Between Jinja and Lugazi, in the District of Buikwe, is the dense rainforest known as Mabira Forest. There are around 120 square miles of it. The forest reserve is located 54 km from Kampala and 20 km from Jinja. About 311 different types of trees can be found in Mabira, and the forest center is home to many ancient trees, many of which are older than 70 years. Due to unlawful logging and clearing by populations who live outside the forest.
Mabira was designated as a protected forest reserve in 1932. Before it was protected, parts of the forest were removed to make way for coffee plantations, while others were utilized to extract rubber. Due to logging, poaching, and encroachment by nearby populations, forest resources were steadily reduced in the 1970s. Over 50% of the forest cover was lost due to deforestation, encroachment, and the establishment of sugar and tea plantations.
Reforestation projects were implemented by the government, and other intergovernmental organizations did everything they could to restore the forest and foster ecotourism for the benefit of the populations residing on its periphery. Farmers who had unlawfully occupied the forest were driven out.
More than 200 different butterfly species, 315 different bird species, and 97 different moth species can be found in the Mabira forest. The Papyrus Gonolek and Nahan’s Francolin are two examples of bird species. Blue duikers, fruit bats, baboons, bush pigs, tree hyrax, red-tailed monkeys, squirrels, and bushbuck are other animals found in the forest. Perhaps the Baganda regard the forest as of enormous cultural and historical significance since it has always given people in the area and beyond medicine and herbs that are used to treat all types of illnesses.
Mabira Forest: What You Didn’t Know
About 56 kilometers separate Kampala city from the forest. It takes roughly an hour to go to the forest when there is no traffic. The trip could take up to two hours in heavy traffic and a taxi that is traveling to Lugazi from Jinja can stop at the well-known Najjembe market for passengers to buy some foodstuff. This market is located near the forest’s heart.
In order to explore the natural beauty of the forest and participate in some of the activities offered there, it is convenient to visit the forest on the combined 2-days trip to jinja.
The Mabira Central woodland is accessible to tourists all year round. Some hobbies, nevertheless, are better suited to specific times of the year. In the dry season of December to February and extending to June and September, camping and picnics are more enjoyable. Camping during the rainy season is feasible, but the weather can be highly unpredictable.
No matter what you plan to do, make an effort to be prepared. Things like a camera, raincoat, shelter, hiking boots, binoculars, and bug repellents would be on a list of things to pack for Mabira forest.
Things to do at Mabira forest
Nature Walks
Visitors can make use of Mabira’s nature trails to take in the peace and lovely sounds of the forest. You can enter the forest on your own, but being accompanied by a guide who is knowledgeable about the forest’s old trees, butterflies, water features, flora, mammals, and birds will give you the finest experience. Four routes make up the forest and it is possible to cycle all the trails in one day, most tourists start with one or two of them. Over 312 different tree species can be seen at Mabira when doing a nature walk.
Eco-tourists frequently travel to Mabira Forest. The majority of tourists that travel to Uganda primarily to view woods stay in the Mabira forest. Nature walks, bird watching, wildlife observation, cultural interactions or plain relaxation, camping, and picnics are the main draws in the forest. Mabira Forest is a great site to learn about protecting endangered animals and natural resources. The forest reserve has a sizable path system that may be traveled on foot, by motorcycle, or by bicycle.
Mountain Biking: One can rent a mountain bike and accomplish the challenging terrain in a single day rather than having to navigate them on foot. You may explore the nearby settlements and venture outside the forest by using a mountain bike. Along the route, you’ll run with primates, birds, enormous trees, and people. There are some locations, including Griffin Falls Camp, where you can rent bikes.
Bird watching: For bird watchers, the Grassland Trail is a top destination regarding that high population that makes the center woodland of Mabira an excellent place for bird watching. Some of the species discovered 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 Spine tail, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Green-breasted Pitta, Grey Parrot,
Zip-lining: The only zip line in East Africa is located in Mabira Forest. It is designed to travel above the trees, providing a clear perspective of the enormous forest canopies. The machinery is of the highest caliber and was obtained from the United States of America. The Peace Corps Volunteers who assisted in building the facility later taught Ugandans how to maintain it. There are two sessions available for zip lining. Many forest animals, such as birds, monkeys, and squirrels, can be seen if you have access to the forest canopy, including these animals.
Accommodation in Mabira Forest
There are many lodging options at Mabira Forest Reserve and the majority of them were constructed so that guests could enjoy the stunning nature of the forest scenery some of them include the following;
The three thatched bandas that are offered by Mabira Forest Ecotourism Centre, offer tourists solitude and comfort at a reasonable price. There are two Bandas with double beds and one for a family of six, each has a balcony, restrooms, and a place to take a bath. They also have a beautiful view of the forest and are constructed in the shade of a tree.
In addition to the Bandas, the center established a campsite with enough for up to 12 tents. The location is in a glade of woodland and has its own amenities. A second camp shelter has been built next to the campsite in case the rain is too intense. There are additional advantages to choosing to stay in the visitor center’s accommodations where you can buy regional handicrafts and souvenirs.
Villa Anona guest house.
Within a 5-minute drive of Lugazi Central Market, Villa Anona Guest House is situated in the Lugazi area. The guest house contains 11 air-conditioned guestrooms that are connected with free wireless Internet access, their private bathrooms have showers designed with rain showerheads. A Golf course is available for practice, and there are also outdoor swimming pools and a 24-hour fitness facility, Take a drink at the bar lounge to cap off your day with free continental breakfast and a restaurant for lunch or dinner to sate your appetite.
Griffin Falls Camp: Griffin Falls Camp is situated at the beginning of the trail that leads to the falls. The camp is operated by the Mabira Forest Integrated Community Organization and is only 10 kilometers from the Kampala-Jinja route. The ideal place to take advantage of everything the lovely woodland has to offer is Griffin Falls Camp. Over the weekend, the camp provides nice campsites with evening campfires and BBQ. By making a reservation with this facility, you can be certain that a portion of your money will be used to support initiatives in the neighborhoods surrounding Mabira Central Forest Reserve.
Mabira Rainforest Lodge: Mabira rainforest lodge opened its doors with 24 beds that are built near the Ecotourism Center, and it is undoubtedly Mabira’s greatest lodge. The 15 Luxury villas are roomy and designed to maximize the picturesque surroundings. 5 twin rooms and 7 double rooms are available. All of the apartments have private balconies that look out onto the gorgeous forest. The lodge is a go-to destination for people who want to spend the weekend in a peaceful setting with plenty of luxury amenities. Everything around here is incredible with a sizable restaurant that provides delicious meals.
