How to Have a Sustainable Hiking Tour in Uganda

Uganda is one destination that guarantees nature enthusiasts authentic wilderness experiences thanks to committed efforts to promote sustainable tourism. At Maranatha Tours and Travel, we recognize the value of sustainable tourism, a reason we are a preferred responsible travel company when it comes to all Uganda safaris or gorilla tours.

Sustainable tourism plays a significant part when it comes to the preservation of the environment, local communities, and their culture. Interestingly, all our Uganda tours are crafted uniquely with guidance from sustainable principles. These principles are of great value as they reduce human impact on the environment and natural resources.

We believe that nature should be appreciated today and the next generations to come. This is why our commitment to responsible tourism, particularly gorilla tourism has had a remarkable impact on the survival of the rare mountain gorillas with consideration of the surrounding communities.

Here are different ways to have a sustainable hiking tour in Uganda.

Observe the park guide’s instructions at all times.

Before the actual hiking tour kicks off, visitors are briefed on park guidelines. While hiking through the jungles such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to see mountain gorillas or Kibale Forest National Park to get up close with chimpanzees, you will be reminded to observe the set gorilla trekking rules or chimpanzee tracking rules.

Even if you are on a guided game drive in savanna parks –Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, or Lake Mburo N/P, you will be expected to observe the park rules including respecting wildlife.

Respect flora and fauna

Once you have set foot in Uganda’s National Parks or destinations, first flora and fauna should be given priority. Humans are considerable intruders in such wilderness areas, and that is why maximum respect should be availed to plants and fauna species regardless of your hiking tour destination in Uganda. Vegetation should not be destroyed at any point, don’t feed or disturb the behavior of wildlife.

The moment you set foot on these species’ habitats, your concentration should be centered on observing their natural behaviors, and safety measures to ensure that they exist today and the future generations. While on a gorilla trek, flashlight cameras should be turned off during photography and this also applies to visitors on a trek to see chimpanzees.

Dump all wastes to designated points.

While hiking or trekking through tropical forests to see mountain gorillas or chimpanzees or volcano hiking, often visitors are advised to carry energy-giving snacks or bottled water. The used items shouldn’t be thrown in the wildlife habitat but rather carry them back to the designated points around the visitor centers.

All Uganda safari parks have dustbins around the park offices or tourism centers. In case there is a need to assist yourself while in the jungle, your park guide will direct you appropriately and usually, you will be required to dig deep about 30 cm to bury your waste.

Stay back home if you aren’t okay.

When you feel sick, it is advisable to stay back home. This is for the safety of mountain gorillas chimpanzees and other wildlife. Humans share a lot with mountain gorillas or chimpanzees making them susceptible to human infectious diseases.

Play a part in community-based tourism, and support local communities.

In order to achieve sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation, local communities should be included. One way local communities can benefit from the tourism sector and embrace wildlife protection/conservation is by supporting their initiatives.

In all National Parks in Uganda, communities are living adjacent to them and each has thriving community projects. Visitors can engage in the different local experiences in the adjacent communities including basket weaving, community walks, bead making, and more.

Best places to visit for hiking tours in Uganda

Uganda presents nature enthusiasts/hikers with amazing hiking opportunities. The key areas to consider for hiking expeditions in Uganda include;

Rwenzori Mountains:

Located in Western Uganda, the scenic Rwenzori Mountain ranges present a great opportunity for you to embark on a breathtaking climbing/hiking adventure. The Rwenzori Mountains are where the Margherita Peaks exist at an elevation of 5109m. This is set on Mount Stanley and is the most explored peak out of the 6 mountain ranges that make up the block Mount Rwenzori.

Visitors can take 8-10 days or more to explore Mount Rwenzori through the available hiking trails. The must-visit hiking trails in Mount Rwenzori include the Kilembe Trail, Central Circuit, Bukurungu Trail, and others.

Mount Elgon

Situated in Eastern Uganda, Mount Elgon lies along the border. It is a scenic Volcano Mountain that is shared between Uganda and Kenya. Rising at an elevation of 4321m, the extinct Mount Elgon is an incredible hiking spot any hiker must consider a must to visit on Uganda safaris. The hiking duration may vary depending on the trail you take and your fitness levels. The hiking trails to explore to the Wagagai Peak on Mount Elgon and other elevations include Chebonet Falls Loop, Tutum Cave hike, Sipi, Sasa, Piswa, Suam, and Bamboo Forest Loop, etc.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Not only is Bwindi famous for gorilla trekking but also hiking expeditions. The popular hiking trails in Bwindi include the Kashasha Trail, Munyaga River Trail, Ivy River Trail, Waterfall Trail, Mubwindi Swamp, Bamboo Trail, Muzabajiro Loop, and more.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga National Park offers amazing hiking experiences in addition to gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking. When it comes to Mgahinga hiking expeditions, expect to embark on a guided trek on the 3 volcanoes including Mount Gahinga, Muhabura, and Sabinyo. The additional hiking trails to explore on a tour in Mgahinga National Park include the Border Trail, Sabinyon Gorge Trail, etc.

Best time to go for a Hiking Tour in Uganda

The dry season is the best time to travel to Uganda to enjoy hiking experiences. This can be from June to September or December to February –the two phases of the dry season. On your travel calendar, you can consider planning a tour to Uganda in any of the dry season phases and enjoy your hiking expedition at any destination.

What to carry for hiking in Uganda

To be prepared enough for your adventure, here are some of the essentials to consider; a waterproof daypack, insect repellents, a first-aid kit, a rain jacket, long-sleeved shirts, and bottled water. You also need high-energy-giving snacks, a sunscreen, a safari hat, long pants, and camera, etc.