Mabira Forest is one of the last remaining rain forests and biggest in Central Uganda, the Forest is a rain forest area in Uganda, located in Buikwe District, between Lugazi and Jinja. Covering a total area of 306 sq.km. It is protected as Mabira Forest Reserve since 1932. It has an enormous biodiversity comprising 315 bird species, 312 tree species, 218 species of butterflies, 97 species of moths, 40 species of small mammals including the red – tailed monkeys, vervets, grey-cheeked Mangabeys and many nocturnal animals. A substantial Ecotourism development has taken place in this Forest since 1996 as a means of conserving the vulnerable ecosystem and a community ecotourism site has been developed.
Mabira Rain forest is just a short distance from Kampala and equally so from Jinja. it is the perfect place to get in touch with nature in an African Rain forest in Central Uganda. At times, you come across patches of grasslands, and in the valleys of Mabira Rain forest 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 rain forest. When it comes to birding, Mabira 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 rain forest of Mabira can all be explored only at one destination. You can also add activities like, camping, picnic trail, grass trail among others.
Come and enjoy the tranquility of the ancient forest which turns to be perfect place for an invigorating nature walk, or mountain bike over the trails in the forest and beyond. This is a prime destination for birders and outdoor enthusiasts. You can easily spend a half day here or even a full day, breaking for lunch at the lovely Mabira rain forest Lodge or at a lower price at Griffin Camp. Check for more activities and services at Terrain Safaris we are here to take you to your desired destination. Send us an email: info@terrain-safaris.com in case you want to book you trip/safaris.
Mabira Forest is home to bush-pigs, blue duikers, red tailed monkeys, grey cheeked Mangabeys (a smaller species of Mangabeys has been discovered here). There is also the occasional leopard you will most likely not see in the forest. When it comes to birding these are some of the bird species found one will encounter in the forest 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 Spinetail, 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-throated Tinkerbird, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Yellow-billed Barbet, Green-breasted Pitta, African Shrike-flycatcher to name a few. Mabira forest can be visited throughout the year.
As you making your way back to Mabira rain forest lodge, you guide will stop at a short tree in case you having love problems, there is tree known as Makaranga (mweganza in Luganda) is a love tree. “All you have to do is, break a piece and keep chewing on it as you call out the name of your love.” however, one should not take it if you are not serious because its effects are irreversible. Mabira rain forest cannot be explained in just words! take a trip that soothes the mind.
