Location: Mukono District
Size: 300 km²
Distance from city centre: 55km from Kampala & 20km from Jinja
Entrance: Ush10,000(Non- E.A Residents), Ush5,000 (E.A Residents )
Forest walk fees: US$15 (Non-residents), US$10 (East Africa Residents)
Telephone: NFA Kampala office: 0414 230365/ Bird guide 0712 920515
Situated 55km from Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, Mabira Forest Reserve is reputed to be most convenient places to some of Uganda’s countless birds. The reserve 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 this attractive forest.
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.
Must See birds include; Blue turraco, forest hornbill, African grey parrot, wood-hoopoe, Weyn’s weaver, purple-throated cuckoo-shrike and many other.
Activities:
Birding
Forest walks
Mountain biking
Family picnics can also be held here.
Camping also permitted
Accommodation:
Rainforest Lodge Mabira. This attractive lodge features well-appointed rooms and a fine restaurant. Tel: +256 (0) 414 258273.
Little Kingston-Da-Global Village – Tel: +256 (0) 751 949368
Griffin Falls Campsite – Tel: +256 (0) 751 949368
Mabira Forest Tourism Project – Tel: +256 (0) 414 230365
Getting There:
The site is readily accessed by public transport. From Kampala take a minibus-taxi from the old Kampala taxi park heading towards Jinja and get off at Najjembe market. The journey takes approximately 1hour and costs Ush5,000.
When traveling from Jinja, take a minibus-taxi heading towards Lugazi or Kampala, get off at Najjembe market, the forest center is on the road to your right.