November 05, 2024 | Bujo Safaris
Kashasha Trail in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Everything you need to know about the Kashasha trail in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Have you ever thought of the other wildlife species after Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park? The park is a habitat for about 120 mammal species such as Elephants, giant forest hogs, potto, weyns’s duiker, sitatunga, L’hoest’s Monkeys, blue monkeys, Side stripped jackals. Bushpigs, Black and white colobus monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, mountain gorillas and baboons. More so, there are 350 bird species such as broadbill, blue-headed sunbird, Graders broadbill, black-faced rufous warbler, handsome francolin, purple-breasted sunbird, Rwenzori Apalis. Yellow streaked greenbul, Shelley's Crimsoning, regal sunbird, olive breasted greenbul, mountain masked Apalis, Neumann's warbler, 27 frogs, 163 tree species, and about 104 ferns.
After a successful gorilla trek, one would wonder where to locate other wildlife species in the park. The park has a rugged terrain with a narrow valley and various trails to access wildlife such as the Kashasha River trail which is a Buffer zone of the park and is famous for spotting different wildlife, Mubwindi Swamp trail, Bamboo Trail Mujabajiro trail, Ivy River trail, Habinyanja trail and other trails of the park.
Kashasha River Trail is a great buffer zone in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offering spectacular views to travelers on a gorilla trekking safari with several bird species. Some of the birds found here include; broadbill, blue-headed sunbird, Graders broadbill, black-faced rufous warbler, and handsome francolin. Purple-breasted sunbird, Ruwenzori Apalis, yellow streaked greenbul, Shelley's Crimsoning, regal sunbird, olive-breasted greenbul. Mountain masked Apalis, Neumann's warbler. Mammal species include; Elephants, giant forest hogs, potto, weyns’ duiker, sitatunga, L'hoests Monkeys, blue Monkey, Side stripped jackals, bushpigs, Black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, Baboons and some Buffaloes.
Kashasha River trail is the longest trail in the park about 17km and connects Bwindi’s two sectors of Nkuringo and Buhoma for gorilla trekking and some birding activities. The trail offers natural wonders to birders on a gorilla trekking safari making it an adventure of a lifetime with several hikes in the park. However, the park has other amazing popular trails ideal for nature walks, birding, and other attractions compared to the Kashasha River trail.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park derives its name “Bwindi” from this Mubwindi Swamp meaning darkness. According to the tales of the inhabitants, there was a family with their daughter Nyinamukari who were trying to pass through the impenetrable forest. Along the Journey, they came across a big swamp that seemed impossible for them to cross. Later, they heard a voice from the spirits of the swamp “Give us Nyinamukari and we will let you cross”. The family had no other option to cross the swamp than throwing their daughter Nyinamukari into the swamp and crossing successfully. From this Sacrifice, the locals named it “Mubwindi bwa Nyinamukari” which means the darkness of their daughter and now the current Mubwindi Swamp. Mubwindi Swamp trail is a famous and most used trail in the Ruhija Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park descending through the magical rainforests of the park and iconic scenic views of the Virunga Massif. A walk along the Mubwindi swamp trail takes about 4 to 5 hours to spot various species of birds, elephants, bushpigs, side-stripped jackals, and other species.
The trail is located in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park stretching up to Rwamunyonyi Hill (2607m) which is the highest peak of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park also known as “Hill of Many Birds”. Having a nature walk on a Bamboo trail takes about 6 to 7 hours to reach the highest point of Bwindi with beautiful scenic views and a variety of bird species.
Yes, it is 100% safe to have nature walks through the park. However, the experience requires you to have a Guided nature walk with at least two rangers from Uganda Wild Life Authority to ensure security across the park. Upon arrival, you will take a briefing at the park headquarters in Ruhija. The briefing includes the dos and don'ts and later you will be assigned 2 park rangers as you embark on a thrilling forest nature walk and Hiking.
Although Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is best known for Gorilla trekking and Habituation, it is also a great destination ideal for Forest Nature walks under various trails. Forest nature walks in the Bwindi can be done at any time of the year. However, the dry season makes it easy to access all the park trails since they appear dry and easy for travelers to use on their Uganda birding and gorilla trekking safari. The Uganda dry season runs from June to September and from December to February making the vegetation short and thin creating beautiful scenic views of the far lush forests and spotting a variety of wildlife species.
Kashasha River trail is the best trail for travelers planning to have a forest nature walk included on their itinerary since it seems longer with abundant wildlife species that offer an extraordinary experience. However, in the rainy season, the trail becomes muddy and slippery which gives a challenging forest walk experience.
Travelers should be aware of what to pack for hiking and forest nature walks so that they can have an extraordinary Uganda safari. Just like the gorilla tracking experience, travelers need to pack Sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved pants, sunglasses, a light jacket, good cameras, bottled drinking water, a pair of Binoculars, and mosquito repellent.
Travelers should be aware of how much to pay for a guided forest nature walk in Bwindi. The cost of nature walks is indeed affordable not to miss such an amazing experience. The nature walks cost USD 40 (Foreign Non-Residents), USD 30 (Foreign Residents), and UGX 30,000 for East African Citizens. The costs exclude Park entrance Fees and a guide ranger.
Your safari to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park should not make you worry about accommodation. The park has a variety of accommodation options ranging from Luxury, Mid-range, and Budget facilities. Accommodation facilities near the Kashasha River trail are Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Volcanoes Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Bwindi Gorilla Lodge among other accommodation centers.
Embark on a 7 to 8-hour Journey from Entebbe International Airport with a stopover at Uganda Equator for photo moments and souvenirs with a break in Mbarara for Lunch and later en route to the park headquarters. Arrive at the park headquarters for a briefing and thereafter you will be assigned 2 park rangers. Later, head out for the nature walking experience on Kashasha River Trail. Kashasha River Trail is situated in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park amidst Buhoma and Nkuringo gorilla trekking regions.
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