Nature Walks in East Africa
These walks bring you close to nature as you experience the bio diversity of various wildlife species in different national parks and game reserves. Below we will share with you the best places for nature walks in the East African countries that is Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.
Nature Walks in East Africa
Nature walks present the most rewarding experience in the local people’s life, marvel at the people performing long ago practices like the traditional healer looking for medicinal plants, housewife kneeling by flat stones grinding millet, the blacksmith curving out machetes from shapeless iron. Uganda is endowed with beautiful forests where activities such as forest/nature walks can take place as you experience the beautiful diversity of wildlife in the thrilling walking adventures through the countryside of Uganda. Nature walks can be used to unwind from the other activities of the day like Gorilla trekking or sitting long hours in the vehicles while on a game drive or as you transfer from one destination to another.
Where to go for a Nature Walk in East Africa
Below are some of the best places for nature walks in the East African countries that is Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.
Suggested Tours for Nature Walks
Looking for some trip inspiration? Designed by our specialists using their expertise and knowledge, our tailor-made itinerary suggestions below will give you a taste of the type of trips we can put together for you. Bear in mind, these are just a starting point as all holidays are customized to the specific requirements of our guests.
Nature walks in Uganda
Nature walks in Uganda can be arranged in the protected and private areas depending on your interests. These can be added on top your itinerary depending on what kind of safari and how long it will last. Below are the best places for nature walks in Uganda;
Murchison Falls National Park
This is one of the most powerful falls in the world where the river Nile waters squeeze in a narrow gorge that is 7meters downwards. Tourists have to spots to enjoy the view of the falls and the first option is through boat launches that are scheduled in the morning at 09:00am and in the Afternoon at 2pm every day. The boat rides to the falls cost $30 per person but this can change if the minimum number isn’t meant. Guests are dropped off to participate in a hike to where the falls start from and also get a great view of the Uhuru falls. This hike will take you approximately 1 hour and once you reach the top it will be rewarding seeing the devil’s caldron. The top also can be accessed on your way to the park or your guide can drive you there.
Bwindi impenetrable National Park
Bwindi forests offers tourists the scenic beauty of untouched environment with hikes to the different waterfalls within the park found in the different sections like Bayende in Rushaga sector, Muyanga Waterfall in Buhoma. The park also has rivers that form these powerful falls like River Ivi in the Buhoma and Nkuringo sector and River Kashasha which starts in Buhoma and ends in Nkuringo
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park offers you a chance to move out of your vehicle and stretch your legs for either a short or long walk during your safari. These walks are conducted by the park rangers either inside or outside the park during day time. The walks inside the park will aim at tracking and getting closer to animals as your guide takes you through the different animal behaviours on the Apoka trail, Kidepo trail as well as the Narus trail. The walks outside the park take you to experience the culture encounters with the Ik community and the Karamojong’s. These walks take approximately 2 hours and offer you sights of different wildlife and bird watching.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Besides Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers chimpanzee tracking in the Maramagambo Forest along with other primates. Examples: black Columbus monkey, red tailed monkey, Lhoest’s monkey, Baboons, Blue monkey, Mangabeys. The chimpanzee trekking is done twice daily in Maramagambo forest and Kyambura gorge, it starts at 8am and 3pm. The permit costs $70 You can also take the walk along lake George in search for the sitatunga antelopes and exclusive antelope. Walks around lake Katwe will take you to communities of traditional salt mining which you will enjoy.
Lake Mburo National Park
A safari in Lake Mburo National Park gives you a chance to move out of your vehicle and stretch your legs for either a short or long walk. These walks are conducted by the park rangers either inside or outside the park during day time. The walks inside the park will aim at tracking and getting closer to animals as your guide takes you through the different animal behaviours on the Rubanga forest trail. These walks take approximately 2 hours and offer you sights of different wildlife and bird watching.
Nature Walks in Tanzania
Serengeti National Park offers you a chance to move out of your vehicle and stretch your legs for either a short or long walk during your safari. These walks are conducted by the park rangers and done during day.
Lake Manyara
Hippo Pool View Point will offer you spectacular views of the marshland, Waterfowls, Rift valley wall and animals. Broad walk way is a wooden long tail with about 325 meters long and meanders through the Maji Moto kubwa hot springs and lake shores. It offers a great photography spot for all guests to carry memories back home at every turn of the board walk trail.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Mountain Kilimanjaro has 8 peaks and all offer you sights of beautiful scenery as well as unique features as below; Kibo Peak nature walks is the most beautiful of all the peaks since its snow-capped all year round yet it’s close to the Equator line. It’s the highest of all with 5895 meters tall and reaching the peak is conquering a life time adventure. This peak alone has made Mt. Kilimanjaro the roof top of Africa.
Mawenzi Peak nature walks is the most difficult peak to climb during your hike of mt. Kilimanjaro and requires specialized skills and knowledge. As a hiker you will only be permitted when you have the equipment’s and a technical climber.
Shira Peak nature walks are on an open grassland on the plateau has attracted habitants of wildlife from Buffaloes, elephants, elands and different types of monkeys. They use the Shira plateau for feeding and salt licking. Furthermore, the peak has a point called cathedral and Needle that hikers can climb on a day excursion
Nature Walks in Kenya
These below places are best for nature walks in Kenya;
Mount Elgon
This is an exciting substitute for the strenuous climbs in Uganda and offers scenic views of its walks. The hikers don’t require special or technical skills as well as equipment’s to reach the peaks and even the altitude is lower with mild climate. The nature walks offer sights of beautiful sceneries of the largest caldera in the world as well as the hot springs and gorges (Suam and Simu).
Menengai Crater
It’s located 8km from Nakuru town and the second largest caldera in Africa with sparkling views of lake Nakuru. You can take part in a hike that takes approximately 1-2 hours walk up the caldera and back to the bottom at 500 meters.
Hell’s Gate
This is part of the great rift valley and best place for nature walks in Kenya offering sights of scenic areas. The hikes take approximately 3-6 hours to trek as you go through the hot springs and the Ol Njorowa gorge 24 kms away. You can also cycle the trails as you have sights of wildlife like giraffes
Nairobi National Park
This is the only park located in the city center of Nairobi and offers nature walks in the park that will last 2 hours
Nature Walks in Rwanda
Nyungwe National Park
This park offers numerous sites for nature walks while exploring the scenic beauty surrounding the various attractions. The canopy walk is the highlight of the nature walks in this park as you get to view different primates but its supplemented by others like Muzimu, Rukuzi and Isumo trails
Volcanoes National Park
This the most exciting in Rwanda as you trail the Diana Fossey tomb which will enlighten you in the gorilla conservation. In this Diana Fossey grave yard there about 20 gorillas that were buried here since they lost their lives during the genocide war.
Best time for Nature Walks in East Africa
The time of visit varies depending on the seasons that’s wet or dry, however, nature walks are open all year long. The best months for are December- February and June- August with less slippery trails and great photography moments. The best time for birdwatching is March- September and Migratory bird watching in November-April. The wet seasons are April, and November with higher rains that may interfere with your activities.
Suggested East African Safari Ideas
The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what’s possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.
