Mabira Forest Tourism Center: Mabira forest is the largest tropical rain forest in Uganda found in Buikwe district between Jinja and Lugazi along the main Kampala Jinja highway. The forest is situated 54 kilo meters from Kampala the capital city of Uganda and 26 kilo meters away from Jinja city the best tourism destination in Uganda. Mabira forest has been protected by Mabira forest reserve since 1932 but before its protection the forest was used to extract rubber. Mabira covers an area of 300 square kilo meters however 50% of the forest has been reduced due to the impact of sugar and tea plantation, encroachment by neighbors and deforestation. The forest is a home of a large amount of flora and fauna, it harbors ancient tree species of over 80 years old, it harbors over 200 butterfly species, 97 Moth species, 25 mammal species and over 350 bird species.

Attractions In Mabira Forest

Primates and mammals

Mabira forest shelters over 25 mammals species and these include; red tailed monkeys, bush pigs, grey checked mangabees, blue duikers, baboons, tree hyrax, bush buck, leopards (rare) and other snake species.

Birds

Over 315 bird species are spotted in Mabira forest making it a fantastic place for birding, some of the birds spotted in Mabira include; Jameson’s Wattle Eyes, Purple – Throated Cuckoo Shrikes, Yellow And Grey Long Bills, African Pied Hornbill, Grey Parrot, Green Breasted Pitta, White-Bellied Kingfisher, White-Spotted Flufftail, Yellow-Spotted Barbet, Forest Woodhoopoe, Blue Spotted Roller, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Afep Pigeon, Yellow Throated Tinkerbird to mention but a few.

Butterflies

The other exciting attraction in mabira forest are the butterflies. The forest is a home of over 218   butterfly species in different beautiful and attractive colors.

Griffin falls camp

Griffin falls camp also known as Mabira forest camp is situated on the edge of the vast trail system in mabira forest. These beautiful falls are located 10 kms off Kampala Jinja Highway, they are breath taking with an amazing experience in the forest. The most satisfying news is that the money paid to experience these falls is put in to sustainable development projects in the villages in and around Mabira forest.

Activities In Mabira Forest

Bird watching

Bird watching is a great activity in Mabira forest with over 315 bird species and some of these include; Jameson’s Wattle Eyes, Purple – Throated Cuckoo Shrikes, Yellow And Grey Long Bills, African Pied Hornbill, Grey Parrot, Green Breasted Pitta, White-Bellied Kingfisher, White-Spotted Flufftail, Yellow-Spotted Barbet, Forest Woodhoopoe, Blue Spotted Roller, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Afep Pigeon, Yellow Throated Tinkerbird to mention but a few. Birds are mostly spotted on the grassland trails of the forest and Griffin falls.

Mountain biking

One should not miss a chance of interacting in this recreation activity. The riders are accompanied by experienced guides through different forest trails as you enjoy wildlife in the forest, birds, butterflies, flora and fauna.

Butterfly tracking

Mabira forest is gifted with flowers the attract butterflies hence being a home of over 218 butterfly species and 97 moths. You will follow different trails in the forest that lead you to flowering plants with the help of guide.

Zip lining – canopy super sky way

This activity is one of its kind in Uganda, it’s a canopy zipline system that sends you soaring between the tallest trees in the rainforest. During this activity, you are led to pass through ancient trees by experienced sky guides across a network of 5 lines that stretches 250 meters across River Musanya which takes a maximum of 4 hours, using strict International safety standards with imported climbing gears and art high ropes from America. You will later on pass by the beautiful griffin falls as you hike back from the sky way to the camp. This is an interest and satisfying adventure.

Guided nature walks

This activity is a must do in the forest and has no age limit or age difference. Nature walk in Mabira can be done at anytime of the day whether morning of evening hours with an experience guide. During this walk you get an opportunity of seeing different bird species, butterfly species, mammals and plants.

Mangabey trekking

The forest is gifted with a rare and unique primate specie known as the grey-cheeked Mangabey. Mabira forest is the only destination in Uganda that offers Magabey trekking with three habituated grey-cheeked Mangabey families hence having a million reasons to visit the forest and enjoy the safari.

How To Access Mabira Forest

The forest is accessed by road, it takes 54 kilo meters from Kampala the capital city of Uganda and 26 kilo meters away from Jinja city the best tourism destination in Uganda.  Therefor you drive through Kampala Jinja higway for 1 hour.

Best Time To Visit Mabira Forest

Mabira forest can be visited at anytime of the year though it is advisable to visit in the dry season of June to September and December to February. In the dry season the trails are not slippery making nature walk and other activities easy and fun. However, visitors who wish to do mangabey trekking and bird watching can visit in the wet season since the forest is full of fruits and these birds and grey-cheeked mangabey are always near to search for food/fruits hence easy to be seen.

Accommodation In Mabira Forest

Rain forest lodge

The Rain forest lodge ‘’where comfort and nature co-exist’’ is a luxury lodge set within Mabira forest surrounded by natures beauty. The lodge is blessed with twelve individual cabins, each with ensuite facilities and an individual forest viewing deck with enough peace and privacy. Its restaurant is favorable for residents and day visits serving international cuisine in a rare atmosphere with a swimming pool and massage available. It also welcomes people with conferences, seminar, ultimate team building and those that just want to relax.

Griffin Falls Camp (Mabira Forest Camp)

Griffin falls camp also known as Mabira forest camp is situated on the edge of the vast trail system in mabira forest. These beautiful falls are located 10 kms off Kampala Jinja Highway, they are breath taking with an amazing experience in the forest. Griffin falls camp has a variety of accommodation options with peace surrounded by the forest songs.