small trading center and lots of nice people.
Day 2: After a good night’s rest, we will have time to take a closer look at the Bakiiga culture. We will visit the Batwa communities of the area. Nkuringo Cultural Centre will help us understand and experience the region by offering guided nature walks, forest birding, trekking tours, fishing and canoe excursions on lake Mutanda at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes, and the batwa forest experience. Even mountain gorilla trekking is possible on the second day, as long as you book with us in advance and give us some time to book your permits. Another night will be spent at our hotel in Rubuguri, giving us enough energy for day three!
Day 3: Early in the morning after breakfast, We begin the walking part of our journey. Our trip leads us to Buhoma passing Kashasha river valley and the Kashasha swamp, the source of river Ivi.
We follow a route which has been used for centuries for five kilometers and will then join a trail entering Bwindi Impenetrable Forest near the Nkuringo area. Inside the park, we have high chances of seeing monkeys and many other forest animals. We will experience and identify many bird species and enjoy the nature walk. After 7 – 10 hours, depending on the wildlife we encounter on our hike, we will reach Our final destination, Buhoma, in the early evening. This is where our trip ends.
Enhance your trip: Inform us if you would like to include this itinerary in your planned trip to Uganda or if you need assistance when planning your arrival and departure to lake Bunyonyi or from Buhoma. In case you would like to trek the mountain gorilla groups of Nkuringo or Rushaga entry points of Bwindi or in Mgahinga National Park on the slopes of the Virungas, we would be happy to fit this activity in this safari and provide you with transport to the respective headquarters.
