Description:

‘Mabira’ is a Luganda word literally meaning ‘large forest’.  Mabira Forest Reserve is situated just 55km from Kampala, Uganda’s capital. The reserve is reputed to be most convenient places to view some of Uganda’s countless birds.

Mabira Forest is a crucial national water tower and green lung for the capital Kampala and its growing metropolitan area. The 306 Square –kilometre forest reserve has survived several attempts by the Kakira Sugar Company and President Museveni to replace part of the forest with sugarcane.

The forest was Gazzetted in 1932 and is home of over 315 bird species, more than 312 species of trees and shrubs and over 30 species of mammals recorded (including Grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys). 

Over 200 species of butterflies & moth have been registered in the attractive Mabira forest reserve. (Photo: ©Flickr/Tom Tarrant)

Mabira Forest has 10 well-established trails that offer access to the forest and birdlife. It is a great place for general forest walks (guide & un-guided) and birding experience.

Mabira is one of the two places in East Africa where the rare & pretty Tit Hylia can be seen. The forest also houses bigger animals like leopards which are seen on rare occasions.

Mabira Forest Reserve Bird checklist

The following bird species have been recorded in the forest reserve; Blue Turraco, forest hornbill, African grey parrot, wood-hoopoe, Weyn’s weaver, purple-throated cuckoo-shrike

Things to do/Actvities:

• Birding
• Forest walks
• Cycling
• Family picnics can also be held here.
• Camping is also permitted

Getting There

Minibus -Taxi – The journey to Mabira Forest Reserve costs Ush7,000 and takes 60 minutes. From Kampala, jump on a minibus travelling between Kampala and Jinja and get off at Najjemba. From Jinja, the reserve is just 20km west of Jinja town.

Tourist office

The visitor centre is a short walk from Najjemba. Mabira is operated by National Forestry Authority (NFA)  - the body responsible for national forest reserves in Uganda and its main offices are situated at 10/20 Spring Road, 2 kilometres outside the Kampala. (tel. +256 (0)414 230365. info@nfa.org.ug)

Accomodation:

Stay at The RainForest Lodge (RFL) operated by Geolodges Uganda (tel. +256 (0)414 258273, reservations@geolodgesafrica.com , room from US$220) and Mabira Forest Tourism Project (tel. +256 (0)414 230365/6, info@nfa.org.ug , room from US$2.

For further information on guided tours and accommodation, contact Pearl of Africa Tours & Travel on tel. +256 (0)414 340533, +256 (0)312 260559 or Skype: pearl.of.africa.tour
Web: www.pearlofafricatours.com

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