Are you looking for a place where you can relax, yet not far away from Kampala? Then take a trip to Mabira Forest and you will be provided with the best relaxation that nature can offer you. This is where you will get an intimate touch with one of the ancient African rain forests in Uganda. The moment you approach this Forest, you will feel the difference between the air around the Forest and where you have been. You will just feel like being at this relaxing place forever.
What to See and Do in Mabira Forest
Nature walks /Forest hikes
This Forest is a home to 23 mammal species that include the grey-cheeked Mangabey monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Bush pigs, occasional leopards, Blue duikers, 97 moth species, about 218 butterfly species and over 300 species of trees including the Warbhugia Ugandanesis (medicinal tree species that treat over forty ailments and Prunus Africana that is believed to treat Prostate cancer and boosting immunity, to mention but a few. This makes it a perfect place for nature walks (on 68 kilometers of well developed trails) and ideal for family trips because children can also engage in this activity while at Mabira forest.
Uganda Mangabey Monkey Tracking
These are unique monkey species native to this Forest and other few other places in Uganda. Uganda Mangabey Monkey tracking is such a unique activity that leads you to one of the three habituated groups found within this forest.
Bird watching
There are more than 315 bird species, mostly the forest birds that call this forest home, and there are some bird species that are only found in this Forest. During bird watching or nature walks, the tour guide will be able to identify some of those bird species only found in Mabira Forest. Commonly sighted bird species in Mabira Forest include the Sabine’s Spinetail, Jameson’s wattle eyes, Speckled Tinkerbird, Yellow-billed Barbet, African Pied Hornbill, Purple-throated cuckoo shrikes, Afep Pigeon, grey longbills, Blue headed Crested Monarc, Green-breasted Pitta, Hairy-breasted Barbet, White-spotted Flufftail, Grey Parrot, Black bellied Seed Cracker, Yellow-throated Tinkerbird, Black-shouldered Nightjar, Yellow longbills, Black- casqued Hornbill, Nahan’s Francolin, White-bellied Kingfisher, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Forest Wood hoopoe, African Dwarf-kingfisher, Cassin’s Spinetail, Blue-throated Roller, Red Headed Blue Bill, African Shrike-flycatcher, white-casqued Hornbill and Yellow-spotted Barbet among others.
Also, Butterfly identification is another must do activity in Mabira forest because over 218 species of butterflies call this Forest Home.
The breathtaking forest canopy (the skyway zip lining)
This adrenaline filled activity should be the top on the list of activities to engage in while at Mabira Forest, and is conducted for about 4 hours with the guidance of professional/qualified sky guides. This 250 meter Zip-line located on Griffin Falls allows you to watch the tree tops including the canopies, several monkeys (Grey-cheeked Mangabeys and Red-tailed Monkeys), the spectacular Rapids and bird species. This adrenaline activity is not for the faint hearted.
Mountain biking
This activity can not miss on the list, and involves going through well defined trails through then forest and though the communities that surround the forest. The bikes can be hired from the Griffin Falls Camp (located at the National Forestry Authority Camp outside the Forest). This invigorating activity allows tourists to sight different monkeys, bird species, eye-catching tree and plant species and butterfly species of interest.
Camping and Picnics are also conducted within Mabira Forest.
You can choose to go for camping or picnics with your friends or family members and trust me, no place beats the experience you will get here.
Where to stay at Mabira Forest
Some of the comfortable Accommodation facilities that exist within Mabira Forest include Mabira Forest Lodge and several campsites for tourists interested in Camping.
How to Access Mabira Forest
This magnificent rainforest is located in Mukono district, about 54 kilometers from Kampala Town and 26 kilometers from Jinja Town. It is on the Kampala-Jinja highway and about 1 hour’s drive from Kampala.
In conclusion, Mabira Forest is an unexplored hidden treasure with and activities including the Skyway zip lining, nature walks, camping and picnic, bird watching, the Uganda Mangabey Monkey tracking and mountain biking among others. With these interesting activities in this Forest, you should have no excuse of being bored yet you have Mabira Forest near you.