UGANDAN WALKING SAFARIS: TAKE IN THE WILD ON FOOT

2. Remote and Rugged Walking Trails in Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo provides walking safaris in one of Africa's most isolated and breathtaking settings if you're looking for unspoiled nature and less tourists. Kidepo, a region in northeastern Uganda, is abundant in animals and natural beauty.


Here, walking safaris lead you over rocky hills and vast savannah plains, frequently close to the Lomej Hills or the Narus Valley

You could observe:

• Jackson's hartebeest, 
• ostriches,
• waterbucks,
• kudus, 
• and Elephants from a safe distance

The ideal visitors to this park are those who are daring and seek out unique experiences.

3. Track Rhinos on Foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary 

The only location in Uganda where you can go on foot and track wild rhinos is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This is an exhilarating experience with one of Africa's Big Five; it's not simply a stroll.

In a 70-square-kilometer private sanctuary, visitors follow southern white rhinos under the careful watch of rangers. Along the route, you might also notice: 

Monkeys and Antelopes 
Shoebill storks with bushbucks in adjacent marshes 
Your visit aids in the return of rhinos to Uganda's national parks, and the sanctuary plays a significant conservation role.

4. Nature Walks and Cultural Trails in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Although mountain gorilla trekking is Bwindi's most well-known activity, the park also has cultural walking routes and guided woodland treks.


These strolls center on:

• Birdwatching (Bwindi is a haven for birdwatchers)
• Identification of plants and trees
• Cultural experiences of the Batwa community
• Beautiful walks to communal villages and waterfalls

It's a profoundly enlightening ecological and cultural experience, even though it's not a big game walking safari.

5. Primate Forest Walks in Kibale  Forest National Park 

East Africa's monkey capital, Kibale, offers guided nature excursions for people interested in birding, plant identification, and seeing smaller forest residents, but the major draw is chimpanzee trekking.

You can go for a daytime stroll or even a nighttime forest walk, when you might spot nocturnal animals like nightjars, civets, and bush pups.

What to anticipate from a Ugandan walking safari?

• Armed rangers and occasionally local guides or naturalists will accompany you.
• Depending on the region and your level of interest, walks usually last one to three hours.
• Although seeing wildlife is feasible, the emphasis is on interpreting nature rather than pursuing creatures.
• Geology, animal behavior, ecology, and the cultural applications of plants in the area will all be covered.

There is plenty of time for inquiries and photos because of the slow, methodical pace.

Is Going on a Walking Safari in Uganda Safe? 
Yes, as long as you travel with certified guides and rangers, Uganda's walking safaris are safe and well-regulated. The Uganda Wildlife Authority makes certain that all guided walks follow safety procedures.

Before your walk, you'll get a briefing that covers the following topics:

• Keeping animals at a safe distance
• Remaining quiet and vigilant
• Observing the guidelines' recommendations at all times
• Avoiding abrupt movements and moving in a single file 
  
   

Rangers are equipped and trained to deal with wildlife encounters in high-risk areas, including savannah treks or rhino tracking.

What Should You Bring on a Safari Walk?

To ensure your comfort and safety, bring:

• Sturdy walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots, shirts and pants with long sleeves (to defend against the sun and insects)
• A hat with a wide brim and sunglasses
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Binoculars to observe birds
• Hydration pack or a bottle of water
• Zoom-lens camera 
  
   

Don't leave any trace and always pack light.

In Uganda, when is the ideal time to go on a walking safari?

The best times to go on a walking safari in Uganda are during the dry seasons:

• June to September

• December to February 

Trail accessibility, visibility, and the likelihood of heavy rainfall are all improved during these months. Nonetheless, with a few modest changes for wet conditions, some parks, such as Lake Mburo and Ziwa, provide treks all year round. 

In Uganda, Why Opt for a Walking Safari?

• Become more intimate with nature and gain a deeper understanding of wildlife behavior.
• Unlike game drives, take pleasure in peaceful, uncrowded situations.
• Learn directly from experienced mentors.
• Engage with the ecology and cultures of the area.
• Encourage community tourism and conservation efforts.
• Walking safaris provide a unique and up-close look to Uganda's untamed areas, regardless of your level of experience.
  
  Take Your Time and Explore the Wild
  A walking safari in Uganda encourages you to take your time, pay attention, and interact with nature on its own terms in a world where speed frequently rules travel. Every step you take, whether you're walking across beautiful savannahs, tracking rhinos, or observing birds in old woods, offers a fresh viewpoint and new discoveries.