The Muzabajiro Loop trail offers moderate hiking experiences to enthusiastic nature lovers with plans to explore Bwindi on foot. Muzabajiro Loop takes visitors via the lush canopy forest and the hikes begin near the Buhoma ranger station.
Muzabajiro Loop is 6 km and you require about 5 hours to have a round hiking experience. The hike along the extensive Muzabajiro involves exploring the lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to the highest peak in the Buhoma region.
As you embark on the guided hike on the Muzabajiro Loop, expect to come across a range of floral and faunal species. They include l’hoest monkeys, chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, birds as well as beautiful butterfly species.
Along the Muzabajiro Loop trail, expect to enjoy the panoramic views of the Muzabajiro and the surrounding breathtaking landscapes characterized by the scenic Lake Edward and the Virunga Mountain ranges. At the top of Muzabajiro, visitors can settle for a delicious picnic lunch while they get a remarkable treat to the spectacular views in the surroundings.
Hiking Muzabajiro requires some fitness level as it takes visitors on a bit challenging walking experience but with great views awaiting. The trail is best explored with the presence of an experienced guide from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Besides the scenic beauty and mammals, the hikes on the Muzabajiro Loop also get you remarkable sights of birds such as European honey buzzard, black crakes, Great blue turacos, common cuckoos, African jacanas, and black bee-eaters. You may also come across birds like Klass cuckoos, grey crowned cranes, mountain oriole, and African grey parrots, etc.
Location of Muzabajiro Loop Trail
Muzabajiro Loop trail is part of the enriching nature walking trails found in Buhoma region in Bwindi National Park. Buhoma is located in the Northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
What to pack for Muzabajiro Loop Hiking
Essentials to carry on your Muzabajiro Loop include long cotton shocks, long-sleeved shirts, gardening gloves, waterproof hiking boots/shoes, a pair of binoculars, a rain jacket, light daypack, an insect repellent, bottled drinking water, and energy giving snacks. You also require a sweater, a camera, and many others.
Hiking Tips
Before you embark on the actual hike through the Muzabajiro Loop, you need to adequately prepare for your adventure. Ensure that you are fit enough and have the right clothes or packing list for your hiking expedition. On the actual hiking, ensure that you have an experienced guide to lead you through the jungle.
When to go to hike the Muzabajiro Loop
The dry season is the best time to enjoy the hikes on the Muzabajiro Loop trail. The dry season starts from June, July, August to September, then December, January, to February. It is around the dry season when the vegetation is short and there is less rainfall thus guaranteeing you exceptional views of the fauna and birds. Visitors enjoy a smooth hike on this trail around the dry season compared to the rainy/wet season.
How to get there
Visitors can reach the Buhoma region in Bwindi by road or air. Traveling by road to Buhoma region can be done by 4×4 rental car and expect to spend between 8 and 9 hours. Or take 4 and 5 hours from Kigali capital city. By air, flights take 1-2 hours and you set off from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi airstrip where you can drive to the Buhoma area.
What else to expect in the Buhoma sector
The Buhoma sector isn’t only for hiking but also for tourists to enjoy captivating mountain gorilla trekking adventures. Visitors with plans to track mountain gorillas in Buhoma can explore habituated gorilla families such as the Habinyanja group, Rushegura, Katwe, and Muyambi gorilla families.
You can enjoy a gorilla trekking tour and hiking adventure in Buhoma. A valid gorilla permit costs USD 800 per person and can be obtained through the local expert in advance.
Birding: Visitors can also go on birding expeditions in Bwindi. The park is home to more than 350 bird species. A guided bird-watching tour involves spotting birds such as the short-tailed warbler, Archer’s robin chat, African wood owl, Western green tinker bird, Shelley’s crimsonwing, Doherty’s bush shrike, Chestnut-throated apalis, red-throated alethe, montane oriole, standard-winged nightjars, bar-tailed trogon, and black-breasted barbets.
Community visits
Visitors can also pay a visit to the Batwa community to explore more about the Batwa pygmy cultures and traditions. The Batwa once lived in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park till the 1990s when the area was officially designated as a National Park. They spent most of their time as hunters and gatherers.
Where to Stay
Anyone with plans to explore Muzabajiro Loop can spend a night in the nearby accommodation in the Buhoma region. The different safari lodges to consider for overnight stays in and around Buhoma include Silverback Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Haven Lodge, Bwindi Forest Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, and Ride 4 Woman Guesthouse.