Mabira forest is one of the tropical rain forests that cover an area of approximately 300 square kilometres. It is situated in south eastern region of Uganda in Buikwe district in between Lugazi-Jinja road from Kampala capital city. It is one of the natural forest that has been protected by the government of Uganda and the all the natives of the country and it is one of the oldest that was gazetted in 1932. Mabira forest has been several times been threatened by several attempts by the government to be sold off to the Indian investors but the people of Uganda have fought so harder to resist so as they can retain their natural forest, however despite the struggle of the citizens of Uganda to protect the natural forest, the forest has been encroached on by the Indian investors in some of its edges to thrill while on Uganda Safaris Tours .
Mabira forest national reserve is a natural environment that is home to various wildlife species where majority of it is rare and endangered but contribute great to tourism attractions in Uganda. It is a habitat to over 200 natural wood tree species, home to the rare primate mammals, birds, it is a home open patch of savannah grassland, papyrus swamps, the beautiful waterfall, as well as the gently falling streams.
Highlights of activities in Mabira forest
Mabira forest is a great destination for adventure activities that are organized in the forest such as zip-ling where the legs and body is tied with the head facing down, hiking; nature walks through the forest, bird watching experience, camping among others.
Mabira forest is one of the best destinations that can be visited by visitors on an excursion since it is too close to the Kampala city. Travelers on a short safari to Mabira forest will have an opportunity to explore the forest beauty as well as various wildlife species as such as the red tailed monkeys, the blue duiker, the bush pigs, the grey checked mangabey, leopards although rare to be spotted among others.
The forest is home to over 300 bird species that can be spotted while on a nature walk in the forest that is why the Mabira forest is considered and ranked as one of the best destinations for bird watching experience to travellers who are bird lovers. Bird species expected to see include the forest wood hoopoe, little green bull, francolins African dwarf kingfisher, white-billed kingfisher, blue throatened roller, pigeons, African pied hornbill among others.
What to do in Mabira forest?
Zip-lining in Mabira forest – this is one of the major reason the forest is frequently visited and the activity is extremely interesting and adventurous in nature. It involves tying your legs and body with head facing up while you’re supported with various tree species as you swing in the air. Zip-lining will offer you an opportunity to view various wildlife spices in the forest that cannot be seen on a nature walk, such as the birds, the rare primate species and it is best done at griffin falls in the forest such as the grey checked mangabey, red tailed monkeys, among others.
Mountain biking – the biking experience will give you an opportunity to explore the griffin falls, the nearby communities, as well as the gently sparkling streams in the deep forest and travelers can still explore Mabira forest creature while on the mountain bike safari.
Birding
Mabira Forest Reserve is home to over 315 species of birds. It is therefore possible to spot 46% of Uganda’s birds in Mabira. 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 favorite 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.
How to get to Mabira forest?
Mabira forest is located in the south eastern part of Uganda and it is close to Kampala city, it can be accessed by road transport using a 4×4 safari vehicle it is about 2 hours’ drive from Kampala city if there is no traffic jam. For travellers who would like to explore Mabira forest, please contact adventure the wild safaris for great your experts in organizing Uganda safari excursions. Please contact us for more information about exploring Mabira forest.
Accommodation in Mabira Forest
There is no shortage of accommodation facilities in Mabira Central Forest Reserve. Most of them are built to allow visitors experience the beautiful scenery in the forest.
Griffin Falls Camp (Mabira Forest Camp)
Griffin Falls Camp is built at the edge of the trail leading to the the Griffins Falls. The camp is just 10 kilometres away from the Kampala Jinja highway and is owned by the Mabira Forest Integrated Community Organization. Griffin Falls Camp is perfect for enjoying all that the beautiful forest has to offer. The camp offers good campsites with evening campfire and BBQ over the weekend. The staff at Griffins Falls Camp are very friendly and professional. Booking with this facility ensures that part of your money is used to finance projects within the communities living around Mabira Central Forest Reserve. While with the camp, you can learn about their projects with the community such as train people on tree planting, sanitation, education and HIV/AIDS.
Mabira Rainforest Lodge
Mabira Forest Lodge was opened in 2007 with 24 beds. It is built close to the Ecotourism Centre and is arguably the best lodge in Mabira. It is run by Geo Lodges Uganda. Everything here is so amazing. The 15 Luxury cottages are spacious and built to take advantage of the beautiful scenery. There are 5 twin rooms and 7 double rooms. All rooms are self-contained with verandas overlooking the magnificent forest. The lodge is a favourite for those who wish to spend the weekend in a quiet and serene environment but with great comfort. The lodge has a huge restaurant and two swimming pools – one for residents and other for day visitors. The restaurant has a professional Chef who prepares both local and continental meals. Those who wish to go for massage and Sauna only need to ask. The Lodge also arranges for nature walks and bird watching for residents.
Accommodation at the Mabira Forest Ecotourism Centre
The centre provides three bandas (thatched rooms) which offer privacy and comfort to visitors at an affordable rate. There is one Banda for a family of six and two with double beds. Each of the bandas have bathing facilities, toilets and a balcony. All the Bandas are built in forest shades with great views of the forest. Apart from the Bandas, the lodge has set up a campsite that can accommodate up to 12 tents. The site is set in a forest glade with its own bathing and latrine facilities. In case the rains are too heavy, an additional camp shelter has been established close to the campsite. Choosing to stay in the facilities at the Visitors information centre comes with extra benefits. You can acquire local crafts and items like tourist maps, birding books, post cards and T-Shirts about Mabira forest.
Things to know about Mabira forest
As already noted earlier, 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