Nature Walks & Hiking Adventures in Uganda & Rwanda
Experience the landscapes of Uganda and Rwanda at the pace of your own footsteps.
Slow Down, Step Closer: Discover Africa on Foot. Nature walks and hiking adventures in Uganda and Rwanda reveal the region’s diverse landscapes on foot, offering an intimate way to connect with its wildlife and people. From Bwindi’s mist-wrapped trails to the cascading Sipi Falls, from the volcanic slopes of Gahinga to the canopy walkways of Nyungwe Forest, these journeys let you meet the wild and its communities face-to-face. This is travel stripped back to its purest form: walking paths shaped by centuries, hearing the forest breathe, feeling the terrain under your boots.
Guided by local experts, every step becomes a story—of wildlife, people, and the land itself. These hikes aren’t just routes; they are immersive connections to East Africa’s heart.
Nature Walks & Hiking Tours
Our itineraries range from gentle nature trails to multi-day hikes. Combine forest walks with birding, trek to hidden waterfalls, or climb the shoulders of volcanic giants. Whether you seek a meditative stroll or an active adventure, our tours are crafted for authentic exploration.
Signature Trails & Nature Walks
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda)
Follow ancient footpaths under towering mahogany and fig trees. Swamp and waterfall trails reveal rare birds, forest elephants, and the dense habitat of mountain gorillas. Guided walks also immerse you in medicinal plants and Batwa cultural stories.
Nyungwe Forest National Park (Rwanda)
A network of trails winds through one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Highlights include the iconic canopy walkway suspended above the treetops and the Isumo Waterfall trail. These hikes are havens for primates, orchids, and endemic bird species.
Sipi Falls & Mount Elgon (Uganda)
Hike to a trio of cascading waterfalls framed by coffee farms and volcanic ridges. Trails range from easy village walks to steep climbs with sweeping valley views, offering both cultural encounters and spectacular scenery.
Rwenzori Foothills & Ruboni Community Trails (Uganda)
Walk the foothills of the Mountains of the Moon with community guides. Trails mix cultural experiences with views of glacial peaks, rich montane forest, and small farms where the Bakonzo people live.
Virunga Volcanoes (Uganda & Rwanda)
Trek the volcanic slopes of Mgahinga in Uganda and the Virunga ranges in Rwanda. Trails range from gentle forest walks at the base to challenging ascents on peaks like Mount Bisoke and Mount Gahinga. These hikes deliver breathtaking views, encounters with golden monkeys, and volcanic craters shrouded in mist.
Lake Mburo & Lake Bunyonyi Highlands
Lake Mburo offers guided walking safaris among zebra and impala, while Bunyonyi’s highland paths trace terraced hills with panoramic lake views and cultural stops in Bakiga villages.
Not sure which destination suits your travel style best? Let’s talk it through.
Why Walk With Us
At Journey Makers, we believe walking brings you closest to the land and its people. Our nature walks and hiking adventures are designed to immerse you in landscapes while preserving them.
What makes our hikes unique:
- Local community guides who share ecological knowledge and cultural context.
- Small group sizes and private options for minimal impact and deeper engagement.
- Integration of conservation initiatives—your hike supports trail maintenance and community livelihoods.
- Flexibility to combine gentle walks, challenging treks, and cultural encounters in one itinerary.
Walking with us is more than covering distance; it’s forging a connection with East Africa’s living, breathing landscapes.
What a Hiking Adventure Feels Like
The crunch of earth underfoot, mist curling around ancient trees, and the scent of rain on forest leaves—walking safaris engage all your senses. Birdsong replaces engine noise, and every bend in the trail brings the thrill of discovery: a troop of colobus monkeys leaping overhead, a chameleon blending into moss, or a panorama of crater lakes unfolding below.
Nature walks slow the journey so you can notice the details: the stories in every tree ring, the hum of insects, the voices of local guides sharing generations of knowledge. These aren’t just hikes; they are encounters with the living soul of Uganda and Rwanda.
Best Time to Go & Booking Tips
Hiking and nature walks in Uganda and Rwanda are available year-round, but conditions shift with the seasons:
Dry Season
June to September and December to February
Dry seasons bring firmer trails and clear views, ideal for mountain hikes and forest walks. Wildlife concentrates near water sources, making sightings on walking safaris more frequent.
are Wet Season
March to May and October to November
Wet seasons transform landscapes into lush green havens, waterfalls roar to life, and birdlife is at its peak. Trails can be muddy but reward with dramatic scenery and fewer crowds.
Duration & Timing
For popular guided walks like Bwindi and Nyungwe, and multi-day treks in the Rwenzori or Virunga ranges, book 3–6 months in advance. Community-guided trails and private hiking packages also require early coordination for availability and logistics.
Planning & Preparation Guide
Duration & Difficulty
- Short Nature Walks: 1–3 hours, suitable for all fitness levels.
- Moderate Hikes: Half-day to full-day treks with some elevation gain.
- Multi-day Treks: Rwenzori and Virunga ascents for experienced hikers seeking adventure.
What to Pack
- Lightweight hiking boots or sturdy shoes
- Breathable, moisture-wicking clothing and rain protection
- Refillable water bottle and high-energy snacks
- Binoculars and camera for wildlife and scenery
- Walking sticks for steep or slippery trails
Safety & Etiquette
- Always follow your guide’s instructions on wildlife encounters.
- Stick to marked trails to minimize environmental impact.
- Respect cultural sites and communities along hiking routes.
Health & Safety
- Yellow fever vaccination will be required for entry.
- Anti-malarial medication is strongly advised.
- Always stay close to your guide and listen to their instructions.
Conservation Impact
Your hikes help sustain both landscapes and livelihoods by funding the upkeep of fragile trails, supporting the communities who protect them, and ensuring that the ecosystems you explore continue to thrive for generations. A portion of each adventure goes into:
- Trail maintenance and environmental restoration
- Supporting local guiding cooperatives
- Funding community conservation initiatives
- Preserving fragile ecosystems and endemic species
Every step you take helps protect Uganda and Rwanda’s natural treasures.