Things to do in Mabira forest : Mabira forest is one of the largest dense rainforest forests in Uganda found in the District of Buikwe, between Jinja and Lugazi. The forest reserve is situated about 20 Kilometres away from Jinja and about 54 Kilometres from Kampala. Mabira forest covers an area of about 120 square miles and is home to about 311 tree species with the forest centre containing many ancient trees many of which are over 70 years old. The outer part of the forest consists of trees which are about 25 years old, a result of illegal logging and clearings from communities living outside the forest. Before Mabira forest became isolated in the late 1800’s, the forest is believed to have extended without any interruption all the way to Central Africa
Mabira Forest is biologically diverse and a sanctuary to several animals and birds. Mabira forest is also home to about 219 butterfly species, and about 316 bird species some of which include; Nahan’s Francolin and Papyrus Gonolek. 79 species of the birds in Mabira forest can only be found in Central Africa. Some of the animals found include; Blue duikers, fruit bats, baboons, Bush pigs, the Tree Hyrax, Red Tailed Monkeys, Squirrels, Bushbuck, Grey Cheeked Mangabey, Bush Babies, Leopards (very rare) and various species of snakes. Mabira forest is an important water catchment area serving many streams and other water bodies like River Nile, Lake Kyoga, River Ssezibwa and Lake Victoria. The Buganda people who are the dominant tribe around Mabira forest consider the forest to be of great cultural and historical significance that is the Buganda gods of food and rain are believed to live in Mabira forest. The forest has always provided medicine/herbs that are used to treat all kinds of ailment among the people living in the area and beyond.
Mabira became a protected forest reserve in Uganda in 1932. Before its protection, the forest was used to extract rubber while some parts were cleared to set up coffee plantations. As time went on and especially between 1971 and 1979, the forest resources were continually depleted due to poaching, logging and encroachment by neighbouring communities to thrill while on Uganda Safaris Tours. Deforestation, encroachment and the setting up of sugar and tea plantations led to the loss of over 50 percent of the forest cover. With the return to peace in 1985, farmers illegally occupying the forest were expelled and reforestation programs aggressively implemented by the government. Apart from the Uganda government, inter-governmental organizations and other Agencies did everything possible to restore the forest and develop Eco-tourism to benefit the communities living in the outskirts of the forest.
Mabira forest is one of the best destination for Eco-tourism and some tourist come to Uganda primarily to visit forests for its eco-diversity system. Mabira forest is also a perfect place to learn about how natural resources and threatened species can be protected. The forest reserve can be explored using an extensive trail by foot, motorcycle or bicycle. Below are some of the things visitors can do when they visit Mabira forest;
Birdwatching
Mabira Forest Reserve is home to over 315 species of birds with a possibility of spotting at least 46% of Uganda’s birds in the forest. Among the species to found include the Afep Pigeon, African Dwarf-kingfisher, African Pied Hornbill, African Shrike-flycatcher, Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, Black-shouldered Nightjar, Blue-throated Roller, Cassin’s Hawk-eagle, Cassin’s Spinetail, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Forest Woodhoopoe, Green-breasted Pitta, Grey Parrot, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Nathan’s Francolin, Sabine’s Spinetail, Speckled Tinkerbird, White-bellied Kingfisher, White-spotted Flufftail, Yellow-billed Barbet, Yellow-spotted Barbet and the Yellow-throated Tinkerbird.
Birdwatching in Mabira central forest is great because of the sheer density of birds. You don’t need to go too far into the forest to see the birds. The Grassland Trail is a favourite of birders. This trail passes through and area with several fruiting trees which attract many of the forest birds. Since, it is a well-marked trail, birders can go alone but a Guide will make the experience more memorable by helping identifying the species through their sounds.
Zip-lining (Forest Canopy)
Mabira forest has a canopy for Zip-line built to pass on top of the trees giving a clear view of the vast forest canopies. The equipment used is of international standards and was secured from the United States of America. A group of Volunteers from the Peace Corps helped put up the facility and then trained Ugandans on how to maintain it. Zip-lining is arranged in two sessions – Morning and afternoon. The morning session starts at 8am ending at mid-day while the afternoon session is from 1pm going up to 6pm. Accessing the forest canopy allows you to see many of the forest creatures including birds, monkeys and squirrels.
Nature Walks
Nature walks in Mabira allow visitors to enjoy the tranquillity and beautiful sounds of the forest You can go into the forest on your own but the best experience is when you are led by a Guide who is knowledgeable about the forest, ancient trees, butterflies, water bodies, plants, mammals and birds. The forest trails are divided into four – the Red trail (33km), Yellow Trail (12kms), (5km) and White Trail. It is possible to complete all the trails in one day by bike but most visitors choose one or two trails for a start. Mabira has over 312 species of trees that can be spotted while on the Nature walk. Among the tree species include Ugandanesis, Mililia Exclesa, Cordia Millenii and Warbughia.
Mountain Biking
Instead of walking through the complex trails, one can hire a mountain bike and complete all the trails in one day. Using a mountain bike will enable you to go beyond the forest and visit the surrounding communities. You will encounter primates, birds, giant trees and people along the way. The best bikes can be hired in Jinja but Griffin Falls camp also hires out bikes to its guests. The cost of renting a bike is about 40,000 Uganda shillings.
Tracking monkeys
The key attraction is the Uganda Mangabey Monkey – sometimes known as the Lophocebus Uganda. This primate is only found in Mabira forest, some parts of the country and in Tanzania. Sighting them depends entirely on the season of the year and availability of fruits. They tend to move a lot in search of fruits especially during periods of scarcity. Three groups have been habituated and open to tourism. Tracking the Uganda Mangabey Monkey is led by an experienced Guide who took part of the habituation stages. Apart from the Uganda Mangabey Monkeys, you can also sight the red-tailed and Vervet Monkeys.
Other activities: Apart from primates viewing, nature walks, zip-lining and birding, visitors to Mabira Central forest reserve can choose to go for butterfly identification, visiting the Environmental Research centres or camping/picnics. The picnic grounds are well organized with food and access to the forest creatures like primates and birds. There is even a picnic trail which starts from the picnic site taking between 15 and 20 minutes through various forest streams and ancient trees. The hotels arrange for cultural dances and other forms of entertainment by the local people. You can also buy local art works as souvenirs if you are interested.
How to access Mabira forest.
The distance from Kampala city to the forest is about 56km. If there is no traffic, it takes about an hour to reach the forest. With traffic, the journey can take up to two hours. Those coming from Jinja can board a taxi heading to Lugazi and stop at the famous Najjembe market. The centre of the forest is around this market.
Mabira Central forest is open to visitors throughout the year. However, some activities are more suitable during certain periods of the year. Camping and picnics are better between in the dry season (December and February). Camping during the rainy season is possible but the weather can be very unpredictable. Regardless of which activity you plan on doing, endeavour to come prepared. A packing list for Mabira forest would include things like a camera, raincoat, a hut, hiking boots, binocular and insect repellents.