Nature Walks in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Nature walks in Queen Elizabeth National Park are one of the safari activities that enable you to observe with keen mindfulness the nature of Uganda.

These Uganda hiking safaris is an exclusive way to explore the scenic wilderness, allowing you to leisurely study smaller ecosystems.

Your nature walk safaris in Uganda will include a guide who will expound to you the ecological importance of the wildlife. These include plants, small mammals, insects, amphibians, and reptiles, to mention but a few.

A nature walk safari to Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth park can either be done in the morning or the evening, taking about 2 to 3 hours.

Nature walks in the park are safe because professional armed rangers guide you through the walking trails.

In a Uganda safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park, guided nature walks happen on well-defined trails in

• Maramagambo Forest
• Kyambura Gorge
• Mweya Peninsular
• Ishasha sector

Let us explore these sectors for Africa safari nature hikes in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Forest Walks In Maramagambo

Maramagambo is the major place for rainforest hikes in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is on the Southern part of the park and it travels westwards from the Katunguru-Ishaka road to nearly the shores of Lake Edward.

A big portion of Maramagambo Forest is restricted from tourists partly because it harbors wild Chimps. However, the Northern section of crater lakes, Lake Kyasanduka and Lake Nyamasingiri are open for tourism and a forest walk.

The most straightforward trail around Lake Kyasanduka offers wide views of different bird species on its forested shores. Also, nature walks around Lake Nyamasingiri will reward you with different sites of birds and five interconnecting craters.

The forest that surrounds Lake Nyamasingiri is home to forest birds like the

• Scaly-Breasted Illadopsis
• Snowy-Headed Robin-Chart
• Chest-Nut Wattle Eye

Lake Nyamasingiri itself is suitable for spotting the African Finfoot.

This trail also leads to the famous bat cave filled with millions of bats and rock pythons that feed on the bats. A safe viewing platform, just 15 meters away was constructed to help visitors who safari Uganda see the bats without being infected by them.

This trail likewise makes nature walks in Queen Elizabeth National Park to be very impressive by leading trekkers to the Blue Lake. The Blue Lake is locally known as Lake Kimilanjovu which translates to mean “lake that swallows Elephants” in the local language. It was named so from a legend that tells of how local hunters were chasing an Elephant that ran but got stuck in the lake. The Blue Lake is on the bottom of a small crater and it is blue due to its high level of copper retention.

Your guided nature walk in this forest will cover a distinctive scenery of the various primates, birds, and plant species.

• Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys
• Red-Tailed Monkeys
• Vervet Monkeys
• L’hoest’s Monkeys

However, the forest is also home to over 300 Uganda Chimpanzees that are not habituated. In a night forest walk in Maramagambo, you may come across the Pottos or the Bush Babies.

The Different Nature Walk Trails In Maramagambo Forest

Nature walks in the Maramagambo Forest occur in four trails which are;

1. The palm trail
2. Waterfall trail
3. River trail
4. Valley trail

1. The Palm Trail

Because of its moderately flat terrain that makes walks easy, visitors prefer this trail. The nature walk on this trail takes about 2 hours at an estimated distance of 5 kilometers.

On this trail, you will meet different forest wildlife species including unique tree species. One of them is the frame tree that locals believe increases sexual urge in women. Women also use the Raphia Palms along this trail to weave mats.

2. The Waterfall Trail

This trail in Maramagambo Forest covers about 11 kilometers and the fairly long nature walk takes between 4 to 5 hours. Forest hikes on this trail go on the hilly parts of Maramagambo Forest and through the wet terrain. The trail goes through a valley that will lead you to Kilyantama Falls.

3. The River Trail

The river trail is also one of the routes for nature walks in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Maramagambo Forest. This trail is 2.5 kilometers with a walk of about one hour. One of the beautiful things to see along this trail is the Elephants bathing by the shores of River Kajojo.

You will also be able to see the different primates on the various tree species in Maramagambo Forest.

4. The Valley Trail

The valley trail is 3.5 kilometers and the nature walk is for about 3 hours. It goes through a valley filled with many trees including unique tree species like the Viagra tree.

Guided Nature Walks In Kyambura Gorge

When you purchase a Chimpanzee trekking permit in Kyambura Gorge, it also covers the guided nature walk and hikes through the rainforest.

Nature walks on Uganda safari tours in Kyambura Gorge begin from Kyambura Fig Tree Lodge. Your guide will lead you through the Elephant trench; a forest hike hereafter will reveal the spectacular scenery of the breathtaking landscape of Queen’s park and the Mount Rwenzori ranges.

This trail will allow you to view the various primates like Monkeys, Olive Baboons, and Chimpanzees. Birders will find it fascinating to view the different bird species of the park.

The Kyambura River is also a distinctively beautiful scenery crossing the riparian woodlands. It also holds some water birds by its shores.

Guided Nature Walks In Mweya Peninsular

Mweya Peninsular is a favorable place to have beautiful views of the savannahs and woodlands in your Uganda safari tour.

Guided nature walks at Mweya Peninsular go along the Kazinga Channel where you can view the different wildlife species like the

• Waterbucks
• Elephants
• Warthogs
• Bird and Butterfly species

Another kind of nature walk in the Mweya Peninsular occurs through the experimental research activity of Mongoose tracking. This takes about three hours with a Uganda Wildlife Authority guide.

Guided Nature Walks In The Ishasha Sector

Nature walks in Queen Elizabeth National Park are also ideal on the South Western end along the Ishasha River. From here, your Uganda tour will be filled with a diversity of forest and savannah birds as well as mammal species. Plus, perfect views of Hippos on foot will be within eye reach as you safely watch them from the raised river bank.

The forest along the Ishasha River also has animals like the Black and White Colobus Monkeys and Bush Bucks. Also, you will see birds like the rare Shoebill, Black Bee-Eater, Cassin’s Grey Flycatchers, and Broad Billed Rollers.

Guided Nature Walk Fees In Queen Elizabeth National Park-h2

Top 6 Nature Walk Benefits In Queen Elizabeth National Park

As you take a nature walk, sensing every movement of the wild Uganda nature, there are scientifically proven walk-in nature benefits as seen below. The activity,

• Reduces Stress
• Improves your health
• Makes you meet new people
• Enables you to create memories
• Allows you to refresh and relax from other safari activities
• Allows you to explore animals up close

1. Reduce Stress; Nature walks reduce stress by calming your nerves. It lures you away from the daily chaos and brings you to the peaceful present moment in which you focus on the sound and sights of animals, birds, vegetation, and waters.
2. Improves your Health; Studies show that nature walks will increase your chances of long life by reducing the risk of getting Lung and Kidney illnesses or Cancer. Also, by focusing on distant landscapes, you prevent myopia and dry eye syndrome.
3. Meet New People; Nature walks in Queen Elizabeth National Park are also a great way to meet people and make new friends. This is because people from different parts of the world come for this exploration during their Uganda tours and safaris.
4. Create Memories; The nature walk experience will leave you with unforgettable memories. More so, for artistic people, nature walks will give you another boost of creativity!
5. Refresh and relax from other safari activities; Nature walks enable tourists to explore the park on foot after game drives and boat cruises. Hence giving them the time to refresh and relax as they enjoy the boundless nature.
6. Explore animals up close; Through nature walks visitors explore and meet animals at a close range. For example, the nature walks in Kyambura Gorge will make you meet the only habituated Chimpanzee family in the park.

Best Time To Go For A Nature Walk In Queen Elizabeth Park

Since Uganda nature walks involve moving on foot, the dry season is the best for this activity on a Queen Elizabeth safari. This is from January to February and June to August. The trails in this season are dry and easy to walk through!

April, May, and October are wet months, and in this season, the walking trails are usually muddy, making movements difficult.

What is the best time of the day to do a nature walk while on a Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda safari?

The morning nature walk is more rewarding because

1. The animals and birds are active in the morning hours.
2. Morning comes with the beautiful sunrise in the East, creating beautiful scenery.
3. Additionally, the morning weather is favorable for the activity.

However, in the case that you have other activities like a boat cruise or game drive in the morning, then the evening nature walks are good to help you stretch and enjoy nature on foot.

What Should You Bring For Nature Walks In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Preparing for a Queen Elizabeth National Park safari nature requires that you carry a

1. Camera
2. A pair of binoculars
3. Notebook
4. Sunscreen lotion
5. Sunglasses and hat
6. Insect repellant
7. A rain jacket or poncho

Camera; along your nature walk trail, you will meet beautiful sceneries and animals that you will need to take photos of.

A pair of binoculars; will give you a closer image of distant sceneries. You will also be able to view distant bird species with your binoculars.

Notebook; you may find important things to note down during your nature walk adventure, and therefore, your notebook will come in handy.

Sunscreen lotion; will protect your skin from being damaged by the sun rays in your nature walk safari.

Insect repellant; to be safe from insect bites, it is best that you carry and apply an insect repellant.

A rain jacket or poncho; will help to keep you safe in case it rains.

Backpack; all your property will be safely kept in your backpack, for example, your gadgets.

What To Wear When For Nature Walk In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Long-sleeved shirts and trousers; will help to protect your body from insects and also sunny weather conditions. More so, the harsh vegetation will not be able to hurt you.

Hiking shoes; strong sturdy shoes will give you comfortable movements on the trails.

Sunglasses and a hat; will also cover your face and eyes from direct sunlight.

Important Precautions To Note When Going For Nature Walks In Queen Elizabeth National Park

The precautions below are to keep you safe as you enjoy your adventure in the park.

1. Dress well for the nature walk tour. Have long sleeves, trousers, and protective sturdy shoes.
2. Also, apply sunscreen lotion and insect repellant to protect you from the harsh sun rays and insect bites.
3. Keep with a guide always and avoid going for nature walks on your own. Your guide knows the place better and he will guide you appropriately.
4. Also, be with your friends while for a nature walk. Walk with them at the same pace and avoid isolating yourself from the group.
5. Keep on the right walking trail while for a nature walk. Moving away from the permitted trail may destroy wildlife habitats.
6. If you are for a nature walk with children, make sure that they don’t touch things unnecessarily. This is to protect them from getting hurt by poisonous plants but also to protect nature.
7. Stay hydrated by carrying a bottle of water.
8. Do not feed primates with any food when for a nature walk. You could get into trouble if they want more of the food or if the food was poisonous!
9. Be vigilant to not litter the park so that nature is safe.
10. Remember to converse in a low tone as noise may alarm the wildlife

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a destination for one of the best nature walks in Uganda. With the various biodiversity that the park holds, and the high number of wildlife, a nature walk is an adventure like no other. Experience the thrill of this undertaking on the generous Uganda landscape. Book your safari package today!