Looking back at some of the best adventure destinations in Uganda, one would not miss Mubwindi swamp in Ruhija, Bwindi. Mubwindi Swamp is among the best places visitors can have a getaway from their busy work schedules. At the edge of the Ruhija gorilla sector in the misty jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mubwindi swamp is situated.
What stands out about this swamp is its unveiling of a variety of flora and fauna species. This swamp is a diverse ecological system surrounded by the green canopies of the breathtaking Bwindi Forest. Mubwindi’s treasures move past the eye can spot to the overwhelming jungles of untamed wilderness.
The mythical tales of Mubwindi paint a different picture of sheer darkness and a past better to be left alone unless you are to offer a sacrifice. Told by the elders who have walked the areas around Ruhija for generations, the legends of Mubwindi are told in folk tales and traditional songs. It is believed that the now calm jungles that harbor the famous Mubwindi swamp have a dark history.
The elders describe it as an evil spirit that once ruled the now calm Mubwindi swamp. Long before this swamp was named, a family of four ventured to cross this swamp to the other side of the forest, as they hoped, however, this was not possible, as they were never seen again. It is believed that they were swallowed by the angry swamp. Since then, this swamp was feared and named Mubwindi, which means an evil place or dark place in the Rukiga dialect. Still today, the legend of this swamp is murmured on the lips of the elders and the few who believed.
Even in the current times of conservation and protection of this swamp and the large Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the locals respect and speak of this swamp with respect and prudence. This legend of the Mubwindi swamp spices up every visitor’s adventure, as they explore the dark swamp.
Briefly about Ruhija
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four different gorilla sectors, and Ruhija happens to be one of them. Located in the eastern region of Bwindi, the Ruhija gorilla sector offers a private adventure with the endangered mountain gorillas. This sector hosts over 4 habituated gorilla families that can be trekked per day. This means there are over 32 available gorilla trekking permits on a daily basis.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in the southwestern region of Uganda. It is the most popular and highly visited gorilla destination in the world. This is highly attributed to the number of mountain gorillas it hosts. Approximately 459 mountain gorillas can be found in this park, making it the leading gorilla destination with the highest number of mountain gorillas.
From the time this park was gazetted in 1991 to now, the gorilla families have increased to over 50, with about 26 habituated and available for trekking. This is why UNESCO recognized this park as a World Heritage Site in 1994. Trekking gorillas in Bwindi is made easy, since the gorillas are found in the gorilla sectors of Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga.
What to do in Mubwindi swamp?
Mubwindi swamp has a lot of attractions that range from the flora and fauna species ready to be explored. Below are some of the activities visitors can engage in while visiting Mubwindi swamp.
Bird watching
Birding is probably the major tourist activity in Mubwindi swamp. This is mainly attributed to the many bird species this swamp harbors. Over 100 bird species can be found nesting in this swamp, generating a variety of ecological systems in the part of Bwindi. Birding takes place along the designated birding trails, including the famous Mubwindi trail that leads birders to some of the best birding spots. Bird watching in this swamp is done by experienced birding guides with vast knowledge about the Mubwindi swamp and its inhabitants, especially the bird species and where they can be found.
A range of bird species can be spotted, including the African wood owl, Chapin’s flycatcher, western green tinkerbird, grey cuckoo-shrike, blue-headed sunbird, mountain yellow warbler, Rwenzori batis, Kivu ground thrust, dusky crimsonwing, and fine-branded woodpecker, among others.
Guide nature walks
For visitors searching for an adventure, Mubwindi swamp has you covered. Visitors can take on a guided nature walk along the hiking trails past this beautiful Mubwindi swamp. This experience is surreal, offering visitors a chance to explore the deep jungles of the Bwindi forest on foot through the swamp thickets.
This guided nature walk experience is the best way to fully immerse yourself in the African jungles while meeting different species like primates, including the vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, and, if you’re lucky, even the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. The anticipation of what to encounter also leads visitors to discover the scenic views of the forest.
Cultural encounters
Bwindi is dotted with the Batwa communities living at the edge of the forest in the local villages across all its sectors. During the cultural encounters in Ruhija from the Mubwindi adrenaline rush experiences, visitors can settle down in these communities for a one-on-one interaction with these people. The Batwa pygmies are among the oldest cultural groups in Africa. They lived in the forest of Bwindi before it was gazetted as a national park. Visitors can enjoy their traditional dances and songs, and also their displays of how they survived in the forest, including fire-making.
When to explore Mubwindi Swamp?
There is no definite time to visit and explore the Mubwindi swamp, as it depends on the activities one would wish to do. Nevertheless, the dry season exhibits the most ideal conditions for most of the activities to do in Mubwindi. The location of this swamp and its nature make it easier to navigate when the conditions are dry and with little or no rainfall. This creates room for clear visibility with sparse vegetation and also easy navigation, as the ground is dry.
The wet season, on the other hand, makes the exploration of this swamp more challenging, since the trails are muddy and slippery with dense or overgrown undergrowth due to the presence of rainfall. However, for birders and nature lovers, this is the season for you. The wet season is the known period for breeding in birds, as the migratory birds often fly in. Visitors can have a chance of spotting most of these birds this season. It is also good to know that Uganda’s weather is very unpredictable and can be rainy or sunny in any season, so pack the necessary gear for all seasons.