The Mabira Forest

The Mabira Forest is one of Uganda’s surviving rainforests situated in Buikwe district along Jinaj Highway about 54kms from Kampala City and 26kms from Jinja. It has been protected as Mabira Forest Reserve since 1932 covering an area of 3006 sq/km. This stunning forest was divided into 180 compartments with Griffin Falls Camp being established on the Kanongola compartment. Other compartments in the jungle include Namusa, Wanenede, Namaganda, Zintegese, Nandage, Wakima.

Home of many endangered species like the primate Lophocebus Uganda including; 312 species of trees, 315 species of Birds, 218 Butterfly Species, 97 Moth Species, 23 Small Mammal Species.

Besides the tall trees, this ravishing forest also has some patches of grassland, various papyrus swamps, simple beautiful streams and a quiet waterfall called Griffin Falls all these display a beautiful scenery and can be visited throughout the year.

ACTIVITIES

Mabira has numerous adventure and bummer activities to offer to visitors who are interested in exploring this thick magnificent natural habitat.

Forest Walks

Mabira offers one of the best forest walks experience in Uganda, with over 68 km of well-developed trail length as you explore the area. During the walk, you might get an opportunity to see various animals such as bush-pigs, blue duikers, red-tailed monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys and many others including the occasional leopard, although this is very rare. You will also see some birds, tree species and the forest’ general natural outlook. Take some photos of memories of the wonderful forest experience.

Visit the Griffin Falls

A visit to these falls which a British surveyor named after himself originates from R. Musamya is breathtaking. Situated just in the middle of Mabira Forest is the ballistic griffin falls. The alluring river flows from Buikwe district west of the forest to the Eastern part of the forest to Lake Kyoga rambling through the quiet forest. The area near these falls has a cool breeze and attracts birds.

BIRD WATCHING

Uganda boasts about this forest as one of those with a big number of forest bird species. Over 300 forest bird species, this is a good number for bird watching tourists who have a chance to at least spot their favorite bird on the list. The activity can be done in the morning, the whole day or in the evening depending on the birder’s preference. some of the birds you will see include: Blue-throated Roller, African Dwarf-kingfisher, White-bellied Kingfisher, Forest Woodhoopoe, African Pied Hornbill, Jameson’s and Chestnut Wattle-eyes, the Forest Robin, Fire-crested Alethe, Red-capped Robin-Chat, the Speckle-breasted, Yellow-crested, Brown-eared, Grey and the Buff-spotted Woodpeckers, Cassin’s Honeyguide, Red-tailed Bristlebil, Little Greenbul, Honeyguide Greenbul, Sooty Boubou, Grey-green Bush-shrike, 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, and so many more.

ZIPLINING

This is one of the adventure activities done in Mabira forest, Canopy Super Skyway is a canopy “zip-line” system that sends you soaring on a rope between the tallest trees in the rainforest 18m above next to Mabira Forest Camp. The Rope’s restricted carrying capacity according to International standards is 250 kg for safety. Ziplining gives you a bird’s eye view and you will be able to see the animals, birds and the Griffin Falls on River Musamya. It gives you a unique perspective of Mabira Forest.

CAMPING

For those who are interested in forest camping activity, Mabira forest is here for you to offer the best unforgettable experience. Campers can enjoy the bonfire as they sip on some drinks and feast foods like bbq meat. Griffin Falls Camp offers some of the best camping services in Mabira.

ACCOMMODATION

Mabira boosts 3 Bandas which can accommodate a maximum of 10 Guests at the Eco-Tourism Site near Najjembe Trading Centre. The Bandas are self – catering although some light meals can be prepared for you by the Housekeeper. There is also a Camping Ground near the Site for do-it-yourself caravans at a modest fee. Mabira Forest Lodge, a modern eco – friendly facility by the Alam Group of Companies is nearing completion.