Mpanga Central Forest Reserve estimated to be about 100 years old, is home to over 500 tree species, 200 bird species, 181 species of butterfly, and an unknown variety of Mammals including the rare Bushbaby.
The Mpanga Central Forest Reserve is 453 hectares (1,120 acres) of equatorial Rain forest located in Mpigi district approximately 37 km (23 mi) from Kampala, along the Kampala – Masaka highway. The forest is a perfect weekend getaway destination for friends, families, and couples looking to escape the hassle and Bassel of Kampala city.
Things to see & do while at Mpanga Forest Reserve
- Forest walk. These are conducted by the Mpanga eco–tourism center which was established in 1999. The center also offers accommodation facilities.
- Walk trails are categorized into three – the 1km butterfly loop popular for seeing monkeys, and common forest birds, the family trail, and the hornbill trail. All the trails allow visitors to explore the diverse flora & fauna of the forest, including the magic plant.
- Night Walks can also be arranged for one to watch the bush babies which feed at night.
- Guided visits to Kiganda shrines located 1km from the eco-tourism center and the Nakibinge
- Hill climbing – The flat-topped hill situated south of the road offers attractive views over the forest and surrounding valleys
- Shopping: Several craft markets are available in the Mpambire trading area. Items sold here include; Drums, baskets, mats, and local stools.
Where to stay on your trip to Mpanga
While the eco-tourism site here offers very basic accommodation in twin, double or single rooms/banda, our best recommendation would be that you plan and bring your own camping gear. A fee of about $5 per person is charged. on camping.
Cost of accommodation at Mpanga
- Banda: $20 per night.
- Single room: $15 per night.
- Double/Twin: $10 per night.
- Camping with own tent & gear: $5 per night.
How to get to Mpanga Forest Reserve
Depending on where your travel starts, getting to Mpanga Central Forest Reserve in Mpigi district could last from 1 hour to a couple more hours as explained below:
From Entebbe, the journey to Mpanga Forest will take you about 90 minutes depending on the prevailing traffic condition at the time of travel. We recommend taking the new Entebbe – Kampala express route all the way to Kyengera, and then continuing west onto the Kampala – Masaka highway. The drive from Kyengera should take about 30 – 40 minutes. As you leave Mpigi, look out for the signage on the right-hand side (Mpanga Eco-Tourism Site) in the valley as you leave Mpigi. Turn left and follow the dirt road for another 800 Meters, and you will have arrived at Mpanga Forest Reserve.
From Kampala, the journey to Mpanga Forest is about 37km/23 mi and will take you about 60 minutes depending on the prevailing traffic condition at the time of travel. As you approach Mpigi, look out for the signage on the right-hand side (Mpanga Eco-Tourism Site) in the valley as you leave Mpigi. Turn left and follow the dirt road for another 800 Meters, and you will have arrived at Mpanga Forest Reserve.
From Jinja, getting to Mpanga might take about 2 hours depending on the prevailing traffic condition at the time of travel. we recommend using the Northern by-pass to get to Kyengera along the Kampala – Masaka highway. follow this route all the way to Mpigi district. Look out for the signage on the right-hand side (Mpanga Eco-Tourism Site) in the valley as you leave Mpigi. Turn left and follow the dirt road for another 800 Meters, and you will have arrived at Mpanga Forest Reserve.
When is the best time of the year to visit Mpanga Forest Reserve?
While Mpanga forest can be visited all year round, the best time to go would be during the drier season months of June – August, or December – February. However, persons that prefer a quieter time without crowds might consider going during the low season rainy (doesn’t really rain all day) months of April, May, and November.
What time of the day is best to visit Mpanga Forest Reserve?
For daytime visitors, the best time of the day to visit Mpanga would be in the mornings. The morning hours between 08:00 am – 10:00 am is an ideal time to experience the forest come to life. Temperatures during these hours are a lot cooler and ideal for Forest walks as opposed to the later afternoon hours when the temperature raise and can be discomforting for persons intending to go on a forest walk.
How much is Entry into Mpanga Forest Reserve?
- Foreign Non-residents pay $10
- Foreign Residents pay $8
- East Africans pay $5
*All the above prices cover Entry into Mpanga Central Forest Reserve and a guided nature Walk. within the forest.
*If you prefer a private Birdwatching specialized guide to escort you on this tour, then consider an EXTRA cost of about $15.
What to Pack or wear on your trip to Mpanga Forest Reserve
- Rain Jacket.
- Good hiking boots.
- Long pair of socks ( Ones where you can tuck your pants).
- Long lightweight pair of trousers. (Avoid Jean trousers as they can be uncomfortable to wear)
- Lightweight Long-sleeved shirt.
- A hat/cap.
- Insect repellent.
- Binoculars.
- A Camera (we recommend bringing a telephoto lens).
- Drinking water (at least 02 liters).
- Bring a snack (energy bites are recommended).
