Top things to do and see in Mabira forest …
Top Things to Do and See in Mabira Forest are Nature Walks, Birding Walks, Relaxation, Guided Hikes in central Uganda’s only Rainforest at Kampala’s Doorstep, just a 45 minute drive – the same from Jinja and you are there enjoying the tranquility of the ancient forest, that one could also called “the endangered forest,” invaded by illegal loggers, threatened in the past by a give-away to a sugar company to plant sugar cane – the grand old dame has survived and is a prime destination for birders and outdoor enthusiasts.
Mabira Rainforest is just a short distance from Kampala – approximatley 54Km and rounad about 26km from Jinja – Uganda’s Adventure Capital. it is the perfect place to get in touch with nature in an African Rainforest in Central Uganda. Mabira
Mabira Rainforest is the perfect place for an invigorating nature walk, or mountain bike over the trails in the forest and beyond, for birders you can easily spend a half day here or even a full day, breaking for lunch at the lovely Mabira Rainforest Lodge or at a lower price at Griffin Camp.
Mabira Rainforest has 200 kinds of species of trees. At times you come across patches of grasslands, and in the valleys of Mabira Rainforest you will come across various papyrus swamps, there are streams and a peaceful waterfall.
Mabira Forest’s accessibility from Kampala make it the perfect place for a day in an African Rainforest. When it comes to birding, this small forest is home to more than 300 species of mostly forest birds. With an extensive network of trails Mabira Forest can easily be explored, especially accompanied by a guide who knows the forest, the mammals, the birds, plants and trees and even the butterflies, medicinal plants that are found here in the rainforest of Mabira.
Mabira Forest is home to bush-pigs, blue duikers, red tailed monkeys, grey cheeked mangabees ( a smaller species of mangabees has been discovered here). There is also the occasional leopard you will most likely not see here.
When it comes to birding here,there are 315 Bird Species found here such as the Nahan’s Francolin, Cassin’s Hawk-eagle, White-spotted Flufftail, Afep Pigeon, Grey Parrot, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Black-shouldered Nightjar, Sabine’s Spine tail, Cassin’s Spinetail, Blue-throated Roller, African Dwarf-kingfisher, White-bellied Kingfisher, Forest Woodhoopoe, African Pied Hornbill, Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, Speckled Tinkerbird, Yellow- Fronted Tinker bird, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Yellow-billed Barbet, Green-breasted Pitta, African Shrike-flycatcher to name a few.
TOP THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN MABIRA FOREST …
Forest Canopy – Super Skyway Zip-lining:
This is the only Zip-Line above the tree-tops in East Africa and you can do so in Mabira Forest at a most reasonable Price.
Adrenaline pumping adventures in the tranquil Mabira Rainforest. The equipment meets all safety standard and was brought in from the USA by a Peace Corps Volunteer who put the program together and trained Ugandans in safety as visitors zip-line above the tree-tops in the Rainforest.
The activity can be done from 8 am to noon and from 1 pm to 6pm.
Uganda Mangabey Monkey Trekking:
The Uganda Mangabey Monkey a rare species of monkeys only found in Mabira Rainforest and in a few other locations in the country as well in a small area of bordering Tanzania.
There are 3 habituated groups inside of the Park and they can easily be tracked with guides who were a part of the habituation Process.
You will see other monkeys here like the red-tailed monkeys, birds, butterflies, flowering plants, and ancient trees that have been here for centuries.
Guided Forest Nature Walks:
You can go on Nature Walks without guides here, however for the best experience in the forest we recommend that you use the resident guides that can give you the best forest experience.
Forest walks for any fitness level can be done here including children on a family safari with us, from a long and adventurous trek into the back country to a gentle meandering stroll through our well maintained trails.
It’s difficult not to run into one of the 3 species of monkeys native to the forest .
You will also see many birds and butterflies along with giant, ancient trees.
Forest Cycling Tours:
The mostly well-maintained trails are also a great place for mountain bikers to blazed through the Forest. One can even venture beyond the forest into the communities.
Mountain Bikes can be rented at Griffin Falls camp, outside of the forest at a National Forestry Department facility.
We can also arrange for you a well-maintained mountain bike for you to traverse the forest for the day, enjoying the monkeys, birds, trees and plants that you will find along your way.
