Updated
Gorilla trekking takes one morning, so most visitors have spare time around Bwindi and Mgahinga. The best things to add are the Batwa cultural trail, community walks in Buhoma, forest waterfall walks, golden monkey tracking and volcano hikes in Mgahinga, canoe trips on Lake Mutanda or Lake Bunyonyi, and a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park on the way.
Around Bwindi
Village and community walks from Buhoma visit farms, a traditional healer, a local brewery and schools, with fees going to local groups. The Munyaga waterfall trail and other forest walks show birds and primates without gorillas. The Batwa trail, run with Batwa guides, explains forest life before the park was created. See our guide to the Batwa trail.
Mgahinga and Kisoro
Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga’s bamboo zone is a lively, colourful half-day activity. Day hikes climb Sabyinyo, Gahinga or Muhabura volcanoes. Lake Mutanda, near Kisoro, offers canoe trips with volcano views. See our guide to golden monkeys in Mgahinga.
Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi, near Kabale, is a relaxed place to unwind after trekking, with island views, dugout canoe trips, birding and walks through terraced hills. It is often described as free of bilharzia, though ask locally before swimming. See our guide to Lake Bunyonyi.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Many itineraries pass through Queen Elizabeth on the way to or from Bwindi, adding the Kazinga Channel boat trip, game drives for lions and elephants, and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guide to Queen Elizabeth.
Frequently asked questions
Community walks, forest waterfall walks, the Batwa trail and birding.
Yes, in Mgahinga, about two hours from the southern sectors.
Yes, it is a relaxing stop with canoe trips and walks.
Yes, Queen Elizabeth National Park fits on the route to Bwindi.
