Ihimba hot springs have tremendously attracted very many number of tourists regardless of their tribe, religion and nationality. In Rukungiri district in southwestern Uganda lies the ever boiling Ihimba hot springs approximately 364 km from Kampala, the capital of Uganda. The springs are clean but unpleasant pools on the side of the house, partially obscured by a eucalyptus forest.
Through the tropical rain forest – Ihimbo Central Forest Reserve, is where the trail leads to Ihimba hot springs is found. The area hosts different attractions including a variety of bird species, butterflies and different primates. Such primates include the red-tailed, black and white, and green-jet monkeys among others.
Facts about Ihamba Hot Springs in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Scientifically, hot springs occur when water sips into the earth which is heated by magma. The earth surface causes the water dries above the surface, which thus forms the hot springs.
The water from the hot springs is heated by gear thermal heat, as a result of temperature from the rocks within the earth, increasing in depth, forming what is known as a ‘gear thermal gradient’. When the water Pacolet deeply into the crakes it gets heated then comes into contact with the hot rocks and its then forced back up with much pressure to produce bubbles, so, such areas with hot springs area usually called non-volcanic areas.
Ihimba hot springs are well known by most of the residents surrounding the area including the Bafumbira, Bakiga, Banyankole, and Banyarwanda. They usually come for healing with the belief that there are secret gods who administer healing upon them. Pregnant women also come here with a belief that the gods will ease their delivery.
Many Bakiga of Kigezi and Rwandese, who suffer from rheumatism, backache and other ailments, use the healing properties of the Ihimba hot springs. The hot spring steam water gets out of the ground boiling at 630 Celsius.
Tourist visiting the Ihimba hot springs spare time and visit Sempaya hot springs in Semuliki National Park. There are also quite a number of other hot springs in the nearby Queen Elizabeth National Park, not for getting the magnificent Lake Bunyonyi.